January 31, 2007

MEMO TO: James A. Williams, Ed D. Superintendent of Schools

FROM: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

RE: Insults to Teachers

Your insults directed toward me are one thing but your recent insult hurled at all New York’s teachers is a new low.

You are quoted as saying “we need accountability for classroom teachers also” apparently in reference to the accountability being sought by Governor Spitzer for Superintendents and School Boards.

In addition, the article states he (you) said tenure now is accomplished in New York “by sitting in a seat for three years.”

Teachers across New York State are held accountable every day by principals, parents, far removed administrators in City Hall, School Boards and Superintendents.

Those same teachers are the ones on the front lines being given orders from those on high who have little knowledge of what is happening in the class rooms. Teachers are being ground up by the lack of supplies, textbooks, meaningless paperwork, and programs that don’t really work. Such programs are ruining teaching and learning and providing no say in what, in teachers’ professional judgment, is best for the students.

Yet, who is blamed first when the absurd test results are low? – teachers. It’s about time that the accountability is placed where it should be – with Superintendents and School Boards.

Your statement that tenure in New York is accomplished “by sitting in a seat for three years” is not only wrong but demeaning and an insult not only to every teacher in New York but to the administrators who evaluated them.

You owe every tenured teacher in New York State a public apology. Whether they will accept it is another issue.

PR:ls

cc: R. Iannuzzi, President, NYSUT
Members, Buffalo Board of Education