In NYC, it really seems like the showdown between the teachers’ union and the Department of Education is coming to a head. It is increasingly upsetting to read and listen to people vilifying teachers.
We teachers are professionals. We want to improve our craft because we want our students to be successful. We have strong beliefs based on our experiences in classrooms with various populations of students.
A simple plea:
We’re in it for the kids. If you, the policymakers, are, too, then please just listen to us.
From the Desk of Mr. Foteah 
Keeping students’ needs and success center stage is the key for both sides in this debate. Thank you for voicing this so well.