[etni] Fw: Re: Solving the teacher pay issue could help students

From: "Ask_Etni" <ask@xxxxxxxx>
To: "ETNI" <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2009 06:49:51 +0200
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Leah Urso" <morahleah@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Solving the teacher pay issue could help students


"In any given school, there is the same
 percentage of excellent teachers to adequate teachers to mediocre
 teachers."

From: "Aharon Family"
>> Have you actually seen statistics to back this up? And what criteria were
>> used to define excellence?


My evidence is from observation only (not statistical). In America, I worked
for six different elementary/middle schools. As a special Ed teacher and
consultant, I got to know most of the teachers, often working with them to
mainstream students. As I said before, the principal set the tone for these
schools. What I noticed was, in each school there was usually two or three
"celebrity" teachers, whose reputation for being extraordinary master
teachers was generally known. The majority of the other teachers were
generally competent and well liked by their students. Then there was always
a first year young teacher who everyone helped to guide and, of course, one
or two tenured teachers whose methods were out-dated, but the school was
stuck with them. I didn't see any school with an especially high percentage
of "master teachers" or "incompetent" teachers. All the schools followed the
same pattern. The principal had a profound effect on the quality of each
school and made the difference in the school's reputation. Below is a
comment sent to me by a fellow Etnian:

"I agree with you Leah. A good principle makes a good teacher want to work
better because she feels supported and that they are both on the same side.
My first year teaching, I had a principal I was afraid of - I avoided her as
much as possible - definitely not a good working environment.  Then I had a
principal I liked - but I didn't think was very good.  She supported us -
but she wasn't the best for the school and you could feel it in the school
atmosphere.  Now we have a very 'hands-on" principal who sets an example for
everyone.  Both students and teachers want to do their best because we feel
that she is with us and there for us, and supports us.  It makes the school
a great place to work."

I think the Ministry of Ed should focus their energies on training
principals to create a healthy ambience in their schools, and to give them
the support, freedom and resources to do so without overwhelming them with 
paperwork.

Leah Urso



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[etni] Fw: Re: Solving the teacher pay issue could help students

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