Though Presidential candidate Gov. Scott Walker announced a little more than two weeks ago he would be suspending his presidential campaign, two of his political policies became subjects of national attention. The first was building a wall on the US/Canadian Border, considered ridiculous even by his GOP counterparts; the second, a legislative attack on the […]
tenure
It's Not a Rotten Education: Response to TIME Magazine
I have taught in elementary classrooms for 19 years. Every day, every hour, ever minute, every second, decisions are made that impact someone’s future. This job is difficult, strenuous, stressful and the best job in the world. Teachers across the nation give their times, talents, money and whole selves to their students and families. It […]
Why I Support Teacher Tenure
I’m a teacher. I have tenure. This gives me staying power and job security. My job isn’t supposed to be political – it’s supposed to be about teaching student. For that reason, tenure is something I feel that I need in my profession. Why? As a social studies teacher, I need academic freedom. It’s my […]
Politicized Purpose: A Reassessment of Teacher Unions Today
In February 2011, about 1,000 Wisconsin teachers protested Gov. Scott Walker’s attempt to hinder union bargaining rights. Ripple effects were felt throughout the nation: political leaders sought to reform unions in each New Jersey, Nevada, Indiana, and Florida, to name a few. In her report on these stories, Jennifer Epstein of Politico writes, “Teachers unions, […]
Teacher Tenure- An Ancient Policy Or Is It Still Needed?
Teacher tenure is a part of the educational fabric of every state in the United States. It is a form of job security that prevents teachers from being terminated without “just cause.” Despite having noble beginnings, teacher tenure has come under increasing scrutiny from educational reformists and politicians. The main argument against statutory job security […]