Teachers Vacation..er..Convention

I know there are plenty of people who like to attack education and teachers but don’t count me among them. As a matter of fact I am and probably always will be a supporter of public education which is often an easy target for critics. It’s certainly not a perfect system but what is and much of the education pitfalls are due to things out of the control of those that work in it on a daily basis.

However today and tomorrow you will probably notice that school busses are not rolling and all is quiet at public schools throughout the county and state. That’s because of an annual tradition known as the NJEA Convention which takes place in Atlantic City. Obviously many teachers attend this two-day program which offers workshops and other useful information. However the overwhelming majority doesn’t and really what this is for most is a four or five day mini-vacation…depending on if your school is close Monday for Veteran’s Day.

I have nothing against the concept of a teacher’s convention but if it’s so important to close school down for two days then attendance should be required. It would not be practical for every teacher to go every year but certainly attending every 3 or 5 years would seem to be fair. Again that’s if this convention is so important for educators to attend. If it’s not then it should be held at another time so schools could remain open.

I know some will view this as teacher bashing and it’s not….my wife happens to be one and many of my best friends are. However when I’ve asked some people why this convention, which in fairness some teachers attend every year, continues I’m told that’s the way it’s always been.
That’s an answer that many of us in the business world find tough to swallow because we know the only constant is change.

I could even live with changing what we call these two days to a Fall Break that just happens to coincide with the convention. Whatever it’s something that should be looked at….just like moving the Toms River Halloween Parade to another day besides Halloween which disrupts trick or treating.
I received many calls and emails and many agree….it’s time for change.