Joseph Zrnchik December 3, 2010
CPDU University
9306 Saric Drive
Highland, IN 46322
Ph 219-588-8243
Email: cpduprovider@gmail.com
Chicago Teachers Union
Attn: Mr. Jesse Sharky, Vice-President
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 400,
Chicago, IL 60654
Dear Mr. Sharkey,
My name is Joseph Zrnchik and I am the president of CPDU University. Our organization is dedicated to providing free professional development for teacher recertification. As budget cuts have resulted in staff layoffs and department downsizing, I was told by central office personal that the department involved in teacher recertification, that being CPS University, suffered layoffs resulting in program reductions. Accordingly, professional development for teachers has been very limited. But, the reduction in resources devoted to teacher professional development has not negated the requirement for teachers to receive 120 CPDUs over a 5-year teacher recertification cycle to maintain their state teaching license that serves as their teaching credential.
I discovered that CPS had a professional provider program named CPS University. CPS listed the availability of 30-hour online training program professional providers needed to complete to be able to list professional development on CPS University. The training was a complicated maze for which there was no feedback nor point of contact listed to provide information as to if completion of the various components of the 30-hour certification process were performed satisfactorily.
Due to what is an obvious shortfall in teacher professional development and the impossibility of being able to complete CPS’s 30-hour certification process to be recognized by CPS as a professional development provider, I contacted CPS administrative personal to discuss issues regarding my providing professional development through their professional development provider system, as I am a state licensed and certified professional development provider. I was told that I would not be allowed to provide professional development through CPS nor even list professional development through my organization in their catalogue. I asked why they would refuse to list an organization that is state certified to provide professional development activities that were being offered free of charge to CPS teachers and needed for recertification. Their response was that they did not have the staff to contend with such requests and due to the fact that I could not grant Lane/Step credits, for which CPS charges hundreds of dollars extra for attending the same professional development and after paying such fees to CPS the teacher is moved up in pay scale, I could not be listed as a professional development provider with CPS even under the auspices of my own organization and credentials.
I explained to the administrator that I was not advertising for Lane/Step credit and was not even charging any fees for the CPDU credit, but she stated CPS could not list any professional development provided by outside organizations. I then attempted to list professional development activities on the CPS bulletin board system, but the postings were deleted and I was banned without being informed of any terms of service violation.
I understand that there are business interests involved in professional development, but these should never supercede teachers’ needs regarding recertification. Moreover, much benefit is lost when efforts are undertaken to obstruct the efforts of experienced classroom teachers who are seeking to network and share effective pedigogical practices. The Illinois State Board of Education purposely devised their system to be essentially self-policing as most professions perform such functions themselves, but it seems CPS’s policy is to limit that prerogative. Moreover, the professional development provider system was set up to be decentralized and inclusive as opposed to centrally planned and exclusionary. I believe both CPS and CTU should foster professionalism and encourage autonomy by supporting professional development that utilizes collaborative networking. With all due respect to administrative staff and the function they perform, I believe it is a disservice to children and educators when experienced classroom teachers who have been successfully providing instruction for the past 30 years are not allowed to share their unique experiences and expertise with other educators. I believe someone who has been in a classroom that long has much greater insight into what constitutes successful teaching strategies than that provided by someone who has primarily been performing administrative duties.
After discovering that there was no way to overcome the obstacles emplaced by CPS, I decided to contact CTU. The various CTU personnel I spoke to about my challenges and goals initially seemed to be very sympathetic and supportive. I was provided with suggestions to contact the union newspaper and Substance News. I also began working with various activists and freelance news reporters who participate in activism on behalf of public education, but, when I was finally directed to CTU’s Quest Center personnel, it seemed I began getting the brush-off. I was told by representatives for the Quest Center, which is the CTU department that also provides professional development for remuneration, that they were in the process of conducting National Board Certification and did not have the time or resources to become involved in creating a self-sustaining organization that would provide free professional development for teachers, nor could they provide any support for such an endeavor. I must admit this news was discouraging and disheartening, but I am resolute and believe that such an organization would be a progressive force. Accordingly, if I can only take small steps for now I will continue my fight as I know it will only be a matter of time before the spark of my idea catches fire.
My goal is to continue to create an organization that provides free professional development across the Chicago Public School system and throughout the Chicagoland area. I envision this organization developing a list of cadre volunteers who will provide regularly scheduled professional development activities. A key objective would also be to create an online library from which to draw professional development material. This library would include audio-visual material, PowerPoint presentations, printed material that supports instruction, pre-packaged program literature and coordination information that includes points of contact for facilities usage and availability.
Thusly, I have instituted CPDU University which already has its own website that provides information to teachers regarding professional development offerings. We currently have three 6-hour professional development seminars scheduled for December 18th and 28th, 2010 and January 15th, 2011. The home page explains and justifies the organization and its programs. The home page also contains links to the “Scheduled Activities Page” which lists all the professional development offerings/activities. I envision CPDU University becoming a clearinghouse for professional development activities. A second link takes viewers to the “Professional Development Provider’s Page” which lists all the administrative and logistical requirements for teachers or organizations to list professional development activities. This page also outlines how CPDU University can support professional development for both internal and external partners.
Lastly, I would like to create a board of directors that will review and audit to improve procedures and develop guidelines. This board would also conduct assessment and work with ISBE, CTU, CPS and any other organization that serves the interests of education.
In closing, I would like to propose that CTU do a story regarding CPDU University detailing its goals and mission. I would also ask that CTU provide a link to CPDU University so that a clearinghouse for professional development activities is provided to CTU members. I believe that supporting CPDU University is in the best interests of both education and CTU’s membership.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider my concerns and proposals. If you have any questions, concerns, or a desire to assist us, please feel free to contact the undersigned by phone at 219-588-8243 or email cpduprovider@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Joseph Zrnchik
CPDU University
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