Dear Editor,

The 2018-2019 school year has begun.  Teachers make a vast difference in students’ lives.  Teachers and students have certain rights and responsibilities.   Educators have a Teacher Bill of Rights.  According to www.teachthought.com, the Teacher Bill of Rights expresses that all educators have the right to the following: 

1. A physically and mentally safe and healthy school environment.

2. A calm, thoughtful and compassionate administration that knows when to listen and when to take quick action.

3. The supplies needed to teach and reach students—no paying out -of -pocket for copy paper, soap or pencils.

4. Up-to-date technology, books and whatever else it takes to help students succeed.

5. The space and freedom to make decisions about what is best for students.

6. The space and freedom to make decisions about how and what to teach.

7. Fair and accurate evaluations based on observations, discussions and reviews from students, parents and colleagues, not just kids’ standardized test scores.

8. A professional-level salary that takes into consideration cost of living, the investment required to become a teacher and all of the “invisible” hours involved in lesson planning, grading and growing as an educator.

9. A class size that allows for personal attention and individualized instruction for every student.

10. The time and support needed for curriculum planning, professional development and career building.             

Moreover, there is a Classroom Bill of Rights that says:

• Students have the right to a safe environment.

• Students have the right to be respected.

• Students have the right to learn.

• Students have the right to be heard.

• Students have the right to be seen as equals.

• The teacher has the right to teach and help all students.

School districts throughout the nations have hired new personnel for various job positions for the academic year.  New Employees’ Bill of Rights, found at www.bing.com. , indicates:

1. I have the right to know what’s expected of me.

2. I have the right to know about benefits, policies and procedures.

3. I have the right to be provided appropriate tools to do my job effectively.

4. I have the right to ask questions.

5. I have the right to be included.

6. I have the right to absorb knowledge and share my expertise.

7. I have the right to build strategic relationships.

8. I have the right to receive feedback.

9. I have the right to give feedback (and challenge the status quo).

10. I have the right to set goals and be developed. 

I trust that all schools will have a highly productive year.

Gerald Shirley

Selma