Pubdate: Tue, 01 May 2007
Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2007 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Contact:  http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195
Author: Colleen Pasco

TEACHERS BEING JUDGED BY ACTIONS OF JUST A FEW

As a high school teacher, I try to teach my students that they should 
not judge groups of people by the actions of a few.

We talk about the negative impacts of stereotyping. I have posters 
that remind them that bullying is not acceptable under any circumstances.

So how, then, can I explain to my students that it is OK for the 
governor to require all teachers be subjected to random drug testing 
because of the recent actions of a few?

How do I tell them that it's OK for the state to force it on teachers 
by tying it to pay raises?

How do I explain it's OK to target teachers and not all Department of 
Education employees?

I will not be bullied into accepting a salary offer in exchange for 
short-cutting negotiations or legislation.

Colleen Pasco

Kohala
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom