Sunday, March 06, 2011

Ruled By $$$


A few years ago experienced teachers were offered bonuses to transfer to low performing schools.  The principals complained that the new teachers did not know how to reach these students.  Today, the same principals are complaining that they will lose their new teachers if LIFO continues and losing these teachers will devastate their schools.  They claim, the older, experienced teachers they would get to replace the newbies would not be able to work in that environment.

Schools never used to be funded based on teacher salary.  It's funny how salary is now determining who is effective and who is not.

(Drawing done by one of my AP calculus students in her art class.  She convinced me to walk to the opposite side of the building to see it and I was thrilled that I did.  It is magnificent.  She said this is the reason she was late to class the previous week.)

6 comments:

Traveling ATR said...

You hit the nail on the head. It is about the money and not about the children.

Michaeld Dunn said...

Thanks for pointing out the hypocrisy. (Amazing how short people's memories are).

TeachJoeP said...

Great point, it amazes me how some can be so short sighted. (and your student's art is beautiful!)

Anonymous said...

It is going to be a dark, dark and scary world if no one fights or is willing to fight back.

Anonymous said...

Love the art work!!

I too had forgotten the letter I received asking if I would teach in a low performing school. I think a bonus was added to it. I did not think twice before throwing that letter out. I know how little support and respect the teachers get at a majority of those schools. The teacher turnover is huge. I first started teaching at a high-risk school, and I stayed because I was supported until the budget cuts excessed me and later laid me off. I also knew many teachers who worked in PS 15K under Patrick Daly. The staff loved him and worked hard under him. He was murdered while trying to help find a student who fled the school. Today principals like Daly are hard to find. If politicians want
successful schools, they need to hire more administrators that value their staff.

ChiTown Girl said...

That picture is beautiful! What talent!