Today teachers belong to an array of association and unions, none with much political clout. Teachers have little protection and even less power. But these things are not unrelated. Simply put, my philosophy of teaching is to let the teachers teach. Let them, the professionals, make the decisions necessary to deliver the best education possible.
Teachers care about kids.
And, given the realities of the profession today, teachers make economic sacrifices to enter and remain in the classroom. Inspired teaching cannot be prescribed or dictated. The results of good teaching may not always be evident on standardized tests, but they are not hard to see for those who care to look. I enjoy the teaching profession. And it is my hope that a bolstered role for teachers, along with commensurate compensation, good working conditions and the necessary decision-making power will raise the profession to a level that will offer the kind of education that all kids need.