GothamSchools — daily independent reporting on NYC public schools

1. 

   Michael M.

   September 8th, 2009 9:29 pm

   Re Item 5, the Aussies…
   Congrats to Skoolboy, Leonie Haimson, and Daniel Koretz (author of my “pet book” for the summer)… for getting props down under.

2. 

   Pogue

   September 9th, 2009 5:01 am

   In regards to the 27 year old principal article…I don’t know what a “platinum teacher” is, but I’m not sure any worker, no matter the job, can sound that enthusiastic about 12 hour work days. Sooner or later they’re going to have re-name that Brooklyn school, The Burnout Academy.

3. 

   Interested Observer

   September 9th, 2009 11:06 am

   It’s interesting that Pogue believes that a group of people who love and are committed to their jobs (in this case, their calling) could not be enthusiastic about working 12-hour days. Sounds like you need to find a passion Pogue. Good luck to you.

4. 

   Michael M.

   September 9th, 2009 11:44 am

   12 hours of work for 8 hours of pay?
   Clear the aisles so teachers can do “calling cartwheels.”

   Per IO, if teachers had passion, they would work pro bono, and Con Ed would leave their lights on in support. Sheesh.

5. 

   Interested Observer

   September 9th, 2009 12:04 pm

   Wow. What a cynical group. I feel fortunate that I was taught by committed, passionate educators in a public school instead of the clock-punching, joyless deadbeats that Michael M. and Pogue believe are predominant. By the way Michael, why do you say “…for 8 hours of pay”? Clearly, you have the mentality of a clock-punching factory worker. FYI: Professionals work as long and as hard as required to get the job done.

6. 

   QueensParent

   September 9th, 2009 12:26 pm

   IO, the difference is there are educators out there who believe that school is about children’s needs, and there are those who believe school is about serving adults needs. I think you know which group Pogue is in.

7. 

   Michael M.

   September 9th, 2009 1:24 pm

   IO,
   You seem to have a habit of twisting around what others write. And Pogue and I are the cynics? Puleeze.

   If demanding accountability — based on honest data — makes me a cynic, then make me a proud one. This town is loaded with editorial boards who have been back-slapping the Kleinberg regime, soaking up the spin from Tweed and City Hall without much attempt to fact-check, and worse: ignoring parents’ voices, parents who believe school SHOULD be about serving children’s needs — not politicians’ needs.

   Why is it when the adult/child dichotomy is pushed, the only “adults” in the cross-hairs are the teachers? (This goes double for Chancellor Klein, who wrote an essay for Huffington Post a few months back essentially accusing teachers of being the obstacles to the civil rights of students.)

   Last, the phony litmus test of teacher enthusiasm — as measured by their willingness to tolerate unpaid work on that scale — is the height of cynicism. I too am a product of enthusiastic public school teachers. But I didn’t begrudge them fair wages. (Prior GS articles have covered the subjects of unionization and/or long hours in some charters and the all-too-predictable impact on teacher turnover.)

   Last, I would encourage all commenters to refocus on policy and less on the personal sniping.

Leave a Reply