UFT Launches ‘Listen To A Teacher’ Campaign

Jan 10, 2007 10:53 AM

The United Federation of Teachers began airing a series of TV commercials in New York City today as part of a multi-million-dollar campaign stressing the importance of respecting and listening to teachers on educational policies – including the need for smaller classes.

The 30-second ads, which began in Albany yesterday with the start of the new legislative session, launched in the five boroughs on Jan. 10. They will air in Albany until Jan. 17 and until Feb. 6 in New York City.

The beautifully filmed ad opens with an art teacher carefully sculpting a piece of clay into the shape of a child. As the camera pulls back, the announcer says: “Some things should be shaped one by one, with care and attention. For instance, a child’s mind.”

The announcer continues as the picture dissolves into a real child: “One by one, New York City teachers are shaping the young minds who will be the next generation of leaders. Our teachers are working hard, but there’s more we need to do. We need smaller class sizes and classrooms where the value is truly on learning.”

The ad concludes: “New York City teachers are shaping a better future for our children and our city. Their voices deserve to be heard.”

UFT President Randi Weingarten said the entire campaign is designed to emphasize the importance of listening to classroom teachers if we are really committed to raising the achievement levels of all of New York City’s public school children.

“Learning is not about structure; it’s about instruction,” Weingarten said. “All too often, crucial decisions about learning are made far from the classroom. In this high-stakes age when data and tough talk drive all education decisions, it is a rare day when the people who actually teach our children have any input in the critical work they do. This ad and what follows simply say ask teachers what they need and actually listen when they answer. It’s about giving teachers the respect they deserve.”

The start of the campaign coincides with the beginning of Governor Eliot Spitzer’s administration and the start of the new Legislature, in which public education will be a central issue. In his inaugural address, the governor committed to spending significantly more on education and called for smaller class sizes and universal pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds across the state. Class sizes are particularly high in New York City – running 10% to 60% above the average for the rest of the state, depending on grade and subject.

“Class size is an education reform we have never really tried in New York City,” Weingarten said. “Yet every charter school, private school and suburban school champion it -- and parents and educators demand it because it increases student achievement and decreases discipline problems.”
The United Federation of Teachers began airing a series of TV commercials in New York City today as part of a multi-million-dollar campaign stressing the importance of respecting and listening to teachers on educational policies – including the need for smaller classes.

The 30-second ads, which began in Albany yesterday with the start of the new legislative session, launched in the five boroughs today. They will air in Albany until Jan. 17 and until Feb. 6 in New York City.

The beautifully filmed ad opens with an art teacher carefully sculpting a piece of clay into the shape of a child. As the camera pulls back, the announcer says: “Some things should be shaped one by one, with care and attention. For instance, a child’s mind.”

The announcer continues as the picture dissolves into a real child: “One by one, New York City teachers are shaping the young minds who will be the next generation of leaders. Our teachers are working hard, but there’s more we need to do. We need smaller class sizes and classrooms where the value is truly on learning.”

The ad concludes: “New York City teachers are shaping a better future for our children and our city. Their voices deserve to be heard.”

UFT President Randi Weingarten said the entire campaign is designed to emphasize the importance of listening to classroom teachers if we are really committed to raising the achievement levels of all of New York City’s public school children.

“Learning is not about structure; it’s about instruction,” Weingarten said. “All too often, crucial decisions about learning are made far from the classroom. In this high-stakes age when data and tough talk drive all education decisions, it is a rare day when the people who actually teach our children have any input in the critical work they do. This ad and what follows simply say ask teachers what they need and actually listen when they answer. It’s about giving teachers the respect they deserve.”

The start of the campaign coincides with the beginning of Governor Eliot Spitzer’s administration and the start of the new Legislature, in which public education will be a central issue. In his inaugural address, the governor committed to spending significantly more on education and called for smaller class sizes and universal pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds across the state. Class sizes are particularly high in New York City – running 10% to 60% above the average for the rest of the state, depending on grade and subject.

“Class size is an education reform we have never really tried in New York City,” Weingarten said. “Yet every charter school, private school and suburban school champion it -- and parents and educators demand it because it increases student achievement and decreases discipline problems.”