Saturday, February 19, 2011

Teaching: Wisconsin and Texas: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

All this mess going on with the teachers in Wisconsin made me think.

What if a similar thing happened here in Texas.

Well, it may be closer than one thinks.

At my school, we have already been told we were going to have to pick up extra responsibilities next year, class sizes may be larger and all departments and programs should expect a 15% budget cut. We have also been told we will be under a hiring freeze for at least the next two years.

I understand the need for these moves. We have just so much money and everyone needs to cut back.

But when I see "certain personal" getting PREMO assignments and an overblown top-heavy administration staff, one begins to question the motives.

Why does a school need NINE assistant principals? Why does a school need EIGHT counselors? Why does a school need curriculum and content specialists? Why does a school need consultants to come into the school and tell them what they are doing wrong and how to teach?

We need to get back to the basics: TEACH!!!!

If a student messes up: PUNISH HIM OR HER!!!!

Let the teachers teach! That is what they went to college for (well, at least some of them).
That brings up my next point: ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION!

We need to get most of these hacks out of the classroom.

Most do more damage than they are worth.

After 33 years, I am beginning to think I am too old for this shit!!!!


"Teachers could do a better job in the classroom if the administration would get the hell out of their way and let them teach." - Texas Truth