This letter comes from three teacher educators at the State University of New York

In the assault on public education, New York State is in the midst of a battle. The growing movement to opt out of state testing has caught the attention state leaders and school administrators, who have a stake in supporting assessments. The New York State Teacher Union (NYSUT) represents public school educators. As a public union, it claims to support the best interests of students. In fact, NYSUT has sponsored a petition to limit high stakes testing and a forum for teachers to “tell it like it is” about testing. And on April 13, NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira led a rousing call for teachers to “ratchet up our collective voice.”

But earlier in the week, NYSUT President Richard Ianuzzi sent a memo to local union leaders. This memo acknowledges the growing opt out movement, as well as the complex role of teachers in this era of “over-emphasis on standardized testing.” However, the memo goes on to inform local leaders that:

• Locals and individual union members who advise parents or students to “opt out” of state tests may face risks.

• A teacher who, in conversations with students or parents, takes a position on testing contrary to the school district’s educational program may potentially be charged with misconduct or insubordination and could be subject to disciplinary action.

• A local speaking as a union or an individual member speaking as a parent or citizen about educational concerns over standardized testing for instance, in a letter to the editor or in a statement to the Board of Education is protected as long as they are not encouraging parents or students to opt out from a scheduled test.

As activists, scholars, and teacher educators who are working with parents and teachers to inform the public about the current “reform” movements, we find this memo chilling. How easy would it be to perceive that a teacher speaking out about the negative effects of high-stakes testing would be encouraging parents or students to opt-out?

Public educators have always occupied a complicated place in society. We are agents of the state who are working to improve the system. To improve the system, we must critique it. These critiques can be perceived as insubordinate; this perspective explains the importance of academic freedom. Teachers are experts in the field of education. As Neira states, their voices must not be silenced: they should be invited and amplified. NYSUT, as the union representing teachers, must support the needs of students by supporting the expertise of teachers. They should be encouraging teachers to speak out and giving every level of support to those who do.

Expectations for professionalism or propriety, such as those supported in this union memo, silence teachers. To silence teachers prevents educators from being activists in their own field. It dismisses their expertise and their commitment to the public good.

Imagine if doctors, lawyers, or engineers were discouraged from sharing knowledge that would benefit their clients? This would not be tolerated, and it should not be tolerated in the profession of education. Our future depends on it.

– Julie Gorlewski, Barbara Madeloni, and Nancy Schniedewind