I am a Young Georgia Authors' Competition Winner, a National Merit Commended Student, a Cobb Writing Fair Winner, and a Governor's Honors Program Alumna. I am a student author whose reputation extends beyond my school, and I am a scholar with thousands in scholarships and a bright future ahead of me. But other than that, I'm just a kid. That's right. And I would have been nothing had it not been for the incredible teachers who molded me into the person I have become. By removing these teachers from their posts, the Cobb school board has hit not only me, but the students who will come after me, where it hurts.
I'm not the type of person to lecture, but it has come to my attention that the board is cutting teachers based not on what they do in the classroom, but based on what they cost to do it. For the sake of their dignity and the injustices that they have been confronted with, I will not name any names, but just know that the board is cutting some of the most gifted teachers of our time, including:
* A science and math magnet coordinator who treats her students as children and makes sure each gets personal recommendation letters to the colleges of their choice;
* A Post-AP Genetics teacher (one of two in the county) who developed a school-wide science publication, a hydroponics lab, and summer research opportunities for her students;
* A Post-AP Robotics teacher who not only heads our internationally ranked robotics team, but developed an aerospace engineering class for gifted students;
* An AP Government teacher who sends his students out into the field so that they do not merely learn government, they become a part of it;
* The ninth grade literature and composition teacher who put a pen in my hand and told me to write, if for no other reason than because I have something to say'
I have something to say now.
I know what the board's response will be. I've heard it before. I heard it two months ago when the state legislature tried to cut the Governor's Honors Program: "Gifted students will find ways to succeed on their own." But let me tell you, I would never have done half of what I have if it hadn't been for these teachers.
More than that, the board is also cutting dozens of lower-level teachers from my school, teachers who are doubly determined to help their students succeed where they have been shown that failure is a distinct possibility. These are teachers willing to foster the will to learn in students who may not have ever known such a will before.
Someday, the economy will recover. The board will hire more teachers to fill these slots, to start from square one developing programs that these teachers have created and were forced to abandon. And the board will assume that it has successfully replaced them with teachers of equal competence and skill. That may be true. But it will not be able to save the students who went without these incredible teachers, teachers who have proven their capacity to save lives. So, get rid of the teachers. It's these students whose experiences can't be replaced.
Katie McCreery
Wheeler High School
Class of 2010
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Despite the deplorable conditions the system has created, you've risen past those, and that is the mark of a true champion; I fear, as do you, that situations will worsen. I'm one of those people caught up in the hurly-burly; I do not know where I'll be teaching next year. But I make you this promise; I will do everything humanly possible to help my future students aspire to your level. Make me the promise that you will, now that you will continue to make your voice heard, now that you are aware you have one. Many of burdens we now experience will fall upon your generation. You must endeavor to persevere. Best wishes from a proud admirer!