Our school district (Los Angeles Unified), is going through tough times, as are many other districts in California and around the country. Some wonderful teachers are getting RIF (Reduction in Force) letters, for no reason other than that they are new teachers. As a teacher, I feel powerless to do much to change this situation. Just when I become pessimistic about what's happening in education, along comes a terrific student to remind me that nothing is accomplished if you don't try to make change happen.
Gabriel is a 7th grade student at Irving Middle School, and he recently found out that one of his favorite teachers got a RIF notice. Instead of sighing and being sad, he decided to become an advocate on behalf of his teacher. I'm so proud of Gabriel for standing up and speaking out. I want to share some of the impressive letter he wrote to our district superintendent in support of his teacher.
I've included a portion of Gabriel's letter below. His V.I. teacher told me that Gabriel came up with the idea of writing a letter, and emailed other students in his class to have them write letters on his teacher, Mrs. Tovar's, behalf. Whether or not Gabriel's letter, and those of his classmates, can help save Mrs. Tovar's position, Gabriel has succeeded in becoming an advocate. Change doesn't happen without effort, but can begin with one voice. Read on ...
"... Let me tell you about my experience as a 7th grade student in Mrs. Tovar's English/history class. Mrs. Tovar is the kind of teacher that you can just tell really loves her job and cares about how her students do in her classes. A lot of teachers lack the energy needed in the classroom to get students to want to learn. She makes me want to learn. I've never walked into her class with a negative attitude. I've always loved learning from her for several reasons. The first reason is that she relates to us in a way that some teachers can't. She knows how each individual student learns best, and if she doesn't, she works hard to figure out how we do. Once she knows how we learn best, she will teach us in a way so that we can be more successful in school. Also, Mrs. Tovar makes learning fun. She doesn't just give us the textbook and make us read and answer questions. She gives us assignments that allow us to work in pairs, groups, and even sometimes as a class. She actually makes the 7th grade standards fun for us. That is something that a lot of teachers can't do, and if the student doesn't like the teacher or doesn't want to learn from that teacher, students are less likely to pay attention. If students do not pay attention, they will not be able to be successful in school. ...
"Another thing I forgot to mention is that I'm blind. I'm not the only blind student who is in her class. She has one more student who just entered her class in the middle of the year. Now I know it isn't easy to work with blind students. I mean now Mrs. Tovar has to remember to get everything transcribed into braille, figure out how to modify those visual assignments that she has, make sure all the maps get raised up so that we can feel them, figure out a way for her to raise up the homework calendar and show us exactly what stamps we get, how to explain visual pictures to us so that we can see it in our head, and more. I mean that deserves some credit. I have to honestly say that Mrs. Tovar is so far the best teacher I've had as far as working with us is concerned. The only other teacher who does better is the Visually Impaired teacher. I think that it is important to give Mrs. Tovar a lot of credit for the extra things she has to do for us. She is very efficient in doing all the things listed above, and I've never had a problem in her classes. ...
"I could probably cover three more pages arguing for Mrs. Tovar to retain her position. As Superintendent of LAUSD I know you make important decisions everyday. I'm asking you to do the right thing and make one more. Thank you for your time and understanding in this matter.
Sincerely,
Gabriel L., Irving Middle School
