JC Bowman, Author at Tennessee Star

JC Bowman Commentary: Grow Your Own Teachers

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019 JC Bowman

Tennessee is a unique state, not only because we have the greatest citizens, but because of our geography. We border eight states. That can be an advantage and a disadvantage at times. When economic times are good, people want to relocate to our state. When economic times are difficult, it allows residents to move to a neighboring state and pursue more money in their chosen occupation. In education, we lose teachers to our border states on a regular basis.

JC Bowman Commentary: The Looming Changes in Student Teaching

October 9, 2019October 9, 2019 JC Bowman

As educators, we are concerned about the quality and quantity of applicants entering the field of education. Our members have often been catalysts for innovative solutions to the many challenges facing education. That is why we take an interest in the next generation of educators and why our focus is on how to improve their experience and support as they transition from teacher candidate to classroom teacher.

JC Bowman Commentary: Better Thinking Equals Better Results

August 16, 2019August 15, 2019 JC Bowman

As Chairman of SCORE, Senator Bill Frist should be commended and honored for his tireless advocacy and passion for making education a priority in our state.

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome in Education

August 7, 2019August 6, 2019 JC Bowman

Teachers simply cannot give up on themselves, nor can we ever give up on our students. We have to improvise, adapt, and overcome both our personal and systemic challenges.

JC Bowman Commentary: Union Politics Hurt Public Education

July 31, 2019July 30, 2019 JC Bowman

Union politics often hurt public education and educators with an agenda that many parents and taxpayers are baffled by, and members are left to explain.

A Primer on Collaborative Conferencing

July 24, 2019July 23, 2019 JC Bowman

The Tennessee General Assembly was clear in 2011 that they wanted to get politics out of our public schools while supporting teachers’ rights to fight for higher wages and better working conditions. Professional Educators of Tennessee fervently supports the right of educators to discuss working conditions and salary with their employers.

JC Bowman Commentary: Walking Point on Independence Day

July 3, 2019July 2, 2019 JC Bowman

Our nation, our republic, is unquestionably dependent upon the active and informed involvement of our citizens.

JC Bowman Commentary: Virtue Is Still Needed to Change Culture

June 19, 2019June 18, 2019 JC Bowman

Children, the next generation, and the hope for a better future in our society need men and women of the highest moral standards to embrace teaching them. Ethics still matter.

A Reflection on Father’s Day

June 16, 2019June 15, 2019 JC Bowman

Let’s be honest, being a dad is actual work—and it is difficult yet rewarding work.

JC Bowman Commentary: The Importance of Mentors for Teachers and Administrators

May 30, 2019May 29, 2019 JC Bowman

Our suggestion is to ensure that money is included in the future Basic Education Program (BEP) to allow for mentorship to occur, either by utilizing highly effective retired educators or granting stipends to experienced classroom teachers with a proven track record in classroom management.

JC Bowman Commentary: Looking at Next Steps for Public Education

May 22, 2019May 21, 2019 JC Bowman

We must make sure public education is viewed as a significant part of the choice that parents will make for their children moving forward. People, working together, can shape it for the better.

JC Bowman Commentary: Selecting New School Superintendents – Dance of the Lemons or Parade of Favorites?

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 JC Bowman

No matter who your district hires—whether from within or bringing in an experienced educator from outside—give that new leader a chance. Don’t be afraid to hold them accountable.

JC Bowman Commentary: Everybody Loves Their Mama

May 12, 2019May 11, 2019 JC Bowman

We could never set aside enough days in a year, or hours in a week to honor the women that shape and inspire our lives daily.

JC Bowman Commentary: ESA’S Have Passed – What’s Next?

May 3, 2019May 2, 2019 JC Bowman

In the end, just like magnet schools, community schools, and charter schools, ESA’s will be viewed as another reform effort. Its success or failure will largely be defined by the students who participate in the program.

Commentary: Celebration of Easter and Passover

April 19, 2019April 18, 2019 JC Bowman

This weekend marks a Holy Week for many citizens across Tennessee and the world, as we celebrate Passover and Easter. In America, religious beliefs are critical to many of our founding principles. There is no denying the significant impact that faith has had on our nation, from the Puritans to…

JC Bowman Commentary: Strike Out in Tennessee

March 16, 2019March 15, 2019 JC Bowman

In education, strikes are detrimental to children, parents, the community, and the profession. A strike is a throwback to an archaic factory model of governance. Public education in Tennessee wins when we all work together through civil discourse to address our considerable issues, not with outworn strategies from the industrial age.

JC Bowman Commentary: State of the State Expectations 2019

March 2, 2019March 1, 2019 JC Bowman

The State of the State will signal to the state the administration’s priorities for the immediate future. It is where campaign promises, either become realities or go to die.

