We cannot have real education reform in Georgia without caring, qualified teachers in our classrooms. The recruiters have traveled the globe in search of teachers, and we are still not able to fill the classrooms. The horror stories of newly recruited teachers walking out after a few weeks in our schools are multiplying. We know the cause, and it is lack of respect for the teaching profession. We are here to offer solutions from a classroom teacher perspective.
Respect has many components.
Too much of the discussion by the Personnel Committee has focused on ways to reward a small number of teachers. We believe the vast majority of teachers in Georgia are working hard to improve student achievement. Any plan must raise the bar for all teachers, both in compensation and in standards. It is time to act now before the any warm body syndrome infects us in Georgia. Some may say it is too much.