Public school teachers demand respect! But what does that mean?
Stuart Egan, an English teacher at West Forsyth High School, gives us the answer – more money and less accountability. Mr. Egan writes (emphases added),
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A reward sounds like something that can be used as a political ploy. Respect needs no political prompt.
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A reward could be a one-time gift. Respect is continuous and grows.
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A reward is a reaction to something. Respect guides your actions.
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A reward is giving teachers a small bonus that gets taxed by the state and has no effect on retirement. Respect would be to bring salaries for teachers at least to the national average.
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A reward would be to give a school some sort of distinction because it met a measurement achievement. Respect would be honoring teachers because of actual student growth in the face of factors out of the schools’ control.
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A reward would be providing more textbooks. Respect would be to keep growing per-pupil expenditures to ensure that all students got the resources they need.
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A reward would be giving a one-time pay hike to teachers. Respect would be to make sure they kept getting raises throughout their careers on a fair salary schedule and restoring longevity pay.
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A reward may be speaking highly of principals. Respect would be not ever allowing our average principal salary to rank next to last in the nation.
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A reward may be to alter the teacher evaluation system. Respect would be to restore due-process rights for all teachers.
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A reward may be to give more professional development for teachers. Respect would be restoring pay bumps for graduate degrees.
Egan concludes, “For those lawmakers who view public education as a priority and view teachers with respect, I will not only reward them with my vote, I would show my respect by supporting them throughout their terms.” In other words, “if you give me more money, I will vote for you.”