Arizona to Abolish Teacher Tenure
According to the Arizona Star, AZ is about to become the first state to eliminate teacher tenure entirely from its educational system. AZ’s an interesting state. They are definitely onto something with abolishing the time change thing. Now THAT’S antiquated.
Bad Teachers are not Tenure’s Fault
How do you get rid of a cruddy teacher? The administrator has to do their job.
Should tenure function like a drivers license?
Surely we all understand the controversy with the existence of tenure. Currently, it is seen as a near-impenetrable armor which protects the supposed hoards of ineffective teachers which abound in our system. But to really talk about tenure, one needs
Tweenteacher Update
I owe my readers a mea culpa for the last month or so, and I wanted to let you in on a little of what’s been going on with me both personally and professionally. No worries, however, I’ll be back
Metlife Survey Analysis and The New Evolution in Education: Hybrid Teachers
Lately I’ve been intrigued by recent studies on this topic of “hybrid teaching.” So when the most recent portion of The Metlife Survey of the American Teacher was released, I was eager to read its findings about “hybrid approaches to
Part 3 of 3: The Future of Teacher Prep Programs
Well, what began as mere musings, seems to have become a fully fleshed fantasy for what a teacher prep program of the future may look like. It all began in Part 1 of this series of posts. It continued in
The Truth About Tenure
I’ve posted before about this topic, but I wanted my readers to know that The George Lucas Foundation’s Edutopia.org has just posted my article on “The Truth About Tenure.” You can read it here. Tenured or untenured. I hope you all
My Struggles with Tenure
I’m really struggling with my feelings about tenure. Currently, the conversation goes as follows: “Hey, I got tenure.” “Cool, pass the mustard.” When, in fact, it should be: “Hey, I got tenure!” “Are you kidding? That’s fantastic! Holy %^$#@, you
Teacher Observations: Principals vs. the Union
Why does the union stand in the way of getting rid of a bad teacher? Doesn't that undermine the work of other teachers?
Anthony Cody, The Power of Facebook, and Letters to Obama
Well, I am in absolute awe of fellow Teacher Leader Network member and blogger, Anthony Cody. What began as a personal open letter to Obama on Facebook, has blossomed into a full-on social networking movement. Based on sheer eloquence, persistence,
The Inconsistency of School Administrations
There are just so many elements that contribute to education’s struggles, much of which many civilians never even think about. I write a lot about these elements to try to give insight from a teacher’s point of view, and to
Top 10: How to Take Control of Your Teaching
How can you take control of your teaching, both literally and internally? Read my Top 10 list that advises a teacher on how to get what you need in this demanding job of ours, how to survive it, and how to love it.
How To Get a Job in Education That You Love
Don't just take the first job handed to you. Here's a step-by-step guide in finding a job in education on your terms.
Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse
How does an administrator control the quality of their staff if the union won't let them transfer an ineffective teacher? According to The Washington Post, some unions are loosening up on their hold over administrator's rights.
Cheering on the Demise of One’s Own School
In every school there is a teacher who actively cheers on the failings of his/her own school. When they walk by, it's like a wake of smog has engulfed you.