It's 6:55 on a Saturday evening, and I just finished 5 hours of grading essays and paragraphs. Few other professionals are "red inking copy" at this moment. It may appear that we have an 8:00-3:00 job, but I work over 3 hours per evening as well. I believe that the State of Indiana gets its money's worth from most who teach in this state; and the idea of being "on the clock" is, in itself, prehistoric! We are allowed PREP time during the day, and we can choose to run to the WC or email whomever we want!
Shame on your arrogance, Governor Daniels! Someone should tell you that your use of the word "REFORM" is a misnomer. You may erroneously believe that you were reforming; but for the first time in many years of teaching, I am now "teaching for the test". I was always proud that I taught BEYOND the tests, and my students returned from college to tell me that I had prepared them for their classes. NOW, I no longer teach students TO THINK; I teach "the test".
Teachers in this state responded NOT to Bennet's "reformation", but to the misdirected use of our time, resources, and gifts. We were bullied, maligned, insulted, demonized, and blamed for everything except the crucifixion of Christ by Dr. Bennet and Governor Daniels. The time of being their whipping boys has coming to an end. This election was not about revenge; it was not about being "dinosaurs". It was about knowing our students, embracing our mandate, voicing our concerns, refusing to be ignored by THE state superintendent, and, in my case, switching party loyalties.
Elected officials: this is a cautionary tale for you. 1,3000,000 votes is FAR more than the 50,000 members of the teachers' union. You may use strong-arm tactics with Superintendent-elect Ritz; you may set her up as your opponent before she even steps in office; you may spend an inordinate amount of time challenging this Hoosier reaction to the Bennet political games that were ousted rather than addressing the economic issues that were your campaign platforms, but be careful. You are elected to represent Hoosiers. When you no longer fulfill your duty, we will stop electing you.
Now, where's that tonic and gin?
= new reply since forum marked as read