Gary Peluchette, president of the Bridgeport Education Association, has penned a poignant letter to Santa. How about a federal Department of Education that has a real teacher as its leader? And oh, how about a state Department of Education leader who served as a classroom teacher? And how about an elected Board of Education? Oh, Santa … Peluchette’s letter:
Dear Santa,
I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written, but at this time of year you seem to be the go- to person for special gifts. In spite of what many have said, I have been nice. At my age naughty is actually nice.Anyway, the first thing that I would like for Christmas is a Federal Department of Education that has a real teacher as its leader. Someone who has never taught in a public school is hardly the person to chart the course for public schools. While I am impressed with a Harvard diploma, it still doesn’t qualify one for the job of Secretary of Education, no matter with whom you play basketball.
The next thing that I would like for Christmas is a State Department of Education Commissioner that was also a classroom teacher. While I am impressed with a Yale degree, it still doesn’t qualify one to be state commissioner, no matter how many charter schools you set up. We all know where students from charter schools go when they are no longer considered charter material.
Santa, I would also like a board of education, preferably elected by the people, who realize that their job is to create the best schools possible, to support their teachers, and to serve the people of city wherein they reside. I know that this is a lot to ask for, and that your list gets longer every year, but speaking on behalf of the children of Bridgeport, who have been very good, and who have received political coal in their stockings for such a long time, I think that we might move up a few pegs on your list. In this season of miracles, I think that teachers here in Bridgeport Public Schools could use a miracle right about now.
Well said, Mr. Peluchette.
Mr. Peluchette should come clean with the real reason he dislikes Education Secretary Arnie Duncan–unlike the teachers’ unions, Mr. Duncan is opposed to lifetime tenure for teachers.
WittyUserName // Dec 9, 2011 at 11:02 am
to your posting
Witty …
You’ve got to be kidding. Everything Gary has asked for is on point. If we don’t get those wishes, we will never get to see public education delivered as it should be delivered. Think about it.
*** Stop the presses, an experienced ex-teacher in charge? *** Bring out the milk & cookies for Santa, no? ***
Carolanne:
As long as incompetent teachers have jobs for life, “we will never get to see public education delivered as it should be delivered. Think about it.”
In my job, if I don’t do my job properly, I’ll get fired. Teachers should be no different.
If teacher competency is based on test scores, I should have been fired yesterday. Some of my students will NEVER do well on the Connecticut Mastery. Why? Just check their special ed labels on their IEP’s. Dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, autism–just a sample of challenges we face.
And between you, me and the lampshade, my years in the system and salary step level would make me a prime target without tenure.
What we need is better parents! That’s what Tom Friedman wrote in the NY Times two weeks ago. Great piece! Look it up. Well worth reading.
Better parents. Well trained and supported teachers. Administrations that work at raising the standards with tried and tested methods. Youth who understand and respect the American public education system opportunity (and cost borne for them) to earn an education. Plant, equipment and supplies to resource the task. Communities that partner in multiple ways with the educating endeavor. Stir well … work hard … time will tell.
You hit the nail on the head. No consequences at home and the ones at school only last for so long.