Assigning of US Teachers to Focus on Equity

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US Public schools are now required by the Obama administration to put plans in place to show how they will comply with the law that the poor and racial minorities should not be taught by inexperienced and unqualified teachers more than other groups of students.

The experience of a teacher will be measured along with certification, salary and absenteeism. The evaluations of teachers are also being reviewed to ensure those with lower ratings are not getting assigned to schools where racial minorities and poverty abound more than teachers with higher ratings. States must ensure that teachers are being equally distributed based on both their experience and their credentials.

The President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, agrees with this process and commented, “The rhetoric around this process has changed…to ‘What’s the plan to attract and support and retain qualified and well-prepared teachers for the kids who need it most.’ ”

A superintendent in a Maryland school system, Joshua Starr, doesn’t think it is sufficient to find the best teachers and principals and place them where they are most needed. He thinks creating a supportive school culture, which he calls an “ecosystem”, is what is most important and something that all districts should strive for.

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