Dear Editor:
Thank you most sincerely for writing the Our Voice editorial
regarding the Gilroy Unified School District teacher evaluation
process.
Dear Editor:
Thank you most sincerely for writing the Our Voice editorial regarding the Gilroy Unified School District teacher evaluation process.
The Porter incident was not an isolated case. I believe the rule-by-intimidation idea is coming from higher up than Gilroy High School’s principal. The same thing happened at my previous school not long ago. Four teachers were fired without a reason given other than … you guessed it: “You’re not a good match for our school.” One was escorted off campus before the year ended, in much the same fashion as Ms. Porter. It was traumatic for the entire school, as you can imagine.
It was later explained reasons weren’t being given because anything said could come back to haunt the district, should a legal case arise. If concerns regarding the teachers were valid and documented in any sort of way, this really wouldn’t be a problem, would it?
It wouldn’t be so bad if they were letting poor teachers go, but it’s painfully obvious they’re looking for robotic Stepford teachers, who will quietly do whatever they say, as you alluded to in your editorial. Their claim of wanting to attract and retain qualified teachers doesn’t ring true. In fact, they seem to have a disdain for experienced teachers, almost as if they consider them to be troublesome children or some sort of threat.
A district office employee said if she had it her way they’d turn over teachers every five years. That’s a lovely sentiment. How sad.
Experienced teachers and new teachers alike have so much to offer, even those who don’t always agree with the latest mandates. Dare I say especially those who don’t agree with the latest mandates? Perhaps those in the trenches have the inside scoop on what will be successful. Working together we could accomplish far more than through this heavy handed, oppressive style of leadership.
Is what they’re doing legal? Sure. Is it ethical? That’s questionable. Is it the best way to run a school district? No.
As a teacher, I wouldn’t dream of running my classroom this way: me against them. I’ve learned I can attain much better results with my students when we’re on the same side, and they know I like and respect them.
My words don’t adequately convey how grateful I am that some of this is coming to light. Thank you so much for your support.
Name withheld by request for fear of retribution, Gilroy
Submitted Friday, April 9
