Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for February 12, 2009 OBSESSED WITH RACE

Another SIP day...more racial remarks by CSD #1 Superintendent Leotis D. Swopes.

I mean...what's up with that?

More references to his all-expenses-paid $4,000 Black Educators' Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. More harping on education being a civil right.

More, more, more...

They get it Doc...they got it the first time. They knew all about this long before you ever heard of Cairo, Illinois. Many of them actually live here...pay taxes here to support Cairo School District Number One (and your salary, housing, trips, etc.)

You burned the bridge to Meridian. You keep burning bridges to your employees. Let it rest.

It's all about CHILDREN, Doc!

The teachers treat ALL children alike...they don't see them as Black Children or White Children.. They see them as CHILDREN.

I remember when the United States Office of Civil Rights sent their inspection teams to Cairo...made us fill out forms about the racial composition of each of our classes. How many Whites, how many Blacks, how many Hispanics, etc. It was distasteful...we didn't think that way. Actually had to stop, pull out the old gradebook, go through and say...okay, he's black, he's white, she's white, she's black. NOT exactly what I came to school to do today!

I mean, contrary to what you may think, we weren't sitting around every day thinking I've got 10 little black children in my 3rd hour class!

Ah, but Doc, don't even think about going the other direction. You know...that if the teachers aren't paying special attention to the fact that they have Black children in their room then that proves that the teachers obviously are not aware of or addressing the special needs of those Black children...different learning styles...etc.

Doc...Cairo teachers have had the training. Cairo teachers have actually gone to workshops on such topics (although, I dare say, not in the style and to the expense you did!) Cairo teachers CAN and do recognized different learning styles and special needs...in ALL of their children. They take steps every day to differentiate on the basis of auditory learning, visual learning, hands-on learning, ADHD, hyperactivity...whatever. These styles and special needs come in all shapes, colors, and sizes.

Doc...climb down from your soapbox...give your teachers some credit for a change. STOP with the not-so-veiled accusations of racial prejudice.

Methinks maybe it is time for you to do as fallen pop star Michael Jackson advised years ago. Take a look at the man in the mirror...at he who keeps casting stones!