News
For schools, new teacher contract is just the start
Op-Ed by Executive Director Susan Gobreski
The Philadelphia Daily News
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
By Susan Gobreski
The new contract between the union and the School District of Philadelphia demonstrates a willingness to work together by both teachers and administrators.
The contract shows that the people in charge are getting serious about making change and addressing the critical issues. It seems like they heard the call and the public interest in seeing visible progress on educational quality.
Of course, there is still progress to be made in all areas.
The new teacher evaluation system has to be effectively implemented by well-trained principals who are committed to developing the instructional talent of their own staff. Additionally, we need to monitor staff stability in the schools that need it most. Are teachers being retained? If not, why not? This is a specific issue where the district can make an impact.
Now that the contract is final, students, parents, teachers and advocates are eager to lend their expertise to putting key advancements in place - and to helping usher through even more improvements that weren’t addressed in the contract.
Given how important teachers are, the real indication of success will be students experiencing positive change and enthusiastic adults committed to implementing changes and improving the process.
The new contract is a step in the right direction - but ensuring an effective teacher for every kid continues to be a daily job.
