Once again it’s time for Hillsborough County to select its “Teacher of the Year.” And once again we’re reminded that fairness is a problematic part of the assessment. This is not a criticism of the six finalists, four from K-6 grade, a high school English teacher and a high school science department chair. They all seem qualified, caring and creative. This is a criticism of an incongruous process that is inherently flawed because you are not comparing comparables.
There are, of course, constants in teaching, whatever the grade. Being prepared, being motivational, being creative–and getting results. But the variables–from instructor skill sets and subject-area expertise to age-appropriate, student motivation are too disparate.