Rhee Watch - May 28

By Jim Stergios
May 28th, 2008

It is not easy being a teacher, especially in an inner city school. We all know that. But we can’t use the difficulty of the task to lower our goals for the children in those schools. Too often we use demographics and socio-economic status as socially acceptable ways to express bigotry as to what kids can achieve. Today’s quote from Michelle Rhee, probably the most focused and most energetic leader of an urban school district, is right on this point.

You can address the needs of the souls of these kids in the classroom, through the power that we have as educators. You cannot teach in a vacuum. You have to meet them where you are. You got to take that into account. But you can never, ever, ever let that be an excuse for kids not achieving at the highest levels.

Her point is that if you don’t think you can bring the kids in the district up to the place where they excel, then you should get another job. At least a job in another district.