CPPS of Seattle

Rebuttal to claims that CPPS is anti-teacher

We submitted an editorial (written by our Board VP) that appeared in the Seattle Times on 5/19/09: Teacher retention should be based on effectiveness, not seniority. That kicked off an on-line petition drive at calling for a change to this policy: supportgreatteachers.com. On 5/27, a Danny Westneat column in the Seattle Times talked about the energy surrounding the issue and the petition.

Many teachers have expressed support for the opinions expressed and the petition. Understandably, some are concerned that changes to this policy could pose a threat to teachers.

We want to be clear that CPPS is pro-teacher, so would like to clear up any misconceptions about the editorial and the petition.

CPPS has been, and will continue to be, critical of the district whenever they fail to listen to parents & community. Union negotiations are a new item on our radar because contracts with nine unions are currently up for renewal. The terms of these new contracts will dictate a large chunk of the spending and policy that will shape the district's actions for years to come. What we've asked for is a parent seat at the table -- not to take the side of the district or the side of the union, but to take the side of children.

If parents were at the table, we would be aligned with the teachers' union on many issues: There would definitely be no embrace of teaching to the WASL or standardized tests. Parents (like students) adore our strongest, most experienced teachers and would certainly support the union in protecting them. We don't want whistle-blowers to be vulnerable to retaliation, we don't want great teachers fired just to free up salary dollars, we want fair compensation to attract and retain the best teachers, etc.

BUT... take the issue of ineffective teachers: We all know some are out there. Yes, let's figure out why the procedures in place to dismiss them aren't being followed, but in the short term, we care less about who is to blame and more about fixing the problem. It really hurts when we know poor performers are still in the system while we see great teachers pushed out. That is what brought our attention to the words in the contract that forbid any attention paid to performance. Even if we can only identify 20 ineffective teachers to dismiss, that would mean an improved experience for hundreds of kids next year! Of course, anytime decisions involve the application of judgment, there is a possibility of unfairness -- but there are ways to minimize that (e.g. involve the union in defining the process & include a teacher oversight committee). Just don't expect support or sympathy from parents for those so concerned about the possibility of unfairness to a small number of adults that they support a system that is knowingly unfair to hundreds of kids (as well as strong teachers, who deserve to participate in strong teams).

We would love to see the union, districts, and parents all take the same side on these issues -- the side of what's best for the students.

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Through community meet-ups, study groups and workshops, CPPS is organizing opportunities to bring parents and community members together to discuss the issues, engage, and advocate for a great public education system in Seattle.

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Rebuttal to claims that CPPS is anti-teacher

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