Don't blame us, we're just the teachers

From today's Willamette Week:

Outgoing Portland Association of Teachers President Jeff Miller doesn’t mince words in his essay for the May 9 union newsletter, The Advocate. Trying to explain why social and economic forces outside schools shape student achievement as much as what happens inside classrooms, Miller writes, “No one is fooled by the mantra that ‘all children can learn.’ Teachers know that some children learn less well than others because of poorer health or less-secure homes. Ignoring such truths leads only to teacher cynicism and disillusion.” Marta Guembes, a Latina advocate for students, called the remarks “upsetting” and “not OK.” Miller, whose term as head of the 3,000-member union ends next month, tells Murmurs that teachers have given him positive feedback for what he wrote about classroom instruction not accounting for why some students struggle. “Everyone who thinks about this honestly knows that,” Miller says.

I have no trouble accepting the idea that outside influences affect some students' ability to learn, but I have tremendous difficulty accepting -- from the head of the teacher's union, no less! -- excuses that point at every external factor without acknowledging that sometimes Johnny struggles in school because his teacher isn't up to par.

God forbid anyone should suggest that some teachers are unqualified and need to find a new career path. God forbid anyone should promote the idea that teachers receive continued employment based on the quality of their educational output. Anyone who does so should expect the wrath of the teacher's union upon their head because they dared to question the all-teachers-are-outstanding-and-aren't-paid-enough mantra or the motives of the union behind the mantra.

Hold on, education advocates -- I'm happy to acknowledge that the overwhelming majority of teachers are first-class, and they deserve our praise, our support and, yes, our tax dollars. But why is it OK for Jeff Miller to blame Johnny's home life and absolve all teachers of responsibility?

To paraphrase Mr. Miller, ignoring such truths leads only to parent cynicism and disillusion. Not to mention the unwillingness to support future funding requests.