it gets lonely when you are waiting for responses...

I decided to compose a letter to the teachers.

( the problem is, I have no way to get it to them....)

A letter to the Teachers

Dear Teachers:

I am most concerned about the selection of the next superintendent and would like to know about and support your active interest in this process.

As a parent of two students in our public schools and as an advocate for meaningful policy in our schools, my interests include my determination to see the teachers’ opinions, knowledge, and participation reflected in the core decisions made about curriculum and course development. The policies of the previous superintendent excluded teachers’ voices in issues of their expertise. The progressive disregard for teachers’ volition and professional input damaged the spirit of many seasoned professionals. My interest currently is engaged by the prospect of a candidate who has demonstrated abilities in support and encouragement of teachers.

Without a public, strong, and unified voice from the teachers about their experiences, I am afraid that the selection committee will choose a candidate who reflects their loyalty to our county school board and will overlook the importance of a candidate who has devoted efforts to a sound curriculum and has supported teacher-initiated classroom instruction and creative development in all school-related issues and all the other practical aspects that necessitate daily collaborative efforts between teachers and administrators in our schools. I am interested in hearing from the teachers about the importance of being treated honestly, with dignity and respect, by a candidate who will include them in planning and decisions about policies that affect their professional lives and in turn affect the lives and learning of our students.

If we take a stand and become involved in this important selection, I believe we can make our best efforts count, and we can be heard if the teachers and the parents can become informed and focused on the issues of greatest urgency. I believe it is crucial for the future of our school system, our teachers, and our students that we begin a dialogue and invest our energies in making known the impact of NCLB in our classrooms. Our last superintendent’s allegiance and adherence to the principles of this act were basic to his goals. His rapid changes in curriculum and assessment protocol and his demands for standardization and the systematic exclusion of teachers’ input were all, in part, results of his allegiance to this act. NCLB will extinguish the profession of teaching at its basic level of creativity and individuality if we do not act to expose its damage.

We have this opportunity now, I believe, to make a better choice. Including the voices of the teachers is so important now. If you agree that having a say in the selection of our next superintendent is a priority, and if you believe that the teachers’ voices must be included in that selection, I am in full agreement with you and will lend my support and my energy toward that goal.

Thank you for your time and devotion at this crucial time.