I am a fifth grade general educator in Albuquerque and I recently completed my third year. At the end of this past year, I was given my evaluation results on, what I have deemed the “Worst Day of My Life”. I was given a score of “Minimally Effective”. I did not earn this score. I know in my heart, and without a doubt, that I am a “Highly Effective” teacher. I receive high marks on every observation, my students scored higher than all other fifth graders (at my school) during my second year, and I always give 150% to ensure my students receive the best education possible. Then why did I receive “Minimally Effective”, you ask? Ask Hanna and Susanna. Oh wait, they can’t give you a straight answer. Heck, even a representative from PED, who apparently came up with the VAM “Sham” can’t give us a straight answer.
Back in May, when I received my results, I began emailing Matt Montano from PED every day for several weeks without any response. In my numerous emails I expressed concerns with the process used to assign teacher evaluation scores. I shared data from my students’ SBA scores that proves I am a “highly effective teacher.” On the morning of June 20th, I was finally given a chance to meet with Montano and get some answers. He did not answer anything, skirted around the issues, and brushed off the fact that I was extremely upset. I still have many questions regarding my evaluation score and the procedure used to assign teachers’ scores. He left me wondering about many things and, frankly, he was rude and arrogant during our meeting. As a tax-paying resident of this great state of New Mexico, and an educator to boot, I found it extremely disheartening and disrespectful that a member of PED felt it was appropriate to exude a sense of superiority and remain very condescending in nature throughout our entire meeting. I was also told, at one point, that he expected me to be “respectful”, simply because I asked a valid question.
That valid question, you wonder? As I sat, at a Starbucks of all places, listening to another PED speech filled with jargon no one understands, I noticed Skandera sitting outside, having a nice little chat with an APS board member. When they ended their meeting, I asked if she would be joining us. I received a hasty “no” in response. When I commented that it would be nice to hear from the Secretary-designate of Education herself, I was told to be respectful. I’ll be “respectful” when we, as teachers, are given the respect we deserve!
During what I call the “Email Fiasco”, and after this meeting with Montano, I decided to go to the source… Governor Martinez. I began emailing her constantly, expressing all of my same concerns. When I received a response from a member of constituent services, I requested a meeting with Martinez in person. No response, of course. Typical. As an elected official, Governor Martinez ultimately works for me, so I felt as though it was appropriate and within reason to request a meeting with her directly.
I now lie awake at night wondering if I have made a mistake. In college I couldn’t wait to be hired for my first teaching assignment and begin using the skills learned from my student teaching days. I have joined a profession that is, sadly, no longer respected. We are demoralized constantly and beaten down at every turn. When will enough be enough? When will Hanna and Susanna understand just how much they are hurting us?
(Photo of classroom chairs by Alan Levine)
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