A longtime friend of mine and former co-worker has been an employee on the front line of public education. She finally has become compelled to respond by sending Governor Haslam a letter. She posted this on her facebook account and I asked if I could share it here on Shock And Awe, She agreed. The Governor and legislature really need to listen to not only the Superintendent and School Board Members but to the professional educators on the front line. Here it is.
Governor Haslam,
Education has been my calling for the past 23 years, 21 teaching geography in the 7th grade. I have worked hard and dedicated every day of my life to it. My reward has been watching so many students gain success, and in some cases I have the privilege of teaching some of their children. Currently however, I feel so unappreciated by my government and the general public, frustrated at the current expectations on me personally – with few expectations on students and parents, and undecided as to wether or not this is still as calling worth continuing. I told my daughter if she wanted to become a teacher, then I refuse to pay one penny toward it. That is how negatively the nation and Tennessee has portrayed teachers. I told my daughter if she wanted to become a teacher, then I refuse to pay one penny toward it.
I know of five new teachers who are currently making plans to change fields. That is so sad. To take away so much, make unrealistic demands, and measure me basically on the gains of 150 twelve year olds appears to be a ludicrous method to motivate and inspire employees.
I teach children skills of research, thinking, reasoning, writing, reading, and etc. My curriculum demands mostly memorization of multiple isolated facts. As geography teacher trained by National Geographic, I must say how disappointing the priority of learning has become along with the lack of vision and purpose in learning. I am told to teach what they need for the test. Well that leaves the skill necessary for vision and adaptation needed to survive in today’s society.
Before making educational decisions, please ask those of us in the classroom every day. I earned my educational specialist degree for a reason, which is to gain better understanding of my teaching and administrating. I do not tell you how to run your company or do your job because with your education and experience, I suspect your have earned that position. What must a teacher do to earn theirs? Under your proposal, I would be penalized for going back to school to earn any degree. What is the point? Apparently, all that matters in the new game of education are my value added scores. I just pray that 6th grade teachers have lousy gains so I might have a chance. If you don’t believe me then check TAP schools statistics of which teachers earn the most money. Please, wake up and listen to reason.
Sincerely,
Donna Jett, Education Specialist
