[Vision2020] Luna Cautions Teachers About Political Activities

[lfalen]

Teachers have the right to engage in any political activity that the choose off duty. The classroom is a different matter. There they should not espouse any view( political, religious or otherwise) that is not germane to the subject matter at hand.
Roger
-----Original message-----
From: "Tom Hansen" thansen at moscow.com
Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 14:29:25 -0700
To: "Moscow Vision 2020" vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Luna Cautions Teachers About Political Activities

> Courtesy of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
> 
> -------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Luna cautions teachers about political activities
> 
> BOISE - Teachers are being warned they could lose their certification if
> they participate in efforts to recall Idaho Superintendent of Public
> Instruction Tom Luna, repeal his new education reforms or engage in other
> political activities on school grounds.
> 
> In a memo Friday, Luna said his office had received numerous inquiries and
> reports of teachers using their school email to coordinate political
> activities: proselytizing to students in the classroom and using pupils as
> couriers for political materials.
> 
> In a note to school superintendents and charter school administrators,
> Luna cautioned that these types of political activities were ethical
> violations punishable by a letter of reprimand, or suspension or
> revocation of a teacher's certification. He also warned that educators who
> are aware of such political activities and fail to report them face
> similar consequences.
> 
> "Those whose certificates are suspended or revoked can no longer be
> employed by an Idaho public school," said Luna, who has been targeted in
> recent months by education activists who are seeking his ouster over a
> package of new education reforms.
> 
> The sweeping changes phase out tenure for teachers, limit collective
> bargaining and shifts money from salaries for technology upgrades in the
> classrooms such as laptops for high school teachers and students. The
> three-part plan was signed into law earlier this year and has landed in
> the crosshairs of a referendum campaign.
> 
> -------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Seeya round town, Moscow.
> 
> Tom Hansen
> Moscow, Idaho
> 
> "The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to
> changeand the Realist adjusts his sails."
> 
>  - Unknown
> 
> 
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