This is an opinion piece from the Asbury Park Press, here is a link to the article:
Having taught in public school for 40 years, I feel obligated to speak out in reference to the Feb. 12 editorial, “Move ahead on tenure reform.”
This proposed bill gives principals too much power. Principals are often chosen on political prowess. Many harass teachers they don’t like personally and coddle favorites, regardless of the quality of the teacher’s performance. Teacher involvement must be part of the evaluation process.
Raises are based upon length of service and advanced degrees, with most waiting 12 to 20 years before reaching maximum pay. A pay scale similar to police or the bill’s proposed four-step performance ladder should be an essential part of this bill.
Giving bonuses for troubled schools within a district is admirable. However, many boards assign unfavorable teachers to these troubled schools as punishment, thus compounding educational problems.
The original purpose for tenure is still true today. As a negotiator, I was always confronted with getting rid of bad teachers. However, these “bad teachers” never had names. Board members used this as a tactic of admonishment during negotiations.
Board members put pressure on principals so their own children are treated more favorably. A teacher issuing lower grades to a board member’s child invariably receives a reprimand from the principal.
Certainly, tenure should be reformed. However, it should proceed without the demeaning class warfare being waged by Gov. Chris Christie.
Instead of condemning our classroom teachers, we should involve them in the education process and give them ownership in the creation of this bill.
Ron Vanadia
Barnegat