Atlanta Cheating Scandal Teachers Turn Themselves In

posted on April 2, 2013 The cheating scandal that resulted in 35 educators turning themselves in today makes me sick. Cheating by teachers was unheard of when I attended public school more than 25 years ago. The only cheating going on involved students who hadn’t studied, or panicked when taking tests. Eagle-eyed teachers knew just what to look for to catch these students, and make sure they learned early that cheating never pays. Fast forward a quarter of a century and we now have teachers facing the consequences I was warned about as a student. Today’s educational leaders are claiming that are schools are rotten and they’re going to fix the problem. It looks to me like they have created a monster: A system that encourages people to do whatever it takes to attain money, power, and fame — then punishes them. Why don’t we just focus on teaching kids and stop trying to create system? Michelle WatersI am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education, and a NBPTS candidate. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify my students’ voices and choices.