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Posted on 12/04/2001 8:36:29 PM PST by summer

The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows - Part 5

Written by:

summer -- a former Dem, now an independent and a FL-certified teacher

Hello, and nice to see you!

Let's get right to it.

Although you and I may agree or disagree on any number of issues relating to education and teachers, here are two concepts I think we all support:

(A) High standards for teachers; and

(B) High quality teaching.

Today you'll meet a very select group of more than 2,000 (two thousand) teachers here in Florida. These FL teachers successfully completed a long and arduous process, after they chose to become:

Nationally Certified Teachers.

Yet, despite their hard work, successful completion of this demanding program, and recognition by Governor Bush here in Florida, I've been reading published statements by Dem Leaders and others that lead me to believe the accomplishments of this particular group of FL teachers may be conveniently ignored and swept under the rug by those who oppose Gov. Bush in this upcoming governor's race.

For if others continuously recognize and discuss the existence of these outstanding FL teachers - and the increased number of such teachers in Florida during the past three years -- one must also recognize certain positive facts about Governor Bush's actual record on education.

It is my sincere hope that when you have time, you will examine some of the links I have posted below.

And, then, perhaps, use some of that information to write factually accurate Letters to Editors, at FL newspapers, at some point during this coming year.

Write a letter to inform everyone -- including this select group of high-quality FL teachers -- that:

(1) YOU are aware of the existence of FL's Nationally Certified teachers -- who numbers have more than doubled since Governor Bush took office, and now number more than 2,000.

(2) YOU certainly know that thanks to the hard work of these teachers - and, Governor Bush's support of excellent teaching -- Florida is now ranked #2 in the nation for the number of Nationally Certified teachers, trailing only North Carolina.

(3)YOU strongly support high standards for teachers;

(4) YOU publicly support teachers who meet high standards;

(5) YOU are aware of Governor Bush's continuous public support of high standards of teachers, and his funding of Florida's "Excellent Teaching Program," which rewards and motivates FL teachers to pursue National Certification.

(6) YOU are happy to congratulate all of these more than 2,000 FL teachers on their achievements, because you truly do care about high standards for teachers and high quality teaching.

And, therefore, you will continuously mention, recognize and congratulate these special teachers -- even if others persistently fail to mention the existence of such outstanding FL teachers (and, fail to mention Gov. Bush's support of these teachers and their excellent teaching).

If you like, post your draft of a Letter to the Editor on this thread, so everyone can read it.

Thanks.

Class dismissed!

:)

Some Information Links re: National Certified Teachers-- BTW, FL is NOW ranked Number 2 in the Nation for its Number of these High Quality Teachers --

(1) Chart: How many of these high quality teachers does YOUR state have?

(2) Quotes from policymakers nationwide, including Gov. Bush and other GOP leaders, on the importance of raising the quality of teaching, and the importance of the National Certification program.

(3) Quick facts from the National Board of Professional Standards, including this:

"Currently. 39 states offer at least one incentive for National Board Certification .governors who have supported legislation creating incentives for National Board Certification include: Governors Siegelman (AL), Huckabee (AR), Davis (CA), Carper (DE), Bush (FL), Vilsack (IA), Kempthorne (ID), Ryan (IL), Graves (KS), Cellucci (MA), Musgrove (MS), Racicot (MT), Taft (OH), Keating (OK), Hodges (SC), Janklow (SD), Locke (WA), Thompson (WI), Underwood (WV), and Geringer (\VY)."

(4) From Education Week, October 2000: "National Certification Found Valid For Teachers"

(5) State of FL press release: "Governor Bush Recognizes Florida's National Board Certified Teachers"

(6) The Orlando Sentinel, Dec. 2, 2001: "Teachers Lauded as Best in Field"

(7) Another view about Florida -- ignoring FL's outstanding Nationally Certified Teachers, here

"I hope the universities don't fall to the level of K through 12 because nationally the Florida schools are seen as a disgrace," said Rosie Webb Joels, past president of United Faculty of Florida and an education professor at the University of Central Florida. [in explaining why she is against an education proposal of Gov. Bush, and a supporter of FL (D) Sen. Bob Graham's counter-proposal]

(8) Homepage of the FL Department of Education's "Excellent Teaching Program"

(10) FL Dept. of Education: The FL Legislature and FL's "Excellent Teaching Program"

(11) FL Dept. of Education: Bonuses and Incentives a for FL Teachers who become Nationally Certified Teachers

(12) From FL's Dept of Education: Info about National Certification and the National Board of Professional Standards -- the agency certifying Nationally Certified Teachers

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