Posted on: Tuesday, December 16, 2003

ISLAND VOICES
Give principal a chance to excel

By Joyce Choy
Waipahu Intermediate School teacher

Even though I'm not a public school principal, I'm shocked and saddened by this statement: "They (principals) would have three-year contracts but no district or school tenure, and would be able to return as teachers if dismissed for poor performance." ("School committee set to endorse board, finance formula reforms," Dec. 6)

There are several assumptions I can make from this nonsensical statement.

First, I really don't think principals are taking on the job just to fail at their duties. Even if they do, then they need support to improve themselves as administrators. I don't feel it's right to let principals go just because they have failed for whatever reasons.

I feel then they haven't been given the proper training they need. If principals are purposely negligent then I feel they should not be given an opportunity to teach because the problems of negligent behavior can be transferred to the classroom.

Second, I don't think every principal who takes on a position is perfect. Before the proposed three-year contract is up, I think principals should be given the support they need so as not to fail at the end of their contract.

Why would anyone want to finish their contract knowing they would be kicked out of the job for reasons that could have been corrected?

Third, I don't think we are being good role models for our children. If our students failed a grade, they wouldn't be kicked out of school. They would be given another chance to succeed. I think principals need to serve as good role models for our children.

I'm in my second year of teaching and I can say I have made many mistakes, but I have learned from them and grown as an educator. In addition to teaching, I'm also our new English Department chairwoman. It's not an easy job, but I'm learning from my mistakes and how to direct my department in the right direction.

Finally, I don't think we can find anyone who's perfect or grossly overqualified as principals. However, we should get an opportunity to try again so we are able to succeed. This is what education is all about.