Teachers are busy managing, not teaching

The state government and Iowa Legislature spent a lot of time last session on education reform. The main focus was on teachers. Gov. Branstad had been adversary of the teacher's union, so one must be wary of his motives and proposals.

When experts were touting early childhood education, the governor tried to cut funds for the programs. It seems to me that some of the proposals for teacher pay would be divisive, leading to an erosion of union strength.

I do agree that some teachers are not effective and should be terminated or be assisted to improve their skills. What wasn't addressed is the importance of a student's home environment. Is the home a setting where the student can concentrate on learning? Are the parents supportive of the efforts of both student and school? Are students being taught courtesy, respect, acceptable manners and conduct? In many homes, English is a second language and extra resources are needed for those students. Because many students are not courteous, respectful nor have acceptable behavior, many teachers are busy managing, rather than teaching. Teachers have students about 10 percent of the time in a calendar year. They cannot be accountable for 100 percent of the results.

Ronald Johnson

Iowa City