This morning I went over a batch of old papers and came across one written not too long ago but certain most the world had forgotten about. So, in an effort to rekindle a sleeping bear, let the bell ring…
While skimming, I noticed a headline: “Tougher teacher tenure bills move forward.” As my neighbor is a teacher, I decided attention would be necessary though I rarely really read many articles… then again; a teaching career is a highly respectable (though most-often under-appreciated) trade. (so there is no confusion, all set-apart highlighted quotes are direct and included to add a flavor-able context.)
“Teachers also could be fired at any time if their students underachieve.”
Gee, how goes this thought for you? Do you think a kid with an attitude and limited desire to be in class should have such power?
Recap time (just for a second): For seven years I was an instructor at ITT Technical Institute (within that time progressed to program chair and dean so I was given the opportunity to hear all sides of the story) and no doubt many of my students would have loved to be in a position to control my employment fate (and not in a good way). Bringing us to the moment and wearing a realization that a teacher’s career can be decided by students. Does the concept of being unfair, unpredictable, and un-defendable offend anyone?
After all, there’s so much more to being an effective teacher than standing in front of the class and lecturing. For teachers out there putting in 60+ hour weeks setting curriculum, reading papers, and tutoring, my respect is freely given to you, your family, and the many sacrifices you endure on a daily basis.
Okay, so there is a correlation between outstanding teachers and student achievement but how many students just don’t care about achievement or intentionally disrupt the learning process for those lucky enough to be in the same class as the trouble-makers? Is it fair to bring the concept of child success or failure onto the sole burden of the teacher?
Am I missing something… oh yes, parents. Where are the parents in this equation? Is it right to allow students to play such a powerful role when deciding promotions and terminations? Additionally, once students become aware of their power, how long before it is leveraged to their advantage? How absurd is this new policy to you (or is it just me)?
“…a tenured teacher would be limited to a five-year contract.”
Maybe not so bad, at least at first glance. But then again, many of the best teachers I have had the pleasure of learning from held over ten years of classroom experience. Bridging to my next question: When does the sense of commitment by the school come into play? We trust and ask our teachers to guide our children but then throw a huge question mark which can be used as an administrative scare tactic. I am highly concerned about the blatant message as well as the latent meaning with the subjective agenda of this house bill.
Schools are all about lessons…in this, what does this lesson teach those looking for a career and for those looking to hire? Let me take a stab at this oil and water mix. If you are a recent graduate looking for a career in our public school system, be prepared to live life as a puppet—where no matter how hard you work and how well you do your job, you have no control over the strings controlling your fate. In effect, the precedent is clear: the House and Senate say it’s okay to terminate on the basis of a customer complaint, no matter the factors or agenda behind it. Are you feeling warm and fuzzy?
The bill “passed both the House and Senate committee votes today.”
Okay, so this article I picked up was a tad outdated – enough of the old news so lets move on to the next stage—that being communication and public awareness. How many people throughout the state of Florida knew of the vote and what consequences were at risk? For those residing outside of Florida, don’t worry, this bill may act like a virus – so be prepared.
We are experiencing some of the most difficult times of recent memory and to have our educational leaders (House and Senate) allow fear to dominate the lives of teachers is, in my opinion, a travesty. And what does this tell the community and the children going to public schools? In effect, how can we expect our teachers to remain committed to the students and community when there is no return of commitment… and in education, as it is in all walks of life, commitment realized determines progress.
I’m not sure who the winners in this educational bill are…but I am certain who the losers are. It’s been close to a year…do you know what your school district is up to? How many out there know, I mean really know?
Danny Huffman, MA, CPRW, CPCC, CEIP
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