Sunday, February 19, 2017

Governor Suggests Teachers Job Shadow for License Renewal

In Governor Kasich's recent budget proposal, he suggests that in order to renew their teaching license,  teacher should job shadow with a local business.  Instead of going into greater explanation of the details, here is a link to an article from February 14, 2016 Cincinnati.com:  Kasich: Teachers should job shadow with businesses to renew licenses.

Here are my thoughts:  Teachers pursuing continuing professional development that results in greater academic gains for their students is always a good thing.  I would never support the notion that educational professionals need to stop honing their skills and understanding of the application of our content and standards.  But this idea of job shadowing, although seems good on paper, falls short.

Wouldn't having students explore area business and discover how their schooling is applied to the workforce be more valuable?  Wouldn't inviting local business and workforce leaders into the schools to demonstrate the practical application to our younger learners in a hands-on simulation type experience yield greater gains in achievement?

Everyday I balance a business-like approach to school management with the practical and real needs of students and staff that is impossible to quantify.  Suggestions that schools are mismanaged and wasteful with the solution being running schools like a business is short sighted.  Explain to me how a business would respond if an employee with special needs needed an individualized program that cost in excess of $30,000 per year to implement?

Furthermore, if having teachers job shadow in business to develop into more competent teachers, then why do we not insist that lawyers, doctors, CPAs, and other professionals job shadow in schools prior to credential renewals or job advancements?  Having those professions experience the difficulties, challenges, success stories and the everyday achievement of our students and teachers that can never be accurately reflected on a state report card can surely improve the efficiencies of their sector of society.

According to the Small Business Association 50% of small businesses fail within the first year.  33% fail within 2 years.  Public Education has a far longer history of success while operating with greater governmental regulations and much,  much tighter revenue streams and resources.

The point is, business models can make a positive impact on the organization and management of schools, but it's being overplayed and oversimplified in today's society.

Maybe local businesses should pay more attention to how schools are operated rather than the other way around?