" Finally, I want to apologize to my students. I should be putting every ounce of my energy, my passion, and my enthusiasm into my teaching, and your learning, next year. Instead, I'll be battling with the department, trying to force them to recognize, that I am needed in this school. I'll be distracted from doing my best for my students by the FEAR that SOMEONE else will be parashooted into my job.....and for this I apologize. You, the students, deserve better." - Evelyn O'Connor, Teacher of the Year
Coming to a district near you!
There are districts who are proposing the following:
* Principals can get rid of teachers they "don't like", not the reverse, of course. ( I would like to see that in legal language.)
* These districts desire to do away with seniority. THINK for a moment why this would be good for the district, but not for students and staff.
* In addition, these districts want to make it possible to "involuntarily" move teachers from grade level to grade level, as they wish. ( Generally, it takes three to five years to become "proficient" in facilitating learning for a grade level's unique standards and curriculum. How will this benefit student learning?)
It seems districts are moving towards measures which destabilize their teaching workforce. Ask yourself how THIS will benefit student learning.
Take a few moments to click on the link above or the video below and to listen to an articulate Irish educator, Evelyn O'Connor.
Her words are MY words and the thoughts of thousands of educators.
