Teachers' Bill of Rights
Constitution Preamble
We the people, in order to form a more perfect education system, provide for the common enrichment of all students, ensure the general well-being of teachers, and secure the blessings of wisdom for future generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution for all teachers.
Article I: Title
Teachers shall hereafter be referred to as Guardians of Wisdom and Reason, for their role is not just to teach, but to safeguard and cultivate wisdom and reason in students.
Article II: Compensation
Guardians of Wisdom shall receive compensation at the federal level, equivalent to members of the House of Representatives, adjusted annually for inflation. For positions that are deemed 'hard to fill,' compensation shall be set at a higher rate as needed to attract highly qualified candidates. This pay scale ensures high standards for entry and equal pay nationwide.
Article III: Class Sizes
Class sizes shall adhere to the following maximum standards:
- 12 students maximum for K
We the people, in order to form a more perfect education system, provide for the common enrichment of all students, ensure the general well-being of teachers, and secure the blessings of wisdom for future generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution for all teachers.
Article I: Title
Teachers shall hereafter be referred to as Guardians of Wisdom and Reason, for their role is not just to teach, but to safeguard and cultivate wisdom and reason in students.
Article II: Compensation
Guardians of Wisdom shall receive compensation at the federal level, equivalent to members of the House of Representatives, adjusted annually for inflation. For positions that are deemed 'hard to fill,' compensation shall be set at a higher rate as needed to attract highly qualified candidates. This pay scale ensures high standards for entry and equal pay nationwide.
Article III: Class Sizes
Class sizes shall adhere to the following maximum standards:
- 12 students maximum for K
- 18 students maximum for 1-3
- 24 students maximum for grades 4-6
- 32 students maximum for grades 7-12
Article IV: Aides
There shall be one instructional aide for every six students in K, to assist Guardians of Wisdom by providing robust, individualized support. There shall be one instructional aide for every 12 students in 1-6 Title I classes.
Article V: Breaks
Guardians of Wisdom shall receive a 15 minute break every hour, during which time they have no duties to monitor students.
Article VI: Administrative Requirements
Any administrative or curriculum personnel must teach in a classroom at least twice a week, to stay connected to the realities of being a Guardian of Wisdom.
Article VII: Authority
Guardians of Wisdom have full authority, flexibility, and autonomy to make decisions about their students and classrooms, with insights and knowledge coming primarily from their direct work with students. They will determine the best way forward to meet the national curriculum framework.
Article VIII: Respect
Guardians of Wisdom shall be universally respected and honored as the highest profession in the nation, for their sacred duty of cultivating wisdom in all children.
Guardians of Wisdom shall be provided with ample resources and funding each year to purchase any supplies, materials, or technology required for their classroom and lessons.
Article X: Professional Development
Guardians of Wisdom have a right to robust, paid professional development opportunities both within and outside their districts, focused on honing their craft and expanding their knowledge.
Article XI: Assessments
Guardians of Wisdom have full autonomy over assessments in their classrooms. Standardized testing is optional, not required. Assessments should focus on meaningful evaluations of student learning.
Article XII: Collaboration
Guardians of Wisdom shall have paid time each week for lesson planning and collaboration with peers. This recognizes the benefits of partnership in strengthening instruction.
Article XIII: Due Process
Guardians of Wisdom have a right to due process for any disciplinary action. Termination may only be for just cause, with opportunity to contest accusations. Dismissals without strong evidence will be prohibited.
Article XIV: Inclusion
All students have a right to be educated in an inclusion model. Schools shall provide supports, services, accommodations, and aids so every student is fully included in the classroom.
Article XV: Curriculum
The curriculum shall be reviewed and updated every 3 years by Guardians of Wisdom and experts. Politicians and business interests shall have no influence over curriculum decisions. Best practices like Finland and Singapore shall inform curriculum frameworks.
Article XVI: Innovation
The system shall continually implement new technologies, tools, and environments to empower Guardians of Wisdom to provide the best learning experiences possible for their students.
Article XVII: Learning Continuums
Curriculum and learning continuums shall be designed based on real-world needs of students, with input from experts, not dictated by political or business interests.
Article XVIII: Working Conditions
Guardians of Wisdom shall have paid time for collaboration, planning, and professional development built into each week and year. Class sizes and teaching loads shall enable individualized instruction. Resources and staff shall optimize support for meeting all student needs.
- 24 students maximum for grades 4-6
- 32 students maximum for grades 7-12
Article IV: Aides
There shall be one instructional aide for every six students in K, to assist Guardians of Wisdom by providing robust, individualized support. There shall be one instructional aide for every 12 students in 1-6 Title I classes.
Article V: Breaks
Guardians of Wisdom shall receive a 15 minute break every hour, during which time they have no duties to monitor students.
Article VI: Administrative Requirements
Any administrative or curriculum personnel must teach in a classroom at least twice a week, to stay connected to the realities of being a Guardian of Wisdom.
