The Times Union disrespects classroom teachers

When Topher Sanders wrote in an article about a group of CEOs raising money for the district, Chartrand was talking to a room packed at TPC Sawgrass with Jacksonville's most knowledgeable educators and advocates, and most influential and wealthy business leaders. Tuesday's event was called "Champions for Education." He wasn’t talking about those “less than knowledgable” classroom teachers. No, he was talking about the six area superintendents that were invited.

That’s right friends not classroom teachers, those charged with doing the actual educating of our children. I shouldn’t be offended because after all this was the umpteenth rally or blue ribbon panel that has met to discuss education that teachers are excluded from but I am.

This is made worse by the fact Gary Chartand has long had a negative opinion about professional teachers. He doesn’t think experience or training matters and teachers should be able to compensate for poverty and a lack of parental involvement. I also hope neither he nor the Times Union consider him one of the most knowledgeable advocates. Chartrand is on record saying there is no evidence smaller class sizes works, when that is the one reform with evidence that says it does.

We cannot continue to disrespect, dump on and ignore our teachers and expect success to miraculously occur. But then again what do I know after all I am less than knowledgeable.