http://fairtopartlymoderate.blogspot.com/2012/02/here-we-go-teachers-or-too-little-to.html
I am learning that as I maintain this blog, I will end up eating crow quite frequently. With some ketchup anything tastes ok, however I will gladly consume my crow on what I have written about continuing teacher contracts in Virginia. I had written off long term contracts in Virginia with the dinosaur, but it appears (for the time being) that there might be hope. While the bill is in the cooler for this legislative session, we are not out of the woods yet.
The news out of Richmond is encouraging, but it does not mean total victory. Governor McDonnell has made it clear that ending long term contracts for teachers is something he wants to see done. It is evident that public opinion is behind McDonnell, but it appears now the legislators themselves are for the measure. Take Sen. Mark Obenshain's (R-Harrisonburg) comments that Virginia's "teachers are lemons." Such perception, coupled with public opinion will lead to an up hill battle for teachers trying to defeat the bill totally. As an aside, I wonder how Senator Obenshain would feel if we a teachers made the same type of comments about state Senators?
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| Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) Demonstrating The Lemon Dance |
Doom and gloom aside, the fact that bill was shelved for this session is positive. It would appear that the protests made by teachers last month, and a concerted effort on the part of the VEA have swayed the opinion of enough delegates, perhaps even caused a second look by the Governor. Teacher are after all a power voting block, and have a fairly large bully pulpit should we so chose. I have said this before but Governor McDonnell and the Virginia legislator should consider every step they take in regards to education.
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