I take exception to Janet Barresi’s latest remarks, that parent and community involvement produces better performing educators. Community and parental involvement is truly needed.
What is not needed is action based upon faulty assumptions—that the professionalism of the educator is dependent upon the parents or the community. Professionals are professionals because that is who they are. Having been married to a professional educator for over a quarter of a century, I can attest that her professionalism, dedication, and desire to equip every student for success come from within and not from the external circumstances. She has taught in public and private schools in many states. Sometimes parental and community support was beyond expectations. Other times it was pitiful. Neither condition changed her professionalism.
One thing every leader must learn—and the sooner the better—is that if the premise is false, everything put forth thereafter may be proven true—even the most absurd concepts. It is time to verify some assumptions. The first of which is that the professionalism of our teachers is based upon any external set of circumstances: Not true.
Our superintendent is walking the path of the ancient Pharisees. They placed burdens on the backs of people when they were supposed to be shepherding them. It is time for self assessment at the top before capriciously implementing any widespread changes.
There are none so blind as those who will not see.
Matthew Henry
