The more interesting things is that we probably are not that far apart in our beliefs based on what you said above. I’m pro-union (for jobs in which people are nearly powerless and easily replaced, like farm or factory workers, I’m just not sure it is helping teaching as a profession) and I definitely know not all charter schools are great. Look at who authorized some of them — look at how little oversight there has been for some of them. Ask yourself WHY (go back and read about how the laws were actually passed and in what form in many places).

We do not agree on seniority; few jobs allow you to stay simply because you were there 2-3 years, and then let seniority dictate everything. Smart organizations value wisdom and experience, but also employees know they can’t do ANYTHING and keep the job, as is true with teaching, for the most part, at least in our big cities. It would not work for anything, least of all for something where the “clients” are often low-income.

I’m not calling for a change in the rules for those who signed up for the current structure: low pay for many years but a great pension when you retire (at 58-60, when some people are just getting warmed up to do great work!), but I do think we need to restructure the profession for the future. It really can’t get worse in some ways, but wow it sure could get a whole lot better.

Oh – and I think the Path to Prison was pretty clear about the “baggage” that inner-city children bring to school. They should still be taught and treated with respect when they get there.

My principal recently voted to close our school and re-open as a new school to get out of program improvement and be able to compete with the local charter schools- a “Grand re-opening” idea. He asked me if I was going to re-interview for my job and I said “no.” It seemed odd to ask for a job again that I was working so hard at. He said he understood and that I needed to do what was best for me. I laughed. Do you have any idea how long it has been since I made a choice that was “best for me.” Most teachers do what is best for kids, not themselves.

My point is the politics have gotten so bad that instead of supporting the work of teachers it has become some massive blame game. I cannot work any harder or care any more than I do. The work is hard enough without having to defend the merit of the institution. Anyone that is not trying to learn from the teachers and that is not focused on how they can help the teachers, has no place in education. Additionally, I am shocked and concerned with the cheating and corruption from the “business” side of things. Enough is enough!