As we have already seen in class, teachers today have numerous issues to deal with regarding their professional careers. Current (and recent) legislation has brought ideas of professionalism even more into the spotlight. Specifically, House Bills 79, 190 and 428 have introduced more standards for teacher conduct and require background investigations (state and federal) to be completed before anyone can work in a school environment. As Lyndsey stated in her presentation however, House Bill 190 was so broad that when a teacher was found to be in non-compliance with the provisions and lost their job, they could go to almost any other school district and get another one.
In relation to teacher's unions, I am of the belief that a lot of the misconduct that occurs in schools goes without consequence. While looking at Wikipedia's definition of the NEA it states, "With the recent scrutiny placed on teacher misconduct, regarding specifically sexual abuse, the NEA has been criticized for its failure to crack down on abusive teachers. From an AP investigation, former NEA President Reg Weaver commented, "Students must be protected from sexual predators and abuse, and teachers must be protected from false accusations." He then refused to be interviewed. The Associated Press reported that much of the resistance to report the problem comes from "where fellow teachers look away," and "School administrators make behind-the-scenes deals". This quote goes along with the fact that many have stated dealing with the cost of the lawsuits and completely following through with allegations of abuse/miscounduct. Although I do believe that unions protect teachers from being wrongfully let go, I also think that they can protect the teachers that should no longer be in the classroom due to inappropriate actions.
It is my belief that as teachers we are set to a higher standard regarding our personal actions, because we are supposed to be role models for our students. Although this is not necessairly fair, it is reality and it does make sense. However, we are also human and we do make mistakes. Depending on the severity of the offense I am of the belief that some infractions shouldn't be made out to be something to lose a job over. On the other hand, I do believe that there are some actions that should result in an immediate loss of a job/teaching license, as stated in HB 428.
When we discussed the issue in class of teacher professionalism and whether teachers act differently if they are part of a union, I can see both sides of the issue. Teaching is one of those jobs where there are not necessairly set "hours", but this does not mean that schools should expect or require their employees to attend countless meetings that frequently spill over into their "personal" time. Although I have not had any personal experience with unions yet in my career, I can see how they are complicated because on one side they support teachers and make sure they are not being mistreated, but on the other hand they can protect those that should not be able to have the jobs that they do based on their behavior. I think that the laws are trying to adress these issues, but it will take some time to truly see how they are working out.
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I agreed with you that teachers are set to a higher standard which is necessary when working with children. However, I think that many teachers are afraid to do anything because they many have a complaint said about them someone and will lose their license. In college we were told as education students that if we were caught drinking we would be kicked out of the education program. I thought that was a little harsh since none of the other majors were told that. Educators should be held to a higher standard but they should not lose their license for minor offenses.
ReplyDeleteTrue teachers are held to higher standards, so are nurses. I believe we are in a profession where we make crucial decisions and take actions that have an impact on those who we serve, the children. Their best interest should always be foremost. We are suppose to be setting examples so that we can be respected. Now, what you do on your time is your thing, but don't let it overlap into your job.Nurses are held to and bound to professionalism. Our licenses can be revoked for "immoral and improper behavior" becoming to a nurse. And believe me when I say, incidents stay on our records, even state-to-state, and if found practicing in another state with a revoked or suspended license, you don't get a second chance!
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