Posted by
James Burns on Friday, December 12, 2008 10:57:02 AM
Today on Fox and Friends I watch the segment about the teachers union fighting the government regarding random drug testing of teachers. I find that random drug testing of teachers should be done and is necessary. Not only for safety reasons, but for the quality of education our children will receive.
I remember in high school rumors of two teachers we had that were drunk on the job. These teachers were drunk everyday before they even started class. Eventually they were both caught and were fired for their behavior. This was back in the 1980's, so what makes people think it still isn't happening or the drugs being used worse than alcohol. How can a teacher teach under the influence of mind altering substances?
In the debate the teacher who was opposed to the testing stated that teachers have civil liberties, that these are not checked in at the school door when they start work. News flash, when on the job and you are responsible for the education and well being of hundreds of children, certain behaviors are unacceptable. I am a truck driver, I am subject to random drug testing under federal law to do my job. What about my civil liberties? I see no one arguing that. When I climb behind the wheel of a 60,000 lb truck, the lives of others on the road are my responsibility because if I am intoxicated it is inevitable some one will be killed. School bus drivers are subject to the same law. This teacher stated that school bus drivers are safety sensitive positions and the testing is warranted. But does not think teachers should be because their profession is not safety sensitive. This is where she is wrong. How could a group of intoxicated adults responsible for hundreds of children guarantee their safety? They can't. It is no different. Does this woman not want friends, colleagues, or even herself to be under scrutiny or be held accountable for behavior that is deemed wrong?
My opinion is that teachers have had a lack of accountability for years. From job performance to substance abuse, sexual abuse, etc. It is only recently that teachers are being held responsible for sexual impropriety with students. More accountability is needed. This will only better our children's education. This will also allow for the bad teachers to be removed for a legitimate reason. Allowing for good teachers with the children's welfare in mind to teach. But to say random drug testing of teachers is bad is wrong. It will only bring a better standard to the profession and benefit our children.