My parents were teachers. I know how hard teachers work. They were dedicated public servants who cared about every one of their kids, day after day, year after year.
My aunt was also a teacher as are several of my cousins. They are all generous, caring professionals. In my own twelve years of public education I never had a teacher who didn't do their damnedest every day to make sure kids learned. I never had a teacher who wasn't trying. I think that is overwhelming true of most teachers and most public schools.
It is outrageous to me that the school board in Central Falls, Rhode Island, at the recommendation of the superintendent, summarily fired all the teachers and all the staff of the one high school there. While the school needs improvement this seems a ridiculous way to proceed-- an extreme case of "Ready, fire, aim!".
As I understand it, the school board did this according the the reform plan mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act to remedy the lowest 5% of school performances in each state. It appears that we as a nation can look forward to more of this in the future until there are no teachers left. Education Secretary Arne Duncan "applauded" this course of action. President Obama endorsed it in similar comments. As a model he sited a Providence school that actually has lower test scores and no teachers' union. In this case the President has come down on the side of management and against the union. Perhaps the President's goal now is to burn through every constituency that supported him and worked for his election.
Support the teachers of Central Falls, Rhode Island and the more than one million others around the country whose jobs will be in jeopardy if this despicable action is allowed to stand. As it enters its second phase No Child Left Behind is about to do irreparable damage to America's teachers.
Visit the website below to read more about these teachers who have been so terribly wronged. Sign their petition. Then email The President to let him know that this is not how America's teachers should be treated, nor is this how you would expect him to treat the members of a union.
Thank you!