A common complaint in the Roosevelt years, and perhaps to a lesser extent the Lane years, was a perception of bias against older teachers, principals and administrators. Cost was felt to be an issue (more experienced teachers earned more), but beyond that a common impression was that younger teachers were less likely to ask questions. Has the situation improved under Hamlet? Or are there enough older teachers, staff and administrators remaining to make a determination?
A book from last year, "Disrupted: My misadventure in the start-up bubble," about a 50+ individual who goes to work at a Boston tech company where most employees are under 30, is entertaining and echoes some of the experiences mentioned by experienced teachers. In addition, some of the techniques used by administrators are eerily Rooseveltian.
3 comments:
just as an observer, it seemed easy to fall from grace during the Roosevelt/Lane era. going from a position of authority and influence back to classroom teacher is something I recall seeing. Mark seemed to gain energy when around college and grad students and fed off their enthusiasm. honestly, I think he really did believe in all his plans and thought pittsburgh would be the model for all other struggling urban school systems to follow. as parents, we had concerns about what our younger kids might miss out on that benefited an older sibling. normally, that would be a talented teacher. in my opinion, TFA did not catch fire here because a few parents supported it beyond what was reasonable and their motives were suspect. Who stood to benefit from hiring the inexperienced? having no direct experience with Dr. hamlet I can only say I have heard good things.
The other PA districts -who we are compared to in various lists,scores etc-- do value seasoned teachers, often pairing them with rookies. With the legislature trying to shut down seniority the issue is still out there. One of the marks of a rough school in Pittsburgh was that the seasoned teachers applied to better schools as they grew in seniority. The whole idea that parents support the idea of a revolving door of rookie teachers would seem nuts to suburban parents-- who know that those seasoned teachers - the ones the kids dread/ and talk about but yet, return to say how much they learned etc.
Mark was s two-bit hustler, who got out when his daughter reached school age=way obvious to those seasoned teachers and parents.
Can anyone provide an update on the recent actions filed against the district for age discrimination? Two principals if recall accurately.
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