My Positions on Issues of Importance to Teachers

By John Zaring

I'm a product of public schools, and was raised to believe in the value of public education. As an educator, my mother fought for things that today's teachers get after two years: the security of tenure, better wages and benefits, and ensuring that pay would increase with seniority. My brother followed our mother into education, and has taught high school history and coached soccer for well over two decades years in Virginia. Their insights inform my perspective ...

For the record, I'm against merit pay, and while test scores can yield compelling data for school-to-school and year-to-year comparison, it is my opinion that they are an ineffective tool for evaluating teacher performance. I value and support collaboration, so that together we can find solutions in dealing with and overcoming achievement gaps within our schools and classrooms.

I believe teachers should always have a voice in the district's decisions, especially during this fiscal crisis, and I pledge to work with administrators and the teachers on an ongoing basis so that together we can and will protect the classroom. Please know that I will not meddle in the work of on-site administrators, and will always defend a teacher's right to peer assistance and review.

If elected, I promise to bring a sense of optimism and energy to my responsibilities, actively share information with the community, and then seek the input of students, parents and teachers alike. No decision will be made without thorough analysis and before a consensus is built between the board and district staff. I will also work with + not against! + the Hart District to ensure that Castaic's new high school meets our community's expectations. Please note that I wrote "with" Hart, not "for" Hart; I will work for the children of Castaic!