PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
From left, Callahan School kindergarten teachers Jaime Paragios and Leslie Cole hold signs for the walk for education.
By THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — Diana Luciano was not alone when she spoke of why she loves teaching and some of its biggest challenges.
The Aborn Elementary School fourth grade teacher was among 40,000 educators and parents who participated in rallies nationwide focused on appreciating teachers and highlight hardships involved in achievement testing aimed at the youngest students.
“I see the anxiety in children,” said the 26-year educator. “It’s not right.”
City Councilor-at-large and American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts organizer Brian LaPierre called the rally an opportunity to vote no on a November ballot question asking to expand the number of charter schools in Massachusetts.
LaPierre, like many public school educators, criticizes charter schools for syphoning state tax dollars from municipally-controlled schools. He said charters “need local control and local approval.”
About two dozen Lynn teachers and parents gathered across from Callahan Elementary School Wednesday before walking to the school carrying signs that read, “Our kids can’t afford broken promises of charter schools” and “less testing more learning.”
In an interview following the rally, Knowledge Is Power Program director Caleb Dolan described the expansion proposed in the ballot question “very modest.” He said KIPP received 1,000 applications for seats in its Lynn kindergarten and 5th grade classes.
“There’s a tremendous demand for choice among families in our community,” Dolan said.
He quoted a Mass Insight Education survey concluding a large majority of Boston minority parents favor lifting the charter cap.
While the rally focused on achievement testing and the charter ballot question, Callahan kindergarten teacher Leslie Cole saw it as an opportunity to celebrate teaching.
“I love being with children and seeing the progress they are making,” said the 21-year veteran of the Lynn’s public schools.
Luciano agreed.
“For children to come back and say, ‘I am in college because of you, it’s just great to know they made it,” she said.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected]