Thursday night, a panel of teachers were on hand at the Public Education Foundation's (PEF) Meet-A-Teach event at CreateHere to take questions from attendees and to give their own insight into the state of public education in Hamilton County. The event was the first of it's kind for PEF and appeared to be a success, as those in attendance were very engaging with the Q & A session lasting for nearly an hour.
Moderated by Christa Payne, development and external relations director for PEF, the majority of the questions centered around the students themselves and how the school system and community can work to make them successful throughout their learning experience. The panel also touched on the more heavy topics such as budget and administrative issues. Jamelie Kangles is a teacher at Battle Academy, she thinks Meet-A-Teach was a great idea and looks forward to more events like it, "I think it's good for our views to be heard and also for the public to say 'this is what we think is important.' And so, we can all communicate together. Everybody wants the best for their kids, the parents and the community... and that's what we're all in this job for." And that was evident. The teachers spoke with a clear devotion to the future of their students. Another Meet-A-Teach event would be something to look forward and I would definitely encourage everyone to join in on the conversation next time.
Shannon Edmondson on Nov. 21, 2008
Thanks so much for coming by - great video clips! We're already working on the next event, so follow us on Twitter (pefchattanooga) and through Facebook.
John Hawbaker on Nov. 21, 2008
For those interested in learning more about PEF, they'll be featured in our next Justify Your Existence interview. Stay tuned!
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 24, 2008
Simple Questions: Who does the Public Education Foundation answer to? How do they respond to widespread assertions they are subverting the collective will of the citizens, taxpayers and property owners of Hamilton County by seemingly exerting more control and influence over local public schools and the public education process than the democratically elected School Board representatives voted in to do the will of and represent the best interests of The People? What's in it for The Public Education Foundation? Where would all these purported do-gooders work, and by extension, earn their living, if they didn't have non-profit gigs advocating for their vision of what's best for The Great Unwashed? What's wrong with earning a profit? I look forward to their reply...
freweds on Nov. 25, 2008
I dont give a shit about that but when I watched that video all I got out of it was some OMG!!!!! Valley OMG!!!!! Girl introducing a bunch of white women for a collective circle jerk. Are black teachers not a part of introductory OMG bimbo's social network?
HimJim on Nov. 25, 2008
I think Mr. Nash is onto something! These non-profits are ruining Chattanooga. They are run by secret people whose names are only available in websites, newspapers and many other publications. They allow private individuals to take their OWN money and invest in public services without voters telling them what to do with their own money. What's in it for them!? All they get is a better city. This is unfair. How are angry wing-nuts like me supposed to connect anti-education sentiments with anti-tax arguments when business leaders are investing in education, getting positive results, without increasing the tax burden? My whole argument is that public education is not a worthwile investment, so it really castrates me when educated, successful people club together and start making it work. I think people like Mr. Nash should get just as much attention as these do-gooders. He should run for public office. That way he could get attention and make sure that no one, in the public or private sectors, invests in our city. Personally, when I'm wealthy, I'm gonna spend all my money on big screen TVs and those giant Sonic onion rings!
Frances Haman-Prewitt on Nov. 25, 2008
Thanks, Chattarati, for the positive coverage, and for the opportunity to tell folks more about PEF and what we do. It’s pretty simple: we work to improve schools in Hamilton County. Period. No other agenda. We do this by providing professional development for teachers and school leaders in effective, proven ways to improve student achievement. This professional development helps educators improve their methods for teaching students to read and do math, to understand and use what they learn, and to develop thinking skills.
Your reader freweds makes one valid point: We have many African-American teachers who are doing a great job and could have brought additional insight into our Meet-a-Teacher event. Readers can listen to an audio podcast of one of these truly remarkable teachers, Ms. Romona Goines, who has helped make test scores sizzle at Brown Middle School. That podcast can be heard at www.pefchattanooga.org/podcasts/PEFpodcast1.wmv.
To answer Mr. Nash’s question, we answer to the Hamilton County Board of Education. If the school board doesn’t want us to work with middle school teachers, we aren’t in middle schools. If they don’t want us to work with high school principals, we aren’t in high schools. Etc.
We admit to being non-profit. It’s a little unusual to be criticized for that, but we plead guilty. It’s good to know that Mr. Nash would support us if the non-profit thing doesn’t pan out and we need to charge for our services.
