This Week In Education People: PA Teacher Of The Year Michelle Switala

This Week In Education

People: PA Teacher Of The Year Michelle Switala

by Alexander Russo

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Another set of answers from a Teacher of the Year -- PA's Michelle Switala, the pride of Pine Richland High School math department. Check out her answer about her favorite book or movie for a smile. Shouldn't Stand And Deliver be her favorite movie?
1 -- What is the biggest issue going on in your classroom or school this year (budget cuts, swine flu, schedules, merit pay)?
I think our biggest issue is budget cuts. We have a new superintendent who inherited a little bit of a mess and is now faced with tightening our purse strings. We'll feel it next year when a bunch of retired teachers will not be replaced. We also opted for a contract extension instead of full-blown negotiating in this climate.
2 -- What do you know and think about "race to the top" and other federal education initiatives (for, against, don't know)?
I am really happy that we are thinking about holding districts and teachers

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