Sunday, May 17, 2015

Request for more African American teachers, classes

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post:Students Call For Action 
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/05/16/Black-students-teachers-call-for-more-diversity-in-classes-hiring/stories/201505160082 

Lets get behind these kids and make an impact! "

9 comments:

Questioner said...

Anonymous wrote:

"From today's P-G

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/05/16/Black-students-teachers-call-for-more-diversity-in-classes-hiring/stories/201505160082

Do we really believe that our African American students would be better students behavior wise and academically if their teachers were of color also? When I taught in PPS, it didn't matter what color the teacher was. If the student was there to learn, they learned.

If I am an African American teacher today, I wouldn't want to teach in PPS because of everything that goes on outside of the classroom. "

Questioner said...

A Plus Schools is not mentioned, but the MO is very A Plus. Suspect that A Plus is powering this effort.

Anonymous said...

PPS can add a "current events" class as an elective or as a requirement if it doesn't exceed the required graduation credit requirements.

There is more than just African- American related current events happening in our country and world today. This class would be very interesting, thought provoking, and relevant. I'm sure there would be some very interesting discussions.

Anonymous said...

So let me get the story straight. The gal in the photo is of a student from Winchester Thurston, a private school. She is speaking to a crowd in front of the Pittsburgh Public School District administration building and her complaint is what?
Current events would be more interesting. Heck, the whole school experience should be more interesting and of value to the students. Is there a script for interesting current events? I just recall watching the news on the weekends. Whatever happened in the school community (You thought I was going to say hood) determined how my Mondays went. Ask any teacher today what Carrick is like when a Knoxville teen is stabbed on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, the gal at CAPA chose AP Literature over an African American class. So much for interest and value. She wanted the credit for college. She had a choice, she chose wisely. Any AP class for a senior is the logical choice if he/she can handle it.
More African American teachers? A good teacher is good no matter what the race. Sorry, it is the truth. I was once criticized because I desired to have order and structure in my time teaching at Reizenstein Middle School. I was told that African American strived on lots of noise, chaos and craziness. I guess we just have to disagree on that. But since it was my classroom, not theirs. I guess I have to be labeled racist. (Note: once that administrator left, I was cured of my racism )

Anonymous said...

Questions:
Who were the teachers and community people on the scene supporting the rally?
Will they be meeting with Linda Lane this week as follow-up?
Will they continue to rally on S.Bellfield until changes are indeed made?

Was the PG Reporter purposely photoing the Winchester Thurston student to discredit the rally?

Questioner said...

Most PPS administrators and almost half the Board members are African American, sympathetic to the concerns raised and happy to meet with students, rally or no rally.

Anonymous said...

9:22 Questioner

Are they sympathetic to the concerns raised by UPrep students and teachers, rally or no rally?

Anonymous said...

If this was Upper Saint Clair School District with mostly black teachers than community wanted more white teachers nothing be said !!!!

Anonymous said...

In case anyone is interested, here is a link to the article about the African-American Literature course the CAPA student was referring to:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10032/1032518-298.stm