Michelle Rhee's letter calls for Governor Cuomo to end the practice of laying off teachers based on seniority. Show your support by signing your name below.
To: Governor Andrew Cuomo
Subject: New York Students Are Counting on You
With looming budget cuts, you have a critical responsibility to save our best teachers.
It has become increasingly clear from research that the most important factor in determining a child’s success is the quality of the teacher at the front of the classroom. That’s why it’s crucial that New York completely eliminate the “last in, first out” policy, which mandates that the last teachers hired must be the first fired, regardless of how good they are.
Although you introduced legislation that addresses the important issue of how we define effective performance, it simply doesn’t go far enough to retain New York’s best teachers. Up to 5,000 layoffs are expected in New York City alone, so it’s imperative that you also include a measure that addresses the devastating impact this will cause.
There is no doubt teachers need fair and rigorous evaluation systems, and your bill includes language that incorporates this incredibly important reform teachers have been asking for, and should stand in any final legislation.
According to a recent Quinnipiac University survey, 85 percent of New Yorkers support ending last in, first out policies. New York students are relying on you to support ending last in, first out this year. This policy makes absolutely no sense. Why gamble on our children’s future, when we can quickly enact laws that guarantee we save great teachers?
Sincerely,
Michelle
Michelle Rhee
CEO and Founder, StudentsFirst
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