Letters to the Editor

Lessons of an ATR

Apr 24, 2008 12:40 PM

To the Editor:

I have been an ATR since September, 2007 and family and friends were appalled to hear that I was excessed after 11 years of teaching. People would ask me: “Is it because you didn’t have good classroom management?”

When a teacher is excessed, many people believe it is due to incompetence. I am constantly defending myself concerning the reason I was excessed.

The teachers are very fortunate to have Randi Weingarten as their union president. She has advocated for ATRs and is working her hardest to see that excessed teachers are being treated fairly. I feel very secure knowing that I have the union’s support.

In school, I’m referred to as a “sub” by the children and some staff. At first, I was not comfortable being a sub after always having had my own class. Then I realized that I have qualities of a teacher that can never be taken from me. My experience helps me get through each unpredictable day that I have.

When the children respond to my lesson with enthusiasm, I know that I have accomplished my goal as a teacher.

It turns out that being an ATR has taught me a valuable lesson: that once you are a teacher, it stays with you for life. No matter what capacity I work in the schools, I am forever a teacher and will always be dedicated to children to help them meet their academic needs.

Barbra Nahoum, IS 303, Brooklyn