A Reader Writes... (DAEP - Part 3)

In response to the post, “And Your Point Is,” a reader writes:

“Outstanding Statement! The Brown/Brezina/Cain systems do one thing unique from the rest of the weak and feeble intervention programs that schools try to implement: They work. Their systems produce accelerated growth and results campus wide in every area that data can reach. The trick is getting a buy in from a majority of the staff.

Public education has been looked at for so long as a ministry and not a job. Those days have gone the way of the Dodo Bird. Campus staff need a great awakening into the world of "hard work." This is where the buy in is tough. Many teachers want to do the bare minimum, no thanks to worthless, liberal unions. Not on my watch! I am already planning next year's professional development and teacher orientation, and it will be nothing short of a bootcamp. They are going to learn from the word "go" that there is never an off day of teaching.

We cannot relax. If I relaxed on firewatch I would wake up with my throat cut. This is a serious business we are in. Lives are at stake. Education needs to be addressed and framed in this way. Complainers can take a hike. I have a hidden agenda as a new administrator; it is to eradicate any cancerous, complaining adult on my campus.”

SC Response
I would be lying if I didn’t say that this reader is one of my favorite guys. He was an outstanding teacher who taught in a tough, urban high school, and as you can tell, he is an aggressive, young administrator. A former Marine non-com, he only has two speeds: full sprint and sleep. In the course of throwing gas on the fire, he touches on a couple of key points.

1. Education is a serious profession. Those of us who don’t take it seriously, do a grave disservice to our students and discredit the profession.

2. Teaching done correctly is work. If you’re not tired at the end of the day, you are cutting corners that shouldn’t be cut.

3. The time to plan next year’s staff development is now.

4. If as a leader, you are not clear on what you want to achieve, then at best, all you will get is more of the same. At worst, you will be replaced.

I do think he demonizes unions a little too much. It is my experience and belief that leaders who are clear in their expectations and walk the walk, don’t have union issues. “Leaders” who don’t communicate and play the “do as I say, not as I do” game deserve every bit of hell that unions give them.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn…