How long since the last teacher strike in France?* Why are French teachers unions calling for teachers to abandon children in classrooms this time?
Three guesses:
1) Because they refuse to allow bad teachers to ruin children's chances at a better future for one moment longer?
(Nope).
2) Because they insist that hard working teachers get more training and support?
(Wrong again!)
3) Because they want outstanding teachers to be recognized and rewarded?
(Ah, ha ha hahahahahhahaha!)
No, of course not. Teachers unions in France, like teachers unions in the good 'ole USA, oppose evaluation.
Those of us who have worked in private companies know perfectly well that it's hard to evaluate employees, the worst thing, in fact, after NOT evaluating them.
So finally teachers in France and teachers in, say, Washington DC have something in common. They don't want anyone looking over their shoulder.
Read French education union Sud Education's explanation here.
8.5% to 21.5% of teachers are expected to strike. Not many, perhaps. But teacher strikes, even if only supported by a minority, mean less adults in the schools, lost time for students and, for the most fragile children, increased likelihood of failure.
How do teachers, especially the best ones, feel about this?
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* September 27 : against the non-replacement of retiring teachers
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