As the operators of a website that allows the anonymous rating of teachers, we are frequently asked, ?Why do you do this? Aren?t you doing a disservice to teachers?? Our answer is a resounding NO. In the public discourse on improving education, we believe the most important voices are often ignored. For the first time in the history of public schools, the student is being heard, and parents can share their experiences in an open forum. Second to a stable upbringing and loving parents, there is nothing more important to the future success and happiness of an individual than a solid education. Self-esteem is a product of applying what one has learned throughout life and seeing results when that knowledge is applied successfully to day-to-day situations. A truly happy and productive classroom is one where students are able to successfully learn new concepts that they may then apply within the constructs of daily life. While classroom material may or may not be interesting, the student has a much better opportunity to understand and accept new knowledge if it is presented in an environment of mutual respect between the teacher and the student. Administrative reviews of teacher performance can never substitute for a review coming from someone who interacts daily with that teacher - the student. If a parent or administrator reviews the ratings on RateMyTeachers (assuming there is a broad enough sample), they will see that there is typically a consistency amongst the ratings. Most importantly, it is often obvious if a teacher has created an environment of mutual respect.
RateMyTeachers started much like other new websites - by ordinary people with a vision for a better way of doing something. Thousands of student volunteers help keep the site going on a day by day basis. The purpose of the site is threefold. First, it is to help facilitate a positive change in the way parents, students, and teachers alike look at the education system and therefore to encourage structural changes with regards to school and teacher choice. Secondly, it is a place for students and parents to have their opinions validated. We all like to be heard, especially when it comes to life issues such as education. Opponents of the website clearly believe that students are not astute enough to form a valid opinion nor should parents be given the opportunity to voice their observations. Interestingly, about 70% of the ratings on the website are favorable. Based on the emails we receive, it is obvious that students using the website have a keen interest in their education. This interest is well documented by the statistics. This phenomenal and exponential growth has occurred by word of mouth, despite an advertising budget of zero dollars. Lastly, RateMyTeachers is a useful resource to the teachers who are open and self-assured enough to face the opinions of their customers, i.e. students and parents. Every teacher wants to be respected by his or her students, and every teacher entered this profession in order to help students develop as individuals. By studying the ratings, the teacher can often adjust teaching methods, helping create that environment of mutual respect, whereby their knowledge will translate more effectively to the mind of the student. A common email from a progressive teacher tells us how the teacher was better able to connect with students after reading comments on the site and adjusting classroom approach. Every day we receive like emails, leaving no doubt that we are doing the right thing.
We are not suggesting that this website is the perfect solution - but it is a start. By combining the information contained in online student ratings with the traditional administrative evaluation, the education system will move forward into the 21st century, integrating the power of technology with the power of teaching to improve the experience and value of our children?s education. The internet is the greatest medium for sharing information in the history of mankind - that some within the educational system would want to ignore this resource continues to baffle us. We encourage all teachers to embrace this information, not fear it.
