The most important thing for students?

February 7, 2012

In News Blog

It's teachers.

The most important in-school factor to determine a child's success is their teacher.

You can help ensure that school communities (teachers, principals, and parents) have a voice in one of the most important decisions they can make - who is teaching their children.

If you are a parent, you know it matters deeply who is teaching in your child's classroom. If you are a teacher, you know it makes a difference if the teacher down the hall or in your department shares your and your school's vision for how to reach your students. 

Your voice is needed in this conversation.

• 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.
• E-mail or call School Board members:  Click here for a list of contact information.
• Speak at the school board meeting on February 8th.  It really makes a difference.
• If you are an OUSD teacher, go to the OEA Executive Board meeting and/or the Site Rep meeting on March 5th to let them know how you feel.
• Read the latest version of the District's Mutual Matching proposal. It is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction. Because of you, the conversation around Mutual Matching continues. The latest version of the district's proposal is posted here.
• Read the feedback from GO's January 24th meeting. It was inspiring to see a group of 50 people sitting and talking through the issue.  They were asked to record some of their thoughts on the district's proposal (strengths, weaknesses, and questions).  Read the unedited results.
  

Background information and videos:

Read our most recent blog about mutual matching.

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.

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Tags: mutual Matching, Teacher Effectiveness