On the whole, the author makes some compelling arguments in this text.
Teachers College Record
Dr. Fibkins understands the value of the influence experienced teachers have on their students, colleagues and the general culture of their schools. His candid and direct style is refreshing as he challenges the beliefs of those who strictly look at the 'bottom line' ... Read morewith budgets and do not consider the unanticipated consequences of their near-sighted planning. Dr. Fibkins makes it clear that eliminating your most knowledgeable teachers simply because they cost a district more money must not be a substitute for addressing ineffective teachers regardless of experience levels. He challenges our mental models about what is 'old' and offers insightful suggestions for changing our perspectives and practices, particularly those that, if left uncontested, will be diluting the quality of public education and other vital services.
Paul Casciano, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District Whoa! Why hasn't this book been published before? The preference for younger, inexperienced, and presumably less costly workers is well known to anyone older than 50 in the United States. It's a pity, especially in education, for all the reasons William Fibkins describes. His final chapter, suggesting that successful veteran teachers and administrators be enlisted as mentors to the less experienced and struggling, is win-win and ought to be implemented everywhere.
Kenneth Guentert, President, The Publishing Pro LLC As a public school principal, and volunteer commissioner for a regional accreditation agency, I believe Dr. Bill Fibkins’s book shines an important light on a number of current school practices. These practices are designed to improve a school district’s financial bottom line with little concern for the serious impact these measures will have on raising or lowering overall student performance. Dr. Fibkins clearly identifies the pitfalls these practices create for new teachers, students and their parents. Dr. Fibkins’s thoughtful presentation of the facts and creative problem solving strategies offer a breath of fresh air to an American educational system struggling with increasing budgetary constraints and the constant imperative to improve every student’s achievement.
Alexander Rutherford, Principal, Sanborn Regional Middle School Fibkins writes of the national exodus of teachers and administrators from schools and districts, leaving behind an imbalance of professional experience and contextual history. His rational premise seems irrefutable in that there remains responsibility for skilled and willing educators to shape entry–level teachers and career changers as well as teach the next generation of school-age children and youth. Admittedly, not every educator wants to continue working for that’s a personal decision; Dr. Fibkins addresses that topic, also. However, many do; and at one university are welcomed warmly in new capacities as supervisors, professional developers and PDS clinical instructors. Their skills and talents assist teacher candidates through the awkward and painful transition from student to professional. In addition, the hybrid role they play underlines their experiences, background history and interests as they strengthen bridges between the university and the public schools. At the end of the day, this is the book to read if one recognizes the impact on students, schools, even the community when multiple educators leave at the same time. That seems to be where we are in the 21st century.
Martha M. Mobley Show Less