Photo courtesy of Linda Braucht

As parents, we are often attacked whenever we dare to express a view on education — especially when it opposes those of National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers affiliates who have long-controlled discussions about the direction of schools. We are disdained as being “less-knowing”. We are expected to stay silent, except when asked to stand up for protecting ineffective and incompetent teachers.

So when we speak, dare to join rallies, and support efforts such as Gov. Dan Malloy’s teacher quality reforms contained in Senate Bill 24, we are attacked. Our parents are intimidated by teachers and principals who don’t want the best for our children. They are criticized as being “dupes” and accused of not thinking for themselves. And they are chided for not knowing the language of education — even when that language covers up abuses to our children such as putting them in “scream rooms”.

Certainly, I agree that Gov. Malloy could have done a better job of balancing the messaging of SB 24. He has put much emphasis on teachers. But if you were Malloy, you have no choice. The union machine that protects incompetent teachers makes lawmakers hide under their desks — and throw children under the bus — because they are fearful that of the machine, especially during election time.

As parents, we can no longer stand by and accept the state of affairs perpetuated by NEA and AFT. Especially after seeing the anger displayed by some teachers at these town hall meetings Malloy has held throughout the state. I’m a little afraid for the children in their classrooms because   teachers are human too and can be subject to mental break downs just like the private sector.

I know it’s a tough job being a teacher, principal and administrator. My hat is off to all the effective ones. But I ask you to put yourself in the shoes of the parents of the students that are in your class, especially urban, poor and rural districts.

When one-third of Connecticut’s elementary school teachers can’t pass the reading test, should we as parents allow them to teach? When 58 percent of 4th graders are reading below grade level, should parents not hold teachers accountable for not teaching effectively? And how come some schools can successfully educate the same child you called poor and unable to make it?

For decades, teachers’ unions and less-effective instructors blame parents and students all day every day for the failings of teachers who don’t belong in classrooms. They have also controlled and intimidated legislatures, allowing those teachers who are ineffective remain in their jobs, while they blame parents and students for their inability to teach.

But now we know better. We can no longer let ineffective teachers, principals and superintendents remain unaccountable. In the business world and the rest of real life, we’re not allowed to remain unaccountable in spite of poor performance. Why should ineffective teachers and principals be treated any differently? It is time for opponents of reform to face real life with real people, like you, like me, facing tough times and tough decisions.

There are great teachers, principals, and administrators in Connecticut and throughout America. Their reputations precedes them and they will do fine and probably get merit pay. There are some teachers, principals and administrators that need some help. They will get extra taxpayers dollars to get the help they need to be more effective. Then there are those that should have left education a long time ago. If we won’t tolerate parents abusing the bodies and minds of our children, we shouldn’t tolerate educators doing the same to their futures.

I am sorry if some teachers feel as if they are under attack. If you are doing great work, you shouldn’t feel that way. At the same time, welcome to my world and that of my fellow parents, especially those of us who are people of color. Every day, our children and ourselves are constantly attacked for daring to demand high quality education. All we want is to know that teachers and principals will finally be accountable for doing their jobs for our children. And we will no longer accept anything less.