The infrastructure needs of New York's public schools must be addressed so our state's students can have a clean, safe and healthy learning environment. It's time to reinvest in New York's education infrastructure. As New York builds on the higher standards, we must work together to make our schools innovative learning centers for our students and teachers. We will recruit and retain the best and brightest when we integrate professional development opportunities into every teacher's workday and academic year. School districts should build professional development panels, guided by classroom teachers, so teachers are empowered to review and act upon the best practices in their profession.
Public education faces a huge teacher shortage in the next decade.
The Mentor-Intern program is a valuable tool to give new teachers the benefits of the insights and experience of classroom veterans. Last session the legislature voted to increase funding for the Mentor-Intern program. The Governor vetoed the entire program. This veto was short-sighted and ignores the recommendations of the Regents' Task force on Teaching. State decisionmakers must use their political muscle to implement solid education policies, rather than undermine them.