Article VII: Authority
Guardians of Wisdom have full authority, flexibility, and autonomy to make decisions about their students and classrooms, with insights and knowledge coming primarily from their direct work with students. They will determine the best way forward to meet the national curriculum framework.
Article VIII: Respect
Guardians of Wisdom shall be universally respected and honored as the highest profession in the nation, for their sacred duty of cultivating wisdom in all children.
Article IX: ResourcesArticle XIX: Aloha SpiritThe Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person - it brings each person to the self. It is a humble recognition of mutual interdependence between people and nature. The essence of the Aloha Spirit shall be applied to all interactions with Guardians of Wisdom. Students, parents, administrators, and community members shall embrace patience, kindness, harmony, humility, and compassion in their relationships with Guardians of Wisdom. This nurtures an environment where the light of knowledge can flourish.The Aloha Spirit law in Hawaii promotes treating each other with respect and care. Applying a similar philosophy to interactions with teachers could help create positive school cultures. Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand on this draft article in any way. I'm happy to continue refining this constitution collaboratively.
Guardians of Wisdom shall be provided with ample resources and funding each year to purchase any supplies, materials, or technology required for their classroom and lessons.
Article X: Professional Development
Guardians of Wisdom have a right to robust, paid professional development opportunities both within and outside their districts, focused on honing their craft and expanding their knowledge.
Article XI: Assessments
Guardians of Wisdom have full autonomy over assessments in their classrooms. Standardized testing is optional, not required. Assessments should focus on meaningful evaluations of student learning.
Article XII: Collaboration
Guardians of Wisdom shall have paid time each week for lesson planning and collaboration with peers. This recognizes the benefits of partnership in strengthening instruction.
Article XIII: Due Process
Guardians of Wisdom have a right to due process for any disciplinary action. Termination may only be for just cause, with opportunity to contest accusations. Dismissals without strong evidence will be prohibited.
Article XIV: Inclusion
All students have a right to be educated in an inclusion model. Schools shall provide supports, services, accommodations, and aids so every student is fully included in the classroom.
Article XV: Curriculum
The curriculum shall be reviewed and updated every 3 years by Guardians of Wisdom and experts. Politicians and business interests shall have no influence over curriculum decisions. Best practices like Finland and Singapore shall inform curriculum frameworks.
Article XVI: Innovation
The system shall continually implement new technologies, tools, and environments to empower Guardians of Wisdom to provide the best learning experiences possible for their students.
Article XVII: Learning Continuums
Curriculum and learning continuums shall be designed based on real-world needs of students, with input from experts, not dictated by political or business interests.
Article XVIII: Working Conditions
Guardians of Wisdom shall have paid time for collaboration, planning, and professional development built into each week and year. Class sizes and teaching loads shall enable individualized instruction. Resources and staff shall optimize support for meeting all student needs.
Here is a revised Student's Bill of Rights incorporating ideas from the Teacher's Constitution:
The Student's Bill of Rights
Preamble:
We the people recognize that all children inherently possess gifts and talents. Every student deserves an equitable, enriching, and high-quality education provided by empowered and supported Guardians of Wisdom.
Article I: Class Sizes
Class sizes shall adhere to the following maximum standards:
- 12 students maximum for K
- 12 students maximum for K
- 18 students maximum for grades1-3
- 24 students maximum for grades 4-6
- 32 students maximum for grades 7-12
- 24 students maximum for grades 4-6
- 32 students maximum for grades 7-12
Article II: Early Learning
All students shall have access to free, full-day pre-Kindergarten and Head Start beginning at age 3. Early learning opportunities provide a foundation for future success.
Article III: Wraparound Services
Schools shall provide access to counselors, nurses, psychologists, and other support staff to meet the social-emotional needs of every student.
Article IV: Enrichment Curriculum
The curriculum shall include daily creative arts, music, physical education, hands-on science, and enrichment activities tailored to student passions and interests.
Article V: Teacher Collaboration
Guardians of Wisdom shall have paid collaborative planning time built into each week to share best practices and provide peer leadership.
Article VI: Nutrition
Schools shall provide free, healthy breakfast and lunch to fuel students' minds and bodies.
Article VII: Recess
Elementary students shall have regular recess and movement breaks for physical and mental wellbeing.
Article VIII: Individualized Learning
Students performing below grade level shall receive intensive intervention and support services until achieving at or above ability.
Article IX: Inclusion
All students, regardless of disabilities or challenges, shall learn alongside peers with appropriate aids and supports.
Article X: Assessments
Standardized testing is optional. Assessments shall be meaningful and inform instruction.
Article XI: Educator Input
Guardians of Wisdom and parents shall provide input on services, resources, and policies impacting students.
Article XII: Whole Child Focus
School staff shall prioritize the social-emotional development, safety, wellbeing, and potential of every student.
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