Merry Christmas from Mr. D's Neighborhood
Nativity Creche, Naples 18th Century, on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.
"Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth…and everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child…and she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened."
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"
"And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Gloryto God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'" – Luke 2:1-14
A very Merry Christmas to everyone in the Neighborhood.
Tagged as Ancient History, Angel of the Lord, Augustus, Bethlehem, Christ, Christmas, City of David, Galilee, God, Holidays, Jesus, Judea, Naples, Nazareth
UFT Teacher Bashing: A Call for Jason Kovac to Speak Up
Yeah, I know. It was a short hiatus. Yet the recent edition of the New York Teacher got my attention.
The New York Teacher, the publication arm of the United Federation of Teachers, used to be a fun read. Lately, it's been moribund with stats, election endorsements, ads for condos in Florida, and pictures of union functions featuring teachers in all sorts of ghastly knit patterns.
What made the Teacher fun was its "outing" of what were considered bad or dangerous school administrators. Every week, the paper had a half-page expose on some dictatorial principal, a martinet superintendant, or the bewildered staff developer that lets things slide out of confusion and neglect. Comedy, as we all know, is tragedy that happens to someone else. so I got a particualr joy out of reading these, because
(a) for the most part, these guys deserved a comeuppance, as evidenced by their smug demeanor to UFT reporters; and
(b) these hapless administrators were not mine.
This week's Teacher has returned to its muckraking roots with a vengeance, yet I'm getting a feeling that full access to both sides should be in order.
Page 5 of the December 16, 2010 issue features a particularly venomous screed against PS 14X principal Jason Kovac. According to the article, Kovac–a Leadership Academy graduate (a program created to make principals from outside the education world) who took over PS 14 in June 2008–is rude, arrogant, and intimidating to his teaching staff. He chastises and bullies teachers in front of students, ignores grievances and along with his co-principal Mildred Jones, has created an atmosphere so poisonous that this once thriving school dropped from an A to a C on its recent Progress Report.
He has made enemies of the school staff, parents, community board and the union. Yet his voice is noticeably silent from this article. I really hope the New York Teacher managed to contact his office to at least offer comment. Otherwise, its a severe breach of journalistic protocol.
Whatever the case, as much as I would like to see principals like this hung out to dry, my belief in honest journalism impels me to ask Mr. Kovac to offer his side of the story. Therefore, I am offering this space in Mr. D's Neighborhood to Jason Kovac to present his side, with the following guidelines:
(1) no ad hominem attacks.
(2) share the improvements you have made since you took over in 2008; and
(3) address why your leadership style has generated so much alleged venom from staff, parents and the community, at least according to the article.
Anyone who's familiar with the Neighborhood knows that it generally keeps to a pro-teacher stance. However, it bothers me that I hear nothing from the other side–it just against my good sense of journalistic integrity.
If Mr. Kovac can keep to the guidelines, he is more than willing to send me his side of the story so it can be printed here for the readers at the Neighborhood.
Anyone who works at PS 14, or knows anyone at PS 14, please send this link to Mr. Kovac, with my compliments. I hope to hear from him soon.
Tagged as American Federation of Teachers, Commentary, current events, Curriculum, Education, Educational leadership, Florida, Head teacher, Leadership, Michael Mulgrew, New York, New York City, Opinion, Teacher, Teachers, Teaching, United Federation of Teachers, United States
Holiday Hiatus until probably 12/28
I'm feeling burnt out. Exhausted. Spent. Don't worry, its not your fault.
As a result, I'll be taking a break from the Neighborhood until after Christmas. 12/28 sounds good, as I have a hockey game to attend on the 27th. In the meantime, I'll be recharging my batteries with friends and family.
A very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a Joyous Kwanzaa to everyone at the Neighborhood!
Tagged as Christmas, Classroom, Glee, Holidays, Literature, Newyear, Opinions, Social and Economic