I've heard many colleague say "oh, I'm not into politics". I wouldn't say I'm "into" them either. I get most of my political updates from Jon Stewart on the Daily Show! :) I follow some amateur pundits on Twitter and mostly it just makes me mad. Typically only 30% of people vote in mid-term elections. I find that really sad, especially because it's going to make a big difference for us.
You may not know this, but there are a lot of changes afoot in education. I read an article the other day stating that in Massachusetts they plan not only to use student scores as part of the evaluation, but if you get low scores more than 2 years in a row they will take away your teaching license. Your teaching license!!! Rhode Island and Nevada are considering similar legislation. No other career path has the same tenuous licensing policies. Cuomo in New York has literally declared a "war on teachers", that education is a monopoly that needs to be "busted up". In Philadelphia teacher contracts were torn up for this year. It's nasty out there for teachers right now.
Here in Texas this election will mean the difference between someone making budget cuts, implementing standardized testing to Pre-K students and the big one-making everything charter schools and someone who is basically promising to do the opposite.
I'm not telling you who to vote for-but please get out and vote! I know it's hard for teachers because they already work a long day-but it's going to make a big difference in our education policies. We need to use our voices!
Wow! You guys are going through some tough times. I didn't realize it was that bad. I'm sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Leyne Designs
I know you guys have had your own troubles.
DeleteThank you for this. I think people don't realize how important their individual voice is. Thanks for the link to Ravitch's article. She does such a service.
ReplyDeleteI think many people feel a helplessness to change the system. I read Diane's blog quite often-I think she's responsible for educating many people on education issues.
DeleteI voted - early, but I'm afraid you are correct, many of the younger teachers at my school seem to not even be interested in the political side of education - and it matters so much to our jobs, Sara
ReplyDeleteI know it's depressing to know what's going on out there in the world-but I also think it's important.
DeleteI voted - but it didn't seem to make much difference :( You and I apparently like to watch the same T.V. I'm a huge Jon Stewart fan! On another note, I hope you are recovering from your surgery!
ReplyDeleteI know. Hopefully he won't do too much damage! :) Love Jon Stewart! Thanks for the well-wishes. I go back to work on Monday which I'm not sure I'm ready for yet, but we'll find out! :)
DeleteI usually have to get my political updates from my cousin, because my head is typically in the sand. I did vote though. :)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
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