In a previous post on the hiring of ATRs, a Principal from a Bronx school commented why he wouldn't want to hire an ATR, unless he properly vetted him or her (I bet he doesn't do it for his "newbie" teachers he hires). On the surface of his comment I can agree with him. If I was a Principal I would like to know the ATR who is assigned to my school. However, as the Principal further explained his hiring practice, it became increasingly clear that he was more concerned with his budget and potential bonus and not what's best for the students of his school.
First, he admitted he would not willingly hire a veteran teacher with 20 years experience because of his budget, no matter how effective the teacher is with students In his school. Obviously, age, salary, and institutional memory does matter to him. Not what's best for his students.
Second, he called a 5 year teacher a veteran, which tells me that he hires inexperienced and untenured young teachers whenever possible. In other words, he is one of many principals that hires the "Cheapest and not the best teachers " for his school. Another "children last" philosophy.
Third, He almost admitted that he believes that all teachers who went through their 3020-a hearing were guilty as charged. Obviously, he intuitively, without ever meeting the ATR, knows more than the "expert"independent arbitrator who has in front of them the evidence, or lack thereof of the ATRs guilt or innocence. If the DOE claims the ATR hurt a child, it must be true, according to this Principal.
Finally, This Principal, like far too many principals in the New York City Public School System, drink the DOE kool-aid that ATRs are"bad" or "unwanted" teachers and these principals have shown poor judgement in their hiring practices that see a rising school graduation rate while few of their graduates achieve success in college or career, due to their lack of academic proficiency. In other words, they engage in academic fraud.
To Bronx Principal, keep collecting your bonus while screwing the students with inexperienced teachers and dumping the maximum amount of students in your classrooms. A real recipe for continued academic failure. Have a nice day because your students aren't.