Rhee on Q&A Cafe with Carol Joint

Below is the entire taped Q&A Cafe of Rhee with Carol Joynt last Wednesday, October 1.

I have sat on several general meetings with the chancellor. In one of the informal ones, she was asked what are her weaknesses and strengths.

One of the strenghts she mentioned is being able to articulate thoughts/things intelligibly and intelligently even though she has little knowledge about a topic.

Well, in this interview she showed her eloquence and intelligence PLUS a LOT, a way lot of knowledge about education system.

In my book she is a visionary.

One of the ONLY three things I'm doubtful about her vision is abolishing tenureship. Let me correct that: I'm not doubtful. I know she's undervaluing tenureship.

Now, grab a cup of coffee or tea because this is going to be a long and winding 'entertainment'. ENJOY your Sunday!

Btw, this is also posted here.

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4



Part 5

No Winners, Just Dreamers and Whiners

Before you watch the clip: What is GP/Rhee's finish line on the new contract?

After you watched the clip: Who won? Who lost?

On National Issues

A friend of mine emailed this pic. AMUSING and SADENNING at the same time. The purchasing power of our money is getting weaker and weaker. I hope will get out of this SOON!

Is George W. Bush the new face of American dollar ?

Disclaimer: I don't know the original source of the pic, if anyone has any info, let me know so I can properly acknowledge the artist.

Of Teachers and Horse Blinders

I can't believe that SOME teachers are seeing one end of this contract negotiation and completely, foolishly blinded on the other end.

ENOUGH with who did what and did nothing. The Union (as a group or in part/individual members) or GP is not the sole responsible for the failure of this contract negotiation.

It's a basic principle that when you go to a contract "NEGOTIATION"-- ALL parties, YES INCLUDING RHEE, should be ready to actually negotiate.

RHEE did not really negotiated. She merely put on the table WHAT SHE WANTS and leave no room for the other members to negotiate for. It's an old case of take it or nothing.

It reminds me a form government. It's called DICTATORIALSHIP.

The Heat is On

I was browsing and read this article from washingtonpost.com: Teachers' Chief Is in the Hot Seat by Bill Turque.

You can tell that the relationship between WTU President George Parker and Chancellor Michelle Rhee is entering a new level. If sweet-nothing exchanges between them did not attract the union members, try this approach:

Asked whether Rhee is a visionary, Parker paused.

"I think she's young. And she's not had experience in running a large urban school district," he said. "Accordingly, she is going to make mistakes." Most significant among them, Parker said, was sowing fear among teachers.

Hmmm... Real or surreal?