Should schools choose their teachers?

January 13, 2012

In News Blog

There has been a lot of conversation about "Mutual Matching" in Oakland lately. Mutual Matching is a proposal put forth by OUSD leaders that would allow school communities a say in which teachers join their staff.

This is a critical autonomy for schools. It helps schools to build strong teams that are committed to the school's vision. Superintendent Smith recently penned an editorial in the Oakland Tribune about the importance of this new policy. If you are interested in the specific details, Brigitte Marshall, OUSD Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, explains the details here.

Unfortunately there are currently contract agreements that prevent this from happening.

When this proposal was presented in December, community members testified to the school board about the importance of the issue.

Marva McInnis, an 18-year veteran teacher, shared her willingness to compete for her job if that is what is best for kids.

Betty Olson Jones, OEA President, testified against "Mutual Matching" saying that teachers can be trusted to select schools and that mutual matching is "union busting."

Video of additional comments: Watch Emily Sacks, Benjie Achtenberg, Leo Fuchs, and Carmelita Reyes speak in support of continuing the conversation around the proposal.

Current policy and practice needs to change. Great Oakland Public Schools believes there is a way forward on this important issue.

The District's current proposal may not be perfect, and there are details that need to be worked out, but this conversation needs to continue and a new policy enacted for this spring's hiring season.

While the "Mutual Matching" policy is not a magical solution that will cure all that ails OUSD, it is an improvement over the current system in which all that matters is a teachers' credential and years of seniority. We know that teachers are more that that. They all bring their own personality, values, strengths, and abilities to their craft. It is time to stop pretending that any teacher can replace another. We also know that Oakland schools offer diverse programs and curriculum that require specific expertise. Teachers are not simply cogs that can be swapped in and out of a school.

"OK, what can I do?"

If you think that school communities deserve a say in who teaches at their schools you can:

• Read, share (post to Facebook, tweet, photocopy), and comment on Superintendent Smith's editorial to raise awareness of this issue.
• Fill out and share this OUSD survey on the issue so that the community can hear your voice on this important issue.
• Speak at the school board meeting on January 25. It really makes a difference.
• If you are an OUSD teacher, go to the OEA Executive Board meeting on January 18 and the Site Rep meeting on February 6th to let them know how you feel.

Please let me know if you would like any help or support in participating in this important debate.  Additionally, on Tuesday, January 24th at 5:30 PM, the GO community from across the city will meet at Edna Brewer Middle School. RSVP now and mark your calendar.

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Tags: Betty Olson-Jones, Emily Sacks, Marva McInnis, mutual Matching, Superintendent Smith