Here We Go Teachers! or Too Little To Notice?

http://fairtopartlymoderate.blogspot.com/2012/02/kiss-good-teaching-in-virginia-goodbye.html
http://fairtopartlymoderate.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-motivates-us-and-why-getting-rid.html
Recently I have written about the troubles of education in Virginia and the paradigm changes that must occur in order for these troubles to subside.  On Wendesday of this week, teacher throughout my system were notified that as a sign of protest, the Virginia Teacher's Assosiation was going to wear black.  This was to protest the lack (percieved or otherwise) of regards to teacher welfare shown by Governor McDonald.  Personally I will be wearing black, but the more I think about it the more I realize there frutililty of the situtation. 

While I cannot agree with Governor McDonald, I cannot help but see the politics behind his recent purposal.  Tenure has long been a sore spot for professions that do not have such an option.  Those who do not teach love to build grand illiusions that tenured teachers do nothing.  this perception fails to observe the countless hours tentured teachers spend in staff leadership roles, mentoring new teachers, carrying out sponserships,serving as department chairs or coaching..in addition to their regular teaching duties. With this perception prevailent in the public, Governor McDonald can do little but take advantage.  It is good politics. 

In stressing such measures, Governor McDonald might well remember the old adage "what makes good politics, doesn't always make good policy."  Governor McDonald may well see these measures through, but he may do so at great peril to his political aspirations.  Rumors are floating around Virginia that Governor McDonald is being considered by Mitt Romney as a possible Vice-Presidential candidate, but such measures may well tip the scale towards President Obama in a critical state like Virginia.  Alienating a voting block as powerful as teachers in an election year, may well prove to be as effective as invading Russia in the spring. 

So I ask: is wearing black on Friday to show support a good thing? I think so.  It will show unity, which is always good.  Will it effect the outcome? I doubt it, but that might not be a bad thing.