Contents

[ hide ]

As a young teacher, I have been afraid of the saying, “Last Hired, First Fired.” Although I work in a private school, the schools have always been short on money. There is always talk about cut backs and maybe even letting people go. In my Six years of teaching, I have been a first year teacher three times. The reason for the moves have been spiritual led for what is best for myself and my family.
Today when looking at EdWeek I came across a poll that asked if you are in favor or not of this philosophy. As of 7:04pm (PST) :

Do you support or oppose “last hired, first fired” layoff policies for teachers?

53 total responses

• Support
• 28% (15)

• Oppose
• 71% (38)

I am surprised by the 28% who support this flawed philosophy. I am trying to rationalize what kind of person would agree just because you were last hired as a teacher you should be fired. I think of these 15 people as Older Teachers, ones that been around for a while, and think the system is looking for a reason to fire them. I think of these 15 people as bad teachers who have just snuck by long enough to have someone else be hired since they join the team. In both cases I think it is a very selfish reason and not one an Educator should think. Why are we educators for ourselves? for the paychecks? (I know its not about paycheck for me, don’t make that much) or for the kids, the students? If I am not the right person for the students, then maybe I need to take one for the team and find something else. Who would really do that though? What are your thoughts? would you give up your job if it was best for students? how would you vote for this philosophy? what kind of people would pick each way? any thoughts?

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinperkins/231111307/