Training days are nice, but face time in the classroom is more
important
While training days are nice, the truth is that instructional days with the students in the classroom are essential for student success.
With state and local budgets in a vice, something has to give in contract negotiations between the teachers and the Gilroy Unified School District. In this case, it’s the in-service days which need to be curtailed in favor of classroom instruction.
GUSD can’t afford to take a step back in the sustained push toward a better education for our students and the Board of Trustees is right to take the position it has.
Gilroy teachers should recognize that classroom time trumps training time. The school day and the school year are short enough. In fact, there’s a very compelling argument to make both the day and the school year longer. Many charter schools are doing just that and making measurable strides in advancing students.
And that’s what it’s all about – educating the students. It’s not about protecting “teacher time.” Most teachers understand the dilemma facing the district. It’s not about being punitive, or about wanting to take something away from teachers. These Trustees have shown no such desire or tendency.
Cutting $6 million from the budget is no easy task. Trying to accomplish that with as little impact as possible on the classroom – and by that we mean student instruction – is a heavy burden.
Rather than exacerbate a difficult situation, teachers should seriously consider letting the union representatives know if they disagree with the current situation. Breaking a negotiation impasse sometimes takes hearing something unexpected from the membership.
The district has made strides. Challenges continue of course. Teachers can make all the difference, but only if they understand that face time in the classroom is paramount.
