Tighten the Ranks

The whole ordeal in DC with former Chancellor Rhee's cuts and reform has many teachers ready to blow a gasket. But think about it, regardless if she was right or wrong firing the teacher without proof the question still remains. Do we hold teacher to a higher standard and get rid of those who are constantly absent, lacking performance, or other discrepancies? I do believe that we have to protect each other as teachers, however i think we have to have enough pride, courage, and sense of duty towards the students to speak up when we know there are teachers under performing. Now i''m not saying we need to get rid of every teacher that slips up or has something come up, but we have a higher duty to our students to make sure that they get every bit of help that they deserve. So i believe that we as teachers should be evaluated critically and if we fail to meet standards through a set period of time, say two years, then the administrator should be allowed to take steps. But i also believe that if we continue to shine as great teachers in our evaluations we should be rewarded. Not with money (even though that wouldn't hurt) but with funds for our class. Teachers are usually intrinsically motivated and if you gave us money to help us with our job we will be elated. We should hold teacher to a higher regard but also show it in all aspects, because without us the world wouldn't have doctors or lawyers. We provide the foundation of this country and sometimes you have to pay tribute to those who hold this country up.