Note: George P. Lesanansky Jr. is a teacher in Brookfield and fomerly taught in Youngstown City Schools where his wife Judi currently teaches. He is a former undergrad student of mine and is currently taking graduate classes. His letter is outstanding and points to the fact that there is and has been a "proficiency test" for teachers... the basic truth that the Vindicator writer ignored. I also love his point about the critical and complemenatry relationship between teaching and journalism in maintaining a viable democratic society. Harry Broudy would be proud. (rlh)
January 18, 2000Editor
The Vindicator
P.O. Box 780
Youngstown, OH 44501-0780EDITOR:
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the Editorial published in The Vindicator on Friday, January 14, 2000 (Proficiency test for teachers?).
I have been a certified teacher in the State of Ohio since 1989. My career has included employment in two public school districts and I have taught in four different schools in addition to coaching and teaching summer school courses. My responsibilities have included working with students ranging from special education to college preparation/honors in grades 8-12. During that time I have witnessed dedication and commitment from both teachers and students in striving for excellence to give and receive the best education possible. Ultimately, however, the decision to work, study and learn resides in the individual learner. The teacher can only push as hard as the student will permit and the old adage of leading a horse to water is the honest truth. And, while my profession is certainly open to criticism and proficiency tests are subject to debate, I found the editorial printed here to be insulting, ill informed and, generally, inaccurate. Many of the writer's arguments merit intellectually informed rebuttal, however, the space required to explain many of the diverse, complex issues raised by the writer exceeds what would be allotted here.
There was one major premise addressed in the column that must be corrected because it is totally false. There is a Proficiency Test for Ohio's teachers. A check of the Ohio Department of Education Web Page defines these requirements for initial certification in the State of Ohio:
To become a certified teacher in Ohio's elementary or secondary schools, to earn pre-kindergarten certification, or to add a new certification area to an existing certificate, individuals must successfully complete a preparation program at an approved teacher education institution and pass applicable portions of the NTE/Praxis II (National Teacher Examination). Upon the completion of all requirements, individuals are recommended by the dean or head of the teacher preparation program to this office for initial certification and issuance of the appropriate certificate
As candidates for certification, students undergo rigorous observation and evaluation and are subject to frequent constructive criticism from professors, supervisors and cooperating teachers. Once employed, the observation and evaluation process continues for the duration of public service. As professionals, we are encouraged to engage in professional development activities by examining the continuing research related to learning styles and the emerging pedagogical methods that can change and improve our methods of delivery. In most of the cases, the advancement of a degree or coursework taken outside of the employment situation is completed at the employee's expense.
As a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley, I would expect The Vindicator to more carefully research topics prior to making judgements and placing those beliefs in print. Being that The Vindicator is the only daily newspaper in our community, residents rely on the publication for accurate information about community events and social issues. We often have no alternative to finding printed information on daily local news, the legal docket and obituaries. As a result, I believe that there is a responsibility to provide nonbiased, accurate reporting for the good of our community. History has long lists of the consequences of the widespread publication of lies.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the editorial is the fact that public education and a free, open press are both products of this unique experiment called American Democracy and should have the same goals. Journalists enjoy freedom of the press and educators have academic freedom. Together we should strive to educate the public in an effort to help individuals make well-informed, factual, ethical decisions. Providing current, detailed, accurate information is tantamount in achieving that goal.
Incidentally, is there a Proficiency Test for Journalists?
Sincerely,
George P. Lesnansky, Jr.