Commentaries

May 15, 2009

 Commentaries is where Minnesota Public Radio welcomes your thoughtful opinion about current events and issues. Commentaries are like letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, your commentary should be issue-related, clearly written, and follow our Terms of Use. New insights into ongoing topics are especially welcome. Not all commentaries received are published. For topical interaction with others, visit the discussion groups.

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Experience in teaching does not mean lack of innovation

I'm sure Sara Fellman is an excellent teacher, and it's unfortunate she is being laid off, but the teaching methods described in the story are in no way "unique." [MPR News: New teacher layoffs may have broader impact on Minn. education]

The statement that her approach is one that "new teachers are using" suggests that experienced teachers know nothing about her techniques. This is ridiculous. She and other "new teachers" are not the first teachers to write the day's agenda on the wall or to arrange small group work for students. We have to get past the idea that new teachers are all effective teachers and "old" teachers are all ineffective and behind the times.

I agree that the loss of new teachers to layoffs is a concern, but why has the issue of effectiveness in teaching been so tied to age and years of experience? As an experienced teacher, I am frequent ly attending professional development workshops, reflecting on my practice, trying new things and improving my teaching. This goes for many of my colleagues as well. The suggestion that somehow "new" teachers have exclusive access to innovation is inaccurate and hinders our efforts to improve public education for all students.

Corinth Matera
Minneapolis, Minn.


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