Sunday, May 31, 2009

I'm not dead- and neither is reform!

June 1st is my last day as DCTA President. I will begin teaching ELA-S Kindergarten at the Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) in the fall. This new chapter in my life will be another challenge, and opportunity to move education reform by putting our money where our mouths are. As Al Shanker said, “Teachers are not going to give up their fight for professional dignity, and they’re not going to give up their fight for good schools.”

The school will start with kindergarten through second grade. It will be a teacher-led (a.k.a. no principal) DPS "Performance School" serving the Rishel community in Southwest Denver. Our school will:
  • focus on math and science,
  • infuse technology,
  • incorporate service learning,
  • have an extended school day and early release on Wednesdays,
  • implement peer assistance and review,
  • start with 130 students,
  • promote leadership amongst students, parents, and teachers,
  • share a building with Rishel MS and KIPP HS,
  • have SMALL class sizes! (20 max in kinder!!), and
  • prepare our students to compete in a global society

I will continue to Co-Chair the DPS/DCTA Professional Practices Work Group that is focusing on creating systems for induction, mentoring, remediation, evaluation and dismissal. Also, I will continue to represent teachers on various state and national committees within DCTA/CEA/NEA, and on the NBPTS Board of Directors.

On a personal note... my twins will also be attending MSLA in second grade (I'm pulling them out of Sandoval). The girls will be in 5th grade at Sandoval, and 8th grade at DCIS next year. We will take our first family vacation to Florida in many years. You know it's bad when your son didn't realize that you can actually swim in the ocean... ouch! Thanks to everyone for your support and well wishes over the past few months.

Rest assured, you haven't heard the last of Kim Ursetta! ;)