Perhaps Gov. Paul LePage needs to have his hearing checked? Perhaps he has a selective memory? Or, perhaps he listens only to those who agree with him?

The governor recently whipped up his supporters by taunting the Maine Education Association. After branding all mid-level state employees as corrupt, he claimed that he had challenged the MEA to step up to the plate on professional development for teachers but that he hadn’t heard from us yet. Actually, the MEA has had numerous discussions with LePage and Education Commissioner Steve Bowen, where we outlined our views for professional development and improving the profession.

The truth, which the governor tunes out, is that the MEA has spent tens of thousands of dollars from members’ dues to improve the skills of educators during the last 20 years.

We conduct annual conferences at which leaders provide training, and we provide mentors and support for those seeking certification by the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. MEA/NEA provides support for local projects, such as the Priority School program at Carrabec High in North Anson and the self-governance initiative at the Reiche School in Portland, and we fund numerous grants to improve instruction in our schools.

One of MEA’s primary purposes is to promote and advocate for professional excellence among teachers and education support professionals, and we take it very seriously. We only wish the governor would do likewise and not play politics with public education.

Chris Galgay, president

Maine Education Association

Turner

Copy the Story Link