The main thing I don’t like about this cartoon is that it overly pathologizes the students in the classroom.  It does effectively home in on some resonant misgivings, though:  that the approach in generic ‘education reform’ tends to focus on what teachers do wrong instead of right, that the media and the generic politician tend to love this framing (we need to get rid of these incompetent teachers!) and that the challenges of teaching in our school system today–from the complex range of circumstances our students may be facing to the mania of over testing– are very real.

Thoughts?  What might this teacher say in response to this particular framing and accusation?

What's Wrong With This Picture?

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Are you a teacher looking for an unparalleled opportunity to learn about education policy? Are you interested in bringing the voice of the teacher to local, state and federal avenues and to also bring relevant information back to your local school and school district? I was fortunate to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Teaching Ambassador Program over the 2008-2009 school year. And over the last few years, the theme of ‘once a Fellow, always a Fellow’ has continued to open learning opportunities for me as a teacher, as well as the ongoing expectation that I continue to work on increasing the capacity and efficacy of teachers to be heard by our local leadership and institutions…and beyond.

Information about the Teaching Ambassador Fellowship and application information can be found here. Do pass on the word to anyone you know who might be interested. The application deadline for this year is February 22, 2012.

If you have any questions about the Fellowship or want to know more about my personal experiences with it, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. As of this year, four BPS teachers have been a part of it–Steven Berbeco of Charlestown High School, Robert Baroz of the Curley School and Shakera Walker of Young Achievers Science and Mathematics Pilot School. Robert is a current Classroom Fellow and Shakera is a current Washington Fellow.

Represent!

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There were some bitter, bitter winds cutting through our bundled coats, doubly wrapped scarves and clenched hoods this Wednesday evening at the BTU rally before the school committee meeting.  The enthusiasm of the hundreds of gathered teachers and other allies, however, was inspiring to witness.

Here are some photos I took from the event.  Consider sharing in the comment section below.  Were you there?  What were your thoughts on the gathering?  Did you feel a pulse of unity as we waved signs, blew whistles and waved at drivers smiling our way?  What should be next?

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In case you might have missed it, please do take advantage of the opportunity to talk with other teachers and Superintendent Johnson around your daily work and ideas for district-wide innovation/collaboration.  Sponsored by the Boston school district and Teach Plus, it’s a great chance to voice your ideas!

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Talk with Superintendent Carol Johnson during the Superintendent + Teacher Share event Tuesday, December 6^th. At the event, teachers will have the chance to tell Dr. Johnson how BPS can best support effective teaching.

Superintendent and Teacher Share Opportunity

Last year as a result of these sessions, which focused on evaluation and PD, BPS heard what you had to say and made changes.

• Cross Site Visits pilot initiative: An effort to encourage collaboration and learn from other teachers and schools by sharing best practices.
• PD Evaluation tool in MLP: this new evaluation tool will allow the district to collect data and help identify and expand successful professional development and improve what’s not working well.
• Professional Development Advisory Team: consisting of teachers, school leaders, and central office personnel, the team will help direct BPS’ professional development work.

RSVP today at www.mylearningplan.com and encourage friends and colleagues to attend with you.

This event is part of an ongoing discussion series with Dr. Johnson, save the date for February 7^th and May 8^th.  This series is co-sponsored and run by Boston Public Schools and Teach Plus. 

Upcoming Event Information:

Tuesday, December 6^th

Madison Park High School Auditorium

4:30pm – 6:30pm

4:30 – 5:00pm Refreshments and time for networking with other teachers and district leaders

5:00 – 6:30pm Program

This is the first entry of a new topic category for The Teaching Pulse which I’ll initially categorize as ‘Buzz.’  I hope it allows more flexibility in raising issues, news and conversation that don’t always fit in the core topics of The Teaching Pulse.  I’d love to hear what you think.

Signs From Demonstration This Morning

It was great early this morning, a shade before 7AM, to stand with a number of other teachers and staff from the Irving Middle School, holding the sign above, handing out this Why Talk to Teachers Flyer, and waving to honking passersby along Cummins Highway in Roslindale.  Talk to Teachers.  Absolutely.  That’s a general message that I can stand behind.  I, among many others I know, am glad for the opportunity to organize and get behind initiatives that raise some important questions and get stalled processes going.  And while the unresolved contract concerns are not the only thing I think we should be talking about, they are certainly important ones.  And as teachers, if you respect us, our work and the work of our colleagues in schools across the city, we should be moving forward in good faith towards a fair and reasonable contract.

Still.  I can’t help but pause and cringe at some of the messaging that I believe unintentionally continues to undermine the very message that we held in our hands this morning.

Here are the titles of some recent articles and e-bulletins that we’ve gotten from our union:

• Superintendent Speaks on Extended Day While Undercutting Same at Negotiating Table

• Superintendent Distorts BTU Position in Attempt to Undercut Picketing

• Superintendent Johnson Continues Public Misinformation Campaign on BPS/BTU Contract

• School Closing Proposal: Lessons Unlearned

And what do we hear in response from school district officials?

A press release headline from this Thursday evening on the Boston Public Schools website, along with a quote from Deputy Superintendent Michael Goar.  The distorting press release title:  Boston Teachers Union cancels planned contract negotiation session.

And the quote:  “We thought the Union was ready to create a contract that improves our schools,” said BPS Deputy Superintendent Michael Goar. “We are still waiting for them to return to the table.”

Really?

You tell me.  Does it feel like the tone is being set for a good and respectful conversation with teachers?  So yes, while the politics can be complex, it does seem as if the steady escalation of rhetorical tension between labor and management is a refrain we have to learn to change.  Otherwise we may end up just talking, or should I say grumbling, to each other.  On both ‘sides’.

Thoughts?

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