Here's why they REALLY want to end teacher tenure. [View all]
And no, folks, it really isn't that complicated. From Arthur Goldstein, active NYC Teacher and inveterate blogger. Via NY Daily News.
Reposted from GD: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025268349
>>>>Every day, it seems, I read about a new lawsuit to do away with teacher tenure. The crusade reminds me of my friend Harris Lirtzman. It’s because of tenure that I teach and he doesn’t.
Harry used to be a deputy New York State controller until, in 2009, he decided to become a math teacher of special-education students in the Bronx. He offered experience and a depth of understanding few could match — but his discerning eye proved to be his downfall.
He studied the kids’ Individualized Education Programs, the documents that state what services special-education students require, and discovered that many were being underserved, possibly to save on school expenses.
Harry began asking questions — and learned exactly how unwelcome they were when, in December 2011, he was denied tenure.
Harry now tutors at-risk students in Yonkers. If he’d had tenure, he’d still be helping city public school kids.
(link to Lirtzman story in NY Times:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/nyregion/punished-for-helping-special-education-students.html?_r=0)
Without tenure, I’d probably be in Harry’s place. I teach English as a second language, usually to beginners, at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, Queens.
One year, I had two students who spoke English but couldn’t read or write. One had been kicking around city schools for years.
He had a strategy for pushy teachers like me. He listened intently and participated orally as much as possible>>>>>
the rest at: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/teacher-tenure-good-apples-article-1.1868064
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