Message from Dr. Looney

I was also saddened by what I saw; because I know, despite their efforts and hard work, teachers frequently continue to go unrecognized.  Where else do hundreds upon hundreds of professionals work, off the clock, on such a regular basis even when their work is scrutinized, criticized and arguably unappreciated by so many?

In my humble opinion, our teachers are in need of a good old fashioned pat on the back.  So let me be the first to stand and say, “thank you teachers.”  Knowing that an organization is only as good as its employees, I can truly say our teachers are exceptional and they inspire me.

As with lots of things, it’s more complicated than just offering a few words of gratitude.  I confess to having another reason for submitting this letter.  Our teachers need to feel respected and valued more than ever because the new evaluation system adopted by the State has created unrest and angst among teachers.

As Director of Schools, I have tried to listen to teachers and principals, to be attentive to their needs and concerns and to communicate appropriate feedback to appointed and elected officials.

In part, their worry is caused by the imperfect implementation of the new evaluation system adopted by the State. Let’s be clear.  Teachers should and must be evaluated.  Accountability is something that we should expect and provide as part of our important work.

To that end, there are definitely some positive attributes to the new evaluation system, otherwise known as TEAM.  Our principals and teachers have embraced the refreshing dialog brought about by a renewed focus on “what happens in the classroom.”  Specifically, some report the TEAM process has helped stimulate robust conversations about classroom instruction, best practices and student outcomes--all good stuff!

Nevertheless, it is also important to recognize that school still happens.  Teacher evaluations are only one piece of the improvement process.  Principals and teachers must continue their important conversations about teaching and learning outside of formal evaluation.  Grade level meetings, department meetings and faculty meetings all are vital to building and sustaining success.  More importantly, teachers must work on the work by planning, instructing, grading, supervising, coaching, mentoring and motivating students each hour of every school day.

The TEAM process, as currently designed, also created some unintended consequences.   There is resentment and even anger over the many unanswered questions for which the State has yet to provide a good response.  For example, by using TEAM about 60 percent of teachers will be evaluated, in part, not on their own performance but instead on that of their peers (e.g. 35 percent of a first grade teacher’s evaluation is derived from third or fourth grade students’ performance).

It is terribly problematic for teachers to be evaluated on the performance of students they don’t teach. Comparatively, politicians ought to be held accountable for the votes of their counter parts with an opposing view, plumbers would need to be paid on how well electricians lay wire and bankers on the savings rates of bank customers. Simply stated, we can do better for our teachers.

Despite the challenges, I truly believe we can make these evaluations more meaningful in the long run, if communication lines remain open. To be successful we must commit, collectively and in earnest, to working together to find solutions to the process’s current shortcomings.

Meanwhile, Williamson County teachers will continue to work hard on behalf of students. We also remain hopeful the Tennessee Department of Education and our legislature will partner with all stakeholders to make the necessary improvements to the process.

With respect and hope,

Mike Looney