The Truth About the Media. There are two sides to every story.
Here is my side that would be selectively edited or never aired on television.
Today I was featured in the news regarding covering a HISD French class and being unqualified. I am a Texas certified teacher with a Bachelor of Science degree. I am not highly qualified because I am not certified in this particular subject. In my role, as a substitute teacher it is not required. The whole story is FAKE news, because I am a substitute not under contract as a full-time teacher as portrayed.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/investigations/i-team-french-teacher-at-hisd-school-doesnt-speak-french/285-160708733
First and foremost, most associate teachers are placed in positions on temporary or long-term basis. Education today has a real talent pool issue, but not because we do not have qualified teachers. We have a shortage of teachers across America, because many great teachers are sick of the system and chose not to work, and some teachers have to be removed for a variety of reasons, from criminal issues, to not doing their jobs.
My job is to be as qualified as I can in an emergency wherever I am placed. I have had numerous assignments in all subjects. Often, I have to learn new material on the spot and teach it the best I can. I am extremely reliable with a strong track record of success for over 13 years.
At times, I do better than the actual teacher of record. I have been placed in settings where the kids did not have success with a full-time teacher of record, and the students pass tests with me the associate (SUB) teacher. I even had a teacher ask me to adjust my teaching because benchmark tests in my room were better than their tests. This person told me I was making them look bad and as a substitute it did not matter, but for her it did.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for a full-time teacher of record to be terminated. Unions protect some of the worst people, and I am qualified to say this as I once worked as a union steward. Often teachers become tenured and think they are owed something special for just hanging around. They think,” I earned this right.” Right to what? Wasting taxpayer money to the tune of $65 or 70 k per year? As Mr. Cius stated in the interview. He is paid for doing nothing. What a waste!
The video that KHOU Channel 11 obtained of me walking into the school was illegally obtained by hiding on HISD property. Yes, you read it right. Trespassing. The reporter Jeremy Rogalski contacted me via my private home number and asked if I wanted to interview. I stated that I wished not too. I also followed up with e-mail stating that I was not interested in interviewing. The following day he, along with his camera man, hid beside my vehicle on HISD property, and tried to jump me. Good thing I keep my eyes open.
The photos of me in my classroom were also obtained without consent. I am certain a student took these photos. Now the funny thing is KHOU is being paid advertising dollars. My photos were used while KHOU made money. I have not been compensated. I do believe it is illegal to use a person’s photo while making profit without compensation, but who knows, maybe the media is granted special privilege.
The question that was not asked on camera to the student being interviewed was this,” Do you speak French? Let me hear you carry a conversation in French that your teacher of record taught you. Do the majority of your French 2 classmates speak fluent French that you learned from your teacher of record? Did your associate teacher improve the bland classroom and try to decorate it a little? Does he give daily assignments? Do you all make your best effort in class to do your work?” The news media focus on the associate teacher was wrong. The focus should have been on the teacher of record, and why the teacher of record was put out of the classroom.
Another question that should have been asked by the reporter to the teacher of record, “What did you do to be removed from the classroom? They just do not arbitrarily remove teachers.” From my entrance day I can tell you unequivocally that the teacher of record stating on camera, “That the kids are not learning.” did not teach them well either. It was clear to me that many could not speak the French language after two years in his class. The reporter should have also asked, “Mr. Cius. Why do you take the taxpayers money for doing nothing at all? Because you just want a paycheck?”
Never have I been removed from a classroom in 13 years. I don’t expect to be either, because I do my job, and I do it well. My children attend HISD schools and are quite successful thus far. I am a graduate of HISD schools. HISD can be as good or bad as you want it and just like any other business, they have great employees and bad employees. It is up to the individual to make that choice. There are people who have and people who do not have for a reason. Some chose to work, and others do not.
The media needs to do a better job of ethical and honest reporting. Here are a few stories where the media got it right. This teacher I had personal dealings with. Interestingly, she did not like me assisting with class when I had knowledge to share.
http://www.click2houston.com/news/hisd-teacher-reassigned-after-high-speed-chase
I replace people like this because suddenly a class is without a teacher due to their poor choices.
http://abc13.com/news/hisd-teacher-charged-with-intoxication-manslaughter/1309078/
Or this
http://www.khou.com/news/crime/hisd-middle-school-teacher-charged-with-indecent-exposure/149942137
I could go on and on about the need for associate teacher coverage and moral upstanding qualified teachers. It is a tough job for very low pay that many would not rather do, but I love it. I also know most of my students love and appreciate what I do for them. That is the best!
Until then remember there are always two sides to every story. If it came from Moyer, you know it is facts. I do not deal with twists or spins on stories using fiction.
And the fact is I am awesome at what I do.
Fact or fiction? The answer always lies in research.
If you know anymore facts regarding this issue perhaps students who talk to the misplaced teacher of record privately, or why this teacher of record may have been removed, please comment. If you know or can relate to this story, share what you know about schools around America.
Thank you for reading.
Albert Moyer, Jr. 