Maligning D.C. Teachers

The Sept. 23 editorial "Ms. Rhee's Belt-Tightening" made the broad -- and incorrect -- assertion that the hundreds of D.C. teachers facing layoffs are ineffective. Perhaps The Post is privy to information not shared with the teachers whom it so cavalierly dismisses. Or maybe The Post simply decided to make a statement not supported by facts. Sadly, this editorial was an example of the finger-pointing that has hindered true public education reform.

The editorial suggested that it is the Washington Teachers Union's responsibility to reach a contract with the D.C. public schools. If the union were negotiating with itself, a contract would have been concluded by now. We operate in a real world in which both parties have to engage in negotiations to reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, important questions remain. How is the District using stimulus money it received specifically to avert layoffs and program cuts? Why would Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee decide to hire 900 new teachers when school enrollment numbers are unchanged from last year?

Teacher layoffs or any action that reduces educator-student contact should be an absolute last resort for any school district. Worse, these actions are being taken six weeks into the academic year, much too late to collectively develop alternative solutions. In the interest of a productive working relationship, let's hope this was a managerial misstep on the part of the District's public school system and not an indication from Ms. Rhee that she believes we can hire and fire our way to a successful school system.

RANDI WEINGARTEN

President

American Federation of Teachers

Washington