My grandson Bradley O'Neal, a student at Western Washington University authored the following comments today following the New York Times article on the release of teacher rankings in that city. He posted it on my facebook page and a number of people have responded there to his comments. I am sharing it here and am interested in what youo othink about his observations.
"Teacher accountability is important, but I agree that we can't do it this way. I think as a society, we are failing teachers way more than they are failing us. We systematically degrade them, embarrass them, and tell them how to do their job. We're unwilling to admit that, as a nation, we've lost sight of what education is about and how important it is to a good quality of life.
I've been ble...ssed to have been educated by outstanding teachers (Mary Smith, Annor Benson, Patrick Holmes, Kevin Clayton, Rhonda Nimmons McGee,...I could go on for a while). I want to thank all of you for putting up with the constant barrage of disrespect, non-sensical laws, ignorant parents, and lack of funding, and showing up for students like me. You've all meant the world to me; I wouldn't be half the person I am today without your wisdom, expertise, guidance, creativity, and patience. You taught me your subjects, but you also taught me how to think critically and live consciously. You taught me to explore, train, question, and create.
I hope that one day, education will return to the front of American life and get the attention and thoughtful consideration it deserves. My Grandpa Dick Clark has devoted his life to making the education system more progressive, more creative, more fair, and more effective, and I couldn't be prouder. Nothing is more important. I hope that in some way, at some point in my life, I can follow in his footsteps."
I've been ble...ssed to have been educated by outstanding teachers (Mary Smith, Annor Benson, Patrick Holmes, Kevin Clayton, Rhonda Nimmons McGee,...I could go on for a while). I want to thank all of you for putting up with the constant barrage of disrespect, non-sensical laws, ignorant parents, and lack of funding, and showing up for students like me. You've all meant the world to me; I wouldn't be half the person I am today without your wisdom, expertise, guidance, creativity, and patience. You taught me your subjects, but you also taught me how to think critically and live consciously. You taught me to explore, train, question, and create.
I hope that one day, education will return to the front of American life and get the attention and thoughtful consideration it deserves. My Grandpa Dick Clark has devoted his life to making the education system more progressive, more creative, more fair, and more effective, and I couldn't be prouder. Nothing is more important. I hope that in some way, at some point in my life, I can follow in his footsteps."