JPEF's ageism problem

 You know I expect the state to disregard veteran teachers; I really do. We should add the Jacksonville Public Education Fund to the list as well, though since they were founded and run by Teach for America, young masters of the universe types, it really shouldn't come as a surprise.

Two things.

First, JPEF wants a thousand teachers of color to join the district. That's awesome, and I would love to see it too. Though I think the fact we already have hundreds of openings, fewer people are entering the profession, and those that do, don't stay long, and veterans are taking every opportunity they can to retire, I think we should start with different priorities. 

Yes, we want to recruit minority teachers, but if we keep ignoring veterans, who will show them the ropes?

As I look at it, retaining veterans should be our priority. But JPEF going to do what JPEF going to do. 

https://www.jaxpef.org/news/new-research-sheds-light-on-inequities-in-teacher-retention-in-duval-county

Then there is ignite, and this is from their website.

Ignite is an affinity group for young professionals that focuses on igniting, YOU, the next generation of leaders and philanthropists in education!

Young professionals, hmm, don't even think about it if you are 41; this is also from their website.

• Applicants must be passionate about public education and eager to learn
• Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old

https://www.jaxpef.org/get-involved/ignite-young-professionals-group

Hmm, be passionate but be young?

If you are passionate but under 40 here is their next event.

 Strangely this sounds like something they might want to ask veterans about, but what do they know.

 Let's put this on the heals of the state's scheme to greatly reward people new or who aren't even in the profession yet at the expense of our veterans. 

I have said it before, and I will repeat it, we are never going to be the district we can be, heck the school system we can be if we marginalize teachers, veteran teachers too.

JPEF should understand that, even if the state doesn't.