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Discussion and Critiques Are Healthy
By Martin Gregor, Barkhamsted
My jaw dropped when I read Matthew P. Valenti's article "Teachers Deserve the Whole Enchilada" in The Voice last week. Mr. Valenti is head of the teacher's union in Torrington. The primary objective of this organization is to procure benefits and salary for its members; it is not to educate children.
Although there is a general consensus that education reforms are in order, Mr. Valenti said the articles in The Voice on this subject are "getting sickening." I disagree; I believe that discussion, debate and critiques that offer new ideas are indeed very healthy. There is no "teacher-bashing" going on. These articles are a cry for help—an expression of frustration from people who care enough about this situation to want to change and improve it, but who are unable to do so because of bureaucracy and organizations like the one headed by Mr. Valenti.
In his article, Mr. Valenti is highly critical of our right to freedom of speech. He states: "They feel they have some right to [criticize teachers] because they pay taxes." Whether funding for education is drawn at the federal, state, or town level, it is all tax dollars that come out of our wallets. We foot the bill.
Do we have a right to ask questions? Do we have a right to offer criticism? Do we have a right to expect results? I'll let The Voice reader answer those questions.
In anticipation of "the whole enchilada," Mr. Valenti, what can we expect for a return on our investment? Increased student performance and academic standards? Or will it be more of the same: an educational system hell-bent on changing the way people think, elevating sensitivity above truth, and using classrooms as indoctrination centers for political correctness instead of imparting knowledge, facts and the truth and letting students form their own opinions?
Don't worry, Mr. Valenti! The teachers will get their raises this year; they always do. However, an annual raise in the private sector is the exception these days, rather than the rule. When companies do give raises, they go to the strongest performers. Most corporations are reluctant to compensate their weak performers, hoping they will find the door and move on to something they are more suited for. As a result, the employer will build the most effective and efficient organization possible.
Is this the way the teachers are compensated, Mr. Valenti? Please tell us; we are dying to know.
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