by Kelly Amis
OK, I'm a bit biased when it comes to Nebraska (my home state) and people from there, but I believe this young guy named Justin Wayne has the potential to be a national leader on education reform. A lawyer by trade, Justin got himself elected to the Omaha School Board and is really shaking things up there (and taking plenty of heat for it).
Justin Wayne
Here's Justin's BIO.
And here's a letter today he submitted in support of a bill that would improve teacher evaluations in the state: Justin Wayne testimony for LB 809
You know, I can't help looking at that testimony and, for the millionth time, seeing just how crazy our system is with regard to evaluating teachers. Can you imagine if, as a new employee, you were only evaluated ONCE a year -- that is, a person actually came and observed you doing your job ONCE year (and you knew exactly when it would be)? Then, after a couple of years, you might only be evaluated every THREE TO FIVE years! Justin is supporting a bill to make sure every teacher is evaluated at least once a year. I mean, that's how far away we are from a system that holds teachers accountable.
For more reading on just how important teachers are, don't miss these recent articles by NYT writer Nicholas Kristof: