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| Teachers Shouldn’t Be Threatened by Reform |
| posted by: Alix | October 19, 2010, 03:58 PM |
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Both sides of the education dialogue can agree about one thing when it comes to improving education – having an effective teacher is essential in student learning. This idea is neither liberal nor conservative, rather a simple truth that divides stake holders in its implementation, and shouldn't make American teachers defensive. The unions claim they don't want bad teachers in classrooms either. Yet, on the whole, they do not support comprehensive teacher evaluation and can't seem to come to terms with accountability. Instead, union leadership ignores essential issues by reframing the debate to a false assault on teachers. We regularly see quotations from union leaders about "scapegoating teachers" and the "assault on public education." As a membership organization for professional educators, AAE certainly understands that teachers may feel the heat from this dialogue; however, teachers should not feel attacked. This dialogue is a simple recognition that just like in any other profession, there are teachers that are better than others. The attack is not on the teacher in the classroom, rather the unions that create a system where bad teachers are protected and excellent teachers suffer. AAE was created for educators who do not identify with unions – their policies, their politics, and their lack of professionalism. AAE believes that professional educators set high standards for their students and themselves. Further, as professionals, we have a responsibility to provide our students the best education possible. It is critical to highlight the need to reward and retain the thousands of excellent teachers around the country. President Obama asserts that we cannot afford to have bad teachers in classrooms, and promotes reforms such as performance pay for effective teachers – a policy that is generally supported by AAE members. Teachers are on the front lines and have a huge role to play in this debate. AAE is working with policy makers, who realize that teachers are allies in finding real comprehensive solutions and are not the problem like the unions want you to think. These reforms are not an assault on public education or endangering teachers, rather solutions that will advance the professionalism of educators. Focusing on effective teachers is not an attack; it's common sense. Comment below.
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Comments (2)
7th gr RSP/SDC Language Arts and Social Studies teacher
written by Jeanie Zimmer, Fontana California, October 26, 2010
First and foremost, I would like to see our "system" include all of the components of improving academic successes, or test scores. It does not solely. lie in the hands of what some are calling, "Good teachers, or effective teachers." Yes, we need effective teachers in our schools, but no matter how effective the teacher is, if there isn't the positive support from our government, and most importantly our students' parents, there is a breakdown. I work incredibly hard each day trying to meet the needs of all of my students, as do all of the teachers I know. I do get frustrated with the entire weight of the student's academic success lieing on the shoulders of the teacher. We need to adjust the educational system, which should include parental involvment, which I unfortunately feel is lacking in today's educational arena. As an educator it isn't difficult to see which students have the support at home. Sadly, many, many students all over the state do not have the support at home to help them succeed academically. Also, test scores should NOT be the end all, be all. Students should be recognized for all of their efforts and academic successes, not just their state and or district test scores. Every ounce of their effort and classroom productivity should be included in their academic ranking. Some students just don't do well with testing. I'm sure every educator out their knows of at least one.
Common Sense = Common Core written by Core 4 All, October 19, 2010
In order for us to improve education, it will take one teacher at a time to realize that we are not independent contractors, but team players with one purpose: to improve the academic achievement of all students. This comes from creating teacher teams that focus on specific skills to teach our students. Skills that will help our students compete in the 21st century global workplace. This starts by using the Common Core State Standards as the cornerstone of the curriculum, followed by the creation of common assessments to measure proficiency in the skills/standards. It is the healthy balance of a skills-based curriculum, coupled with meaningful content that will prepare our students. This makes sense to me. http://core4all.wordpress.com
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