‘3 Rs:’ Our Schools, Our Kids, Our Future

In a perfect world, every teacher would be a Mr. Holland, the fictional movie character whose dedication and style inspired a legion of students, including a clarinet-playing future governor.

In a perfect world, every student would come to class groomed, well fed and ready to learn. Each kid would have supportive parents who understand the importance of education. Each pupil would try his or her best and would never be disruptive.

This isn’t a perfect world. Far from it.

The teaching profession has culls just like every other profession, including journalism. Increasingly, students come from dysfunctional families whose main concern is survival - not whether Johnny or Jane behave in school or are learning anything. Teacher unions stress tenure over excellence.

As a result, public education suffers, and families opt for private schools.

In a recent series, The Spokesman-Review looked at one problem dogging public schools: bad teachers. They leave a sour taste. It’s hard to fire them. For the sake of public education, however, something should be done about them.

First, administrators and teachers unions should quit protecting problem teachers. Principals who inflate teacher evaluations and unions that go to the mat for the worst instructors sabotage public education and betray the children. It’s absurd that strapped school districts easily can waste $40,000 in legal fees canning a bad apple.

Second, school districts and unions should develop mentor programs for struggling teachers, particularly the new ones. Such tutelage can turn a teacher around. Remember, Mr. Holland needed a push from his principal to get going.

Finally, parents need to get involved.

Most teachers are very good at the job they do. Some are excellent. But they face a difficult task. They’re expected to teach easily distracted Generation Xers, appease grade-conscious parents and endure a negative public image with grace.

Parents can help their children’s teachers in many ways: By flipping off the TV set and establishing a learning environment in the home. By making sure their children eat properly and get enough sleep so they can stay awake in class. By attending parentteacher conferences, PTO meetings and volunteering to help in the classroom. By praising teachers who do their jobs well.

We all have a stake in the public education system.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = D.F. Oliveria For the editorial board