JC Bowman Commentary: Student Discipline Is Out of Control

March 1, 2019March 1, 2019 JC Bowman

It would be awesome if every educator had a positive and supportive working environment where they could thrive personally and professionally, and where they were free to exercise their expertise and explore the full limits of their talents.

JC Bowman Commentary: Suicide is Not Painless

February 22, 2019February 21, 2019 JC Bowman

Suicide prevention has to be a priority for everybody. We must destroy the societal imposed shame placed on those who seek help.

JC Bowman Commentary: Legislation That Hurts School Discipline

February 20, 2019February 19, 2019 JC Bowman

Lack of student discipline, inadequate administrative support, and lack of respect are frequently cited why teachers leave the profession. The continued barrage of top-down legislation by the Tennessee General Assembly does not help.

JC Bowman Commentary: Hail to the Chiefs

February 14, 2019February 13, 2019 JC Bowman

The third Monday of February is recognized as Presidents’ Day in the United States. Established in 1885, the day was originally intended to celebrate the birthday of the first president of our country, George Washington. Today we use it to commemorate all 45 Presidents of the United States. However, no…

JC Bowman Commentary: Helping Our Children with Dyslexia

February 12, 2019February 11, 2019 JC Bowman

Data shows that one in five students or more than 200,000 in the state have characteristics of dyslexia. Dyslexia affects you regardless of race, gender, or political affiliation.

JC Bowman Commentary: Let the Committee Decide

February 9, 2019February 8, 2019 JC Bowman

How did a system designed to provide government of, by, and for the people devolve into a system in which bureaucrats unaccountable to voters produce masses of law that was never voted on by an elected official?

JC Bowman Commentary: Losing Our Brightest Students

February 5, 2019February 5, 2019 JC Bowman

Have we pushed some of our best and brightest students, including students of color, aside in the name of equity? JC Bowman identifies why that answer is yes.

JC Bowman Commentary: Parent Dress Up

February 1, 2019January 31, 2019 JC Bowman

Every time we see legislation that adds to the teacher workload, we look very cautiously at it. —JC Bowman

JC Bowman Commentary: Parent Dress Code and Inappropriate Behavior

January 25, 2019January 24, 2019 JC Bowman

Legislation is being suggested by Tennessee Representative Antonio Parkinson on a parental dress code. Passing legislation is not necessary, if we simply enforce the indecent exposure and other laws already on the books.

JC Bowman Commentary: Beauty in Broken Places

January 18, 2019January 17, 2019 JC Bowman

As educators we must build a system that gives students the educational foundation to succeed, despite whatever dire circumstances our students may come out of personally.

JC Bowman Commentary: A Bright Future in Workforce & Education

January 11, 2019January 10, 2019 JC Bowman

One of the challenges we face in Tennessee moving forward is the need to further develop and align the education-to-career pipeline. Governor-elect Bill Lee probably expressed this better than any candidate on the campaign trail, and his potential as governor in this arena offers great hope for a brighter future for Tennessee.

JC Bowman Commentary: New Year, New Leaders

December 31, 2018December 30, 2018 JC Bowman

A new year is a time for reflection and more importantly a time for hope. It will require ethical leadership and tireless advocacy for issues that you care about, but the promise of a new year brings the best hope for mankind.

JC Bowman Commentary: Serving at Christmas

December 25, 2018December 24, 2018 JC Bowman

This time of the year should reflect the best of mankind.

JC Bowman Commentary: The Best Gift of All

December 21, 2018December 21, 2018 JC Bowman

Lasting relationships are perhaps the key to a happy life.

JC Bowman Commentary: Open Enrollment is a Choice

December 17, 2018December 18, 2018 JC Bowman

As the focus on education choice is elevated by Governor-elect Bill Lee, maybe the easiest place to find initial consensus is with open enrollment. We must expand open enrollment policies in our public school districts.

JC Bowman Commentary: Time to Address Teacher Morale

December 16, 2018December 15, 2018 JC Bowman

There is no one size fits all strategy that will work in every school or district. This is a recurring theme among those who believe in local control in public education. Together, we can work to address teacher morale issues. Once a plan is in place, it is very important to examine, evaluate, and adjust as necessary.

JC Bowman Commentary: A K12 Education Agenda We Should Embrace

December 3, 2018December 2, 2018 JC Bowman

Lee has stated his three major priorities: 1) Getting our students ready to enter the workforce; 2) Strengthening the foundations of a quality system; and 3) Encouraging innovation. It is a K12 education agenda we should embrace.

JC Bowman Commentary: Blueprint for Transition in Education

November 28, 2018November 27, 2018 JC Bowman

Bill Lee ran as a conservative, and should govern as a conservative. He stressed the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong education system.

JC Bowman Commentary: Avoiding Holiday Conflict

November 23, 2018November 23, 2018 JC Bowman

Conflict is inevitable, whenever humans live together. However, it can be set aside for a greater purpose, such as fellowship, thanksgiving, worship, and helping others.

