Re: “Activists push district to hire more teachers of color”

Certainly, the quest to continue efforts to diversify the teaching staff in the Rochester City School District is a valuable one. But, is it necessary to denigrate one group of people to promote that mission? I dont believe so. I have taught in the RCSD and currently substitute teach, a position that allows me the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication and commitment of many teachers in various schools across the district. Most teachers have a professional and emotional investment in the success of their students. Minister Clifford Florence, Sr.s remark, which wasn't directly quoted in this article but rather summarized, that he "drew a straight line between the district's largely white, female teaching force and the low test scores of the district's mostly minority students reeks of sexism. His sentiments do little to promote the necessity of teachers and the community working together on behalf of our students. Rather, these types of gross generalizations based upon gender and race could even contribute to the challenge of enlisting parents to participate more fully in their childrens education. After all, if their childs problems in school can be attributed to having a white, female teacher, well then . . .whats to discuss? Our students need us all to work together on their behalf not to point fingers at one another.