Now we learn that asking Gilroy public school teachers to
respond to parents via e-mail is an item
”
worthy
”
of being included in union negotiations.
Now we learn that asking Gilroy public school teachers to respond to parents via e-mail is an item “worthy” of being included in union negotiations. What’s next – putting how many times a classroom teacher responds to a student’s hand in air in the union contract?
Turning common sense items like responding to parent-generated e-mail denigrates the profession. Teachers should be anxious to incorporate a modern communication device that can help achieve better student performance into their skill repertoire.
How many times has the trumpet sounded – parental involvement makes a big difference in student achievement? If e-mail facilitates parental involvement, then let’s connect the dots and acknowledge that e-mail could lead to better student achievement.
Does it mean extra work for teachers? We don’t think so. Teachers can set up lists for group mailings and communication on the front end before a project is due or a big test is scheduled. That should cut down on late work and excuses thus cutting out some teacher frustration. E-mail could, in some cases, become a substitute for a face-to-face meeting.
Standardizing e-mail addresses in the Gilroy Unified School District, making those addresses public and requiring teachers to respond to parent e-mails within a couple of days should be a priority for a district trying to move forward.
That’s not to say there won’t be issues. But those should be dealt with on a teacher-to-principal basis as they arise on the school site.
The district, of course, has a direct responsibility in this equation: Every teacher must have convenient and reliable access to e-mail. Period.
This is not rocket science. Every business in America depends on e-mail to varying degrees. It’s a crucial element to success.
Gilroy Unified’s teachers and district officials should agree to that fact and get busy. It’s time to get connected with parents and improve student performance.
The e-mail direct connection between teachers and parents will help do exactly that.
