Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/22108
Update Continued from page 6 Tavenner, CEO of Summit charter schools, who is inter- viewed in the film; Sequoia Union High School District Su- perintendent James Lianides, who criticized the film’s mis- representation of Woodside High School in his district; Charles Weis, Santa Clara County superintendent of schools; John Danner, CEO of Rocketship charter schools; and attorney Ash Pirayou. Filmmaker finally seeks teacher input Davis Guggenheim, creator of the movie Waiting for Superman, announced last November in the Huffington Post that he wants to hear the opinions of teachers. Teachers have responded to Guggenheim with usernames in comments on the Huffing- ton Post and Facebook: “This assumes that for every deadbeat fired, there is an ex- cellent teacher waiting in the wings to be hired. That’s not the case. Every excellent teach- er starts out as a struggling teacher like I was. These strug- gling teachers must be thor- oughly trained and mentored before and during their first year. They must be given man- ageable class sizes and course loads, as well as time to collab- orate with their colleagues. They need excellent textbooks and other classroom resources. They must be well-compensat- ed so that quality talent is at- tracted. Teachers unions have an important role to play in ad- vocating for teachers’ rights and quality of life. Waiting for Superman suggests none of these.” —Plektix. “If teachers’ opinions mat- ter, why are they so absent in the film, and on the various panels you’ve participated in?” —David B. Cohen. To see more replies, or write one of your own, visit huff ingtonpost.com/davis- guggenheim. SEND US YOUR COMMENTS WATCH AT: www.apu.edu/stories/ron Ron Letourneau ’88 Principal, Santa Fe Middle School, Monrovia, CA career in education. Now more than ever, our children need great educators. If you’re considering a career change or continuing your education, we invite you to explore Azusa Pacific University. With programs for teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators, we’re confident APU has a degree for you. APU offers: • Convenient classes 1 night a week at 1 of 8 Southern California locations. • More than 36 credential and master’s degree opportunities. • Accelerated programs that allow you to earn your degree in just 12 –18 months. • NCATE-accredited programs recognized by all 50 states and internationally. JERRY BROWN” Yes on Prop. 24 “Hello, I’m page 8 Programs start five times throughout the year. Contact us today! If any of the stories in the California Educator pique your interest, let us know your thoughts and we may publish your letter. Please include your full name, local association and phone number or e-mail address in the event that we want to contact you. Letters may be sent via mail, fax or e-mail. address: California Educator Magazine CTA Communications 1705 Murchison Drive Burlingame, CA 94010-4583 fax: (650) 552-5002 e-mail: editor@cta.org AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA VENTURA COUNTY | ONLINE 11031 Call Click Email (800) 825-5278 www.apu.edu/explore/education graduatecenter@apu.edu Further your 38 California Educator | DECEMBER 2010 • JANUARY 2011 Strings attached page 8 Back-to-school tips A lesson plan for victory Facing autism A growing challenge for our school system Big election wins Teaching culturally sensitive holidays