I am a huge proponent of better education, more funding for education, higher wages for teachers/professors, and better conditions in schools... BUT, I am also very opposed to the seniority and tenure system that many teachers enjoy, as well as the complete lack of accountability the teacher's unions seem to enjoy.
That's why I'm glad Mayor Bloomberg is doing something about it in NYC.
In certain ways, the eight pages read as a wish list that every former chancellor always wanted but never dared ask for. The proposed contract would make it easier to get rid of incompetent teachers (it can take years now) and suspend teachers without pay who face serious charges (ditto). It would offer teachers bonuses to work in the worst schools. It would give teachers raises based on how well they teach. It would add more work days to the school year, reduce the number of unused sick days that can be cashed in by retirees, and nix nearly all teacher sabbaticals. And the final kick in the teeth: Teachers would be barred from doing union business during the school day. Bloomberg is gambling that this scheme will help kids—but it definitely hurts the union.
Bravo... its time to admit that educational reform has not worked. Throwing money at the problem has not resulted in better education. Let's get some real reform, and reward good teachers, and get rid of the bad teachers.
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