No, when it comes organizing, questioning authority and holding to account those who govern, teachers are slow to mobilize and reluctant to express themselves. Factor in the current climate, featuring a down economy, an administrative culture that turns a deaf ear to teachers needs and ideas and a superintendent who has serious personal and professional shortcomings when it comes to morale building and inspiring, and it's easy to see why ACPS teachers are as passive as sheep.
The notion of using the EAA to represent our views seems, at first blush, to be a good one. But an EAA that has gone from bold and innovative to blah and impotent in just a few short years, is not the answer. Teachers fear for their jobs and any forum that embodies language and positions that smack of outrage or even mild disagreement will only serve to ensure that our colleagues will run for the cover of anonymity. Who, among us, is brave enough to tell the False Emperor Sherman that he has no clothes?
Appearing later this weekend on this blogsite is a proposed solution to the "Timid Teacher in a Tempest" dilemma that we now face.
Credibility. Maintain it and they will come. You are losing it fast. Stick to facts. Not conjecture, not rumor. Just facts. There are enough to help your cause.
ReplyDeleteAttacking those that are with you and or are slightly timid is just foolish.
The union is fighting for us, but we need to support them and to stand up for ourselves. I agree with much of what you say, Voltaire, but don't want to be bullied by you anymore than I want to be bullied by Mort. I will, however, make sure to be present at the next school board meeting. Here's a list of what's coming, if you're interested in participating--not because anyone exhorts you to, but because it's the right thing to do, for yourselves and your families.
ReplyDeleteFrom the EAA blog:
Meetings! Meetings! And more meetings! It will be critical for members, families and friends to attend the School Board meetings!
Your attendance at these meetings will turn the tide! Please speak or at least come and hear what is said! It does MATTER! Here are the dates and times:
February 10, 2011 (Thursday) 7:30pm - School Board and FY 2012 Budget Public Hearing
February 17, 2011 (Thursday) 7:00pm Work Session on Salary and Benefits Please come to this meeting on the 17th!
February 24, 2011 (Thursday) 7:30pm - Fiscal Forecast Update and Public Hearing
March 3, 2011 7:30pm - Add/Delete Work Session, Public Hearing & Adoption of the Waiver
March 10, 2011 7:30pm - School Board Meeting and Budget Adoption.
Thank you Concerned Teacher. I was beginning to worry that I was the only one reading the email updates sent out by the EAA. I went this past Thursday night and I hope to speak next week.
ReplyDeleteI've never gotten an email from EAA, not on my ACPS email and not on my personal email. No flyer in my mailbox until Thursday afternoon this week. Is EAA's communication with its members only through its website?
ReplyDeleteThe School Board has already made up it's mind on the subject. If you don't believe that, read Yvonne Folkerts' opinion letter on www.alexandrianews.org Also take a look at the current polling results concerning the 30 minute extension proposal for teachers. Many citizens in our city disagree with Mrs. Folkerts' and Sherman's views on lengthening out our days.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Ms. Folkerts has closed the ability to comment on her article. Just like not allowing GW teacher's survey to be presented to their PTA. No voice of opposition. Everything is rosy. Also, have heard that she is not going to run again when current tenure is up. Some legacy she will be leaving behind.
ReplyDeletewrite alexandrianews.org and have them open the comments and see what feedback they receive on Mrs. Folkerts' proposals. Also, what GW teachers' survey? Post the results here or send them to local media.
ReplyDelete