Cuomo Seeks Speedy Change in Teacher Evaluations

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/nyregion/02teacher.html?ref=education

Cuomo Seeks Speedy Change in Teacher Evaluations

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo plans to go past the old “last in, first out” system of hiring teachers.  He thinks that they should no longer rely solely on seniority, but instead rely on a system of evaluation.  This would make teachers jobs rely on their teaching performance and punishment records rather than how long they have been in a district.  This proposal would give schools a way to terminate poorly performing teachers; putting the needs of the children first.  Cuomo does believe that seniority should play a role, but it should not be the only factor when making employment decisions.  He does not expect this to go on to the senate level or spread far for quite some time, but it is a first step.

          I think that the idea of this proposal is great.  There are definitely teachers who are only there for the paycheck and no longer have the kids’ best interest at heart.  The problem being that it is difficult for them to be let go unless they retire.  In these cases I think that this would be a great opportunity to make sure the teachers are staying up to par on their standards and aim to help their students do their best.  It does create a sense of worry.  It does not let teachers feel secure in their jobs.  This may stop some from tapping out their potential as a teacher in means of creativity and engaging their students.  If this is the result, it would be a shame.  If this passes, it has the potential to bring about change in teaching.