Entertainment versus education

Good morning, Steven

You wrote, "I’m not sure how to get there but it will probably involve a more significant economic commitment." I agree. While athletes and celebrities will probably always be popular, how can we attract the best and brightest to teaching? Bring educators, administrators and parents together to let teachers teach.

Mr. Howard, thanks for your letter. My take… Someone at the Mets, a “private” enterprise, ran the numbers and decided Mr. Verlander, a free agent, was “worth” the money and, based on his past performance, they are hoping to gain from his future performance. Conversely, we have “public” taxpayer funded educators who many would say, based on past and recent reports that show they’re really not performing, don’t deserve the salaries they’re paid. Currently, regardless of how educators perform, well or not, or even if they're not teaching, they’re paid. If I recall correctly, every few years I see articles that highlight the amount of money being paid to Los Angeles teachers, for extended periods of time to not teach due to complaints or some other reason.

Perhaps we can overhaul the public education system by making public education a thing of the past – privatize it. Or perhaps we can implement a free agent policy and run the education system similar to a sports organization. Pay for performance. Perhaps sign educators to contracts and if they’re good enough, they’ll be inked with higher contracts. If not, they’re cut. “Teams” can then choose, and pay for, the players they want. Maybe allow for trading, and print trading cards with statistics. Obviously, the devil is in the details but it’s obvious the current system doesn’t work to the benefit of “the kids.” Until there’s some sort of change, CA is destined for a race to the bottom.