Championing Teachers ’ Rights
Policymakers tend to focus on what teachers are supposed to do , or were being mandated to do . However , we know from talking with many policymakers and state leaders they are concerned with the treatment of our teachers . They know that teachers are on the frontlines of educating our children .
Teachers feel disrespected across the state . We must change that narrative . A survey conducted in 2017 , in Montgomery County , identified many , if not most , of the issues identified in this legislation . After discussing these issues with Senator Mark Green , he took the initiative to write this piece of legislation in order to codify the rights of teachers , and to build a solid foundation on which those rights could be further delineated in code in the future . SB0014 / HB0174 , The Teachers ’ Bill of Rights , has been passed by the House will go to the full floor of the Senate for a vote on Wednesday .
Many educators offered input on this legislation so we understand that the list is not exhaustive , but we acknowledge it is a great beginning . We narrowed down some key principles which teachers identified : Being treated with civility and respect ; have his or her professional judgment and discretion respected ; report any errant , offensive , or abusive content or behavior of students to school officials or appropriate agencies ; provide students with a classroom and school in which the educators , students , the property of the educator and students , and peers will be safe ; and , defend themselves and their students from physical violence or physical harm . These all seem like common sense suggestions .
Other issues , such as the right to share information regarding a student ’ s educational experience , health , or safety with the student ’ s parent or legal guardian unless otherwise prohibited by state law or the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ), codified in 20 U . S . C . § 1232g ; and , the right to review all instructional material or curriculum prior to those materials being utilized for instruction of students were also included . Apparently , some teachers feel they have been kept from notifying parents of student academic progress or concerns . In addition , they had not previously seen some of the materials they were asked to use in the classroom . Again , innocuous issues that educators should have the right to do in their role as classroom teachers .
Senator Mark Green
Senator Jim Tracy
Representative Jay Reedy
In addition , teachers should not have to spend their personal money to appropriately equip a classroom . The 110th General Assembly has already started to work to address that issue legislatively . Two