JC Bowman Commentary: What I Didn’t Say About the Departure of TN Dept. of Education Commissioner Candice McQueen

November 16, 2018November 16, 2018 JC Bowman

Tupac Shakur said, “Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can ever see and feel.” I spent time with Commissioner McQueen as more than a casual observer. Her heart and passion were always for the children and teachers in Tennessee. She fought battles which nobody knew about and which, despite the lofty title in front of her name, she had little control.

JC Bowman Commentary: Thoughts on Veterans Day 2018

November 11, 2018November 10, 2018 JC Bowman

Tennessee is the Volunteer State. It is called the Volunteer State because in the times of crisis that our nation found itself, whether a natural crisis or in defense of our country, our citizens were the first to respond. Members of my family have fought, and some even died, for…

JC Bowman Commentary: Collaborative Conferencing Limits Educators

October 25, 2018October 25, 2018 JC Bowman

Professional Educators of Tennessee fervently supports the right of educators to discuss working conditions and salary with their employers. There are flaws in the current Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act (Public Chapter 378). Are there other options? We believe so and toward that end, Professional Educators of Tennessee has begun to establish Education Leaders Councils in some districts to accomplish more for teachers. It will help us cultivate true consensus building and address more critical issues.

Professional Educators of Tennessee to Conduct Legislative Survey

October 19, 2018October 19, 2018 JC Bowman

Professional Educators of Tennessee is conducting a legislative survey of educators across the state. Frequent areas that we hear from educators: School Safety & Security, Teacher Compensation and Recruitment, School Funding, and Assessment. We believe policymakers need to address these issues in 2019,

Education Policy: 9 Issues to Address in 2019

October 6, 2018October 5, 2018 JC Bowman

Public education is not “broken.” Public education policy is “broken,” and neighborhood public schools are suffering the consequences. Here are nine of the most critical and challenging issues in public education we should address in 2019 in Tennessee.

Commentary: Changing the School Culture

October 4, 2018October 3, 2018 JC Bowman

His biggest piece of advice is to “get out of the office, get in the hallways, in the classrooms, in the community. No school in Tennessee has changed its culture more than ‘The Mount’. This school culture is an example of a strategy that other schools and districts can duplicate.

Commentary: School Culture and Chronic Behavior Problems

September 29, 2018September 29, 2018 JC Bowman

We need to address some of the more critical issues many educators in our public schools face: chronic discipline issues with students with behavior issues that cannot be easily addressed in a classroom setting, with a non-supportive school climate

JC Bowman Commentary: Celebrate Constitution Day

September 12, 2018September 11, 2018 JC Bowman

Our founding principles are critical as our country moves forward, if we are to survive as a nation. It is one area in which Americans are likely to find agreement. We celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th every year.

JC Bowman Commentary: We Remember September 11

September 10, 2018September 9, 2018 JC Bowman

We must remember September 11th in our homes and in our classrooms and engage in this important dialogue. Never let it be said that the flame of freedom was extinguished on our watch. That can be summed up in two words: We Remember.

Commentary: Thanking Those Who Built America

September 3, 2018September 2, 2018 JC Bowman

Labor Day has many meanings, but one meaning is that we must recognize the incredible effort and work it took to build this great country.

JC Bowman Commentary: Tone Deaf School Districts

August 24, 2018August 23, 2018 JC Bowman

“If you don’t understand — from the school district to the superintendents — that we want our teachers held harmless, then I’m sorry, you’re tone-deaf.” —-State Representative Eddie Smith (Knoxville). That message was heard and understood statewide, right? Apparently not. We are receiving reports from across the state that some districts are denying their teachers their justified and earned bonuses, which harms the educator.

JC Bowman Commentary: A Few More Thoughts on Testing in Tennessee…

August 20, 2018August 19, 2018 JC Bowman

All stakeholders want to get testing right. However, the emphasis on testing misses the bigger issue: student academic growth measured by flawed testing. Then the results being used in educator evaluations. This is certainly more problematic to educators than the actual tests themselves.

JC Bowman Commentary: Testing is Open for Debate

August 19, 2018August 18, 2018 JC Bowman

Professional Educators of Tennessee raised the issue on Testing, with a hard-hitting editorial called the Trouble with Testing. Professional Educators of Tennessee did NOT support the use of that data on teacher evaluations, nor did they sign a support letter on the original grant submission., which the Tennessee Education Association did.

JC Bowman Commentary: Time to Separate PACS from Lobbying

August 11, 2018August 10, 2018 JC Bowman

Professional Educators of Tennessee will continue to lobby for public education. However, we will never endorse political parties or candidates as an organization on behalf of our members. We also do not have a PAC, nor do we plan to ever start one. It would harm our effectiveness. We must advance public education without the divisive tribalism of partisan politics, and we will only get involved in education related issues.

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