Today we will hit upon three topics for our back to school episode.  First, discuss the latest contract talks and the arbitration proposal by the government.  Next, a reminder for teacher’s to check their privilege when back in class this fall. . Finally, will weigh in on the parents consent issue and discuss my post “Love and Respect - https://gregcawsey.substack.com/p/love-and-respect-we-can-do-both on the Public #onted newsletter last week.

So switch things up this week and discuss the issue of attendance with respect to teachers. The number of teacher sick days gets the attention of many, but Greg explains why he doesn’t believe that should be the main concern.  

This week examines attendance and engagement issues for today’s students. Educators already know the challenges students face.  Mental and physical health, not to mention the rise of incredible stay at home entertainment options available for many. So what to do? 

Also, discuss what the current strike vote means and why Greg is not overly concerned over a September work stoppage. 

This week examine the important role extracurriculars play in the public education system. For many students their continuing engagement in their education is dependent upon them. That importance sadly makes them a repeated target, used as a bargaining chip by teacher unions when contract talks stall. 

Also discuss from the perspective of a twenty plus year vet of coaching or running something in the school some advice on how to avoid the bitter trap and make your experience a lifelong joy.   

When school boards allow parents to choose a school to isolate them from the mainstream  they diminish the unifying power of our public school system. Discuss how we can allow for choice within a public system, but still educate all in unity, not separation. 

Discuss what takes place during the professional development days teachers take part.  They are beneficial, but their ill timing during the school year serves more as a mental health break for reflection, rather than an opportunity for implementing real change. Will also comment on the very unfortunate suicide of a TDSB Principal, who was accused of racism during a professional training session.

Today, discuss whether hot button topics like Drag Queen story time are just media fuelled smoke. Or do they have the potential to be a fire of genuine controversy beyond the political extremes?

Today we continue the discussion on rating teachers, perforamce and pay.  End episode with a pessimistic assessment of where I believe things are headed this fall. 

This episode discusses the teacher evaluation process.  We do a good job of understanding that teaching is a craft that requires continuous development and reflection.  The issue is judging performance.  Teacher unions have taken any recognition out of the evaluation process. That may work at the bargaining table, but it hinders public education. It’s hard to follow the path of a great teacher if the criteria that determines their success is allowed to be unclear.  

It is vital that we maintain the confidence in our Public education system. Yes, it’s far from perfect, but it’s still churning out a record number of top notch grads each year who appreciate the importance of education in shaping their future.  Today I will discuss its inherent advantages and shortcomings. It may not be what the far right wants or runs the way the far left likes, but our public education system still works very well for most of the middle. For the sake of our society, we must keep it that way. 

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