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 25, 2008
Ms. Frances Haman-Prewitt,
Given your stated desire for the opportunity to communicate on behalf of the PEF on a larger scope and scale, I'd like to invite you and you alone to come on 'Live and Local' to answer my questions point-by-point. Failing same, I'd like you to point to any aspect of my previous post on this topic that would give anyone - yourself included - any reason to believe I support what the PEF purportedly does, let alone any shred of evidence I'd be willing to pay the PEF good money for same. It's my sincere belief you can't, a fact I can only (at this point) attribute to your blind allegiance to perpetuating your little specious non-profit good thing/shuck 'n' jive at all costs and/or your seeming lack of reading comprehension skills. In the event you take this as some sort of tacky insult, I'll kindly point you to the simple and undeniable fact I have asked multiple questions in the post above. As in plural. Not singular. Questions. Plural. Get it? Got it? Good. While we're on the subject, you've yet to return the last call I placed to you - On Air - asking for independent second source confirmation of the fact the PEF funded the recent widely-reported trip to Nashville to get everyone on message in re: the matter of the ESTIMATED TWENTY-MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET SHORTFALL the HCDE currently faces. But that's OK as I already know I'm rock-solid on that one. In any case I will likewise be covering this matter On Air - in extreme detail - in the very near future. Try to tune in, won't you?
I Am,
Robert T. Nash
Citizen/Taxpayer/Property Owner
Host/Producer/Reporter
Citadel Broadcasting
Talk Radio WGOW 102.3 FM
821 Pineville Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405
(423) 756-6141 FRONT DESK - HAVE ME PAGED!
(423) 756-1505 NEWSROOM - NOW WITH VOICEMAIL!!
(423) 668-2458 DIRECT TO VOICEMAIL - AS GOOD AS TALKING TO ME!!!
(423) 593-8522 CELL - NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS ONLY!!!
(423) 266-3629 FACSIMILE - WHY ARE YOU STILL USING ONE OF THESE!?!
(423) 622-4627 HOME - ANYTIME/WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS!!!!
Editors on Nov. 25, 2008
Robert, if you'd like to hear Ms. Haman-Prewitt answer a few of our specific questions about PEF and their work, please see our related post:
http://chattarati.com/2008/11/25/justify-your-existence-public-education-foundation/
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 25, 2008
Dear Editors,
Heard it. Captured the audio. Gonna use it On Air, along with the giggly young hand-picked school marms who feel they're under-appreciated. You do know of one of said school marms connection to Ismahen Kangles of the PEF, right? Don't get me wrong: Those Kangles are fine folks, but I think we can all agree Full Disclosure is a Good Thing worth striving for, right? If only to avoid the appearance of sand-bagging. Especially if you're seeking to democratize journalism. In new business, you do know Ms. Haman-Prewitt lives in Ringgold, Georgia, don't you? Perhaps she'll tell you guys why she doesn't see fit to reside in Chattanooga or Hamilton County. Speaking of questions unanswered, why don't you good editor types explore the notion of letting citizens weigh in via referendumvote on whether or not legions of do-gooders get to put their fingerprints all over The Public Process? Why don't you good editor types explore the notion of why, if Chattanoga as a brand/concept/mindset is so viable, vibrant and marketable, we seemingly have to give it all away? And by we, I mean citizens, taxpayers and property owners. In closing, please know it's my contention good civic-minded orgnaizations and corporate citizens pay their fair share of taxes. Not mention real patriots. After all, in my experience, one rarely gets something for nothing. But that's just me. Thanks!
Robert T. Nash
Cookin' Righteous Chili in Brainerd and Plottin' My Next Move
P.S. - While we're on the subject of audio, check out the MP3 of yours truly weighing in on the "value" of specious Chattanooga-centric non-profit do-gooders online here: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/nov/18/hamilton-county-talk-show-host-thinking-entering-m/
m.kelley on Nov. 25, 2008
I live in Chickamauga, so I really could care less if she lives in Ringgold. It's still the greater Chattanooga area which depends on having educated from every place around. Chattanooga depends a lot on N.GA, so why shouldn't they be involved?
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 25, 2008
Because they don't pay the bill...
Frances Haman-Prewitt on Nov. 26, 2008
Hey, Robert T.! So nice of you to call my home during dinner with my family last evening! You’ve found me out, haven’t you? Sure enough, I live in Catoosa, not Hamilton, County. Sure enough, I don’t pay property taxes in Hamilton County. And? Does this mean that I shouldn’t care about and try to help the children of Hamilton County?
So everybody else is probably bored with this by now, but let me try to answer your questions. I apologize if I didn’t answer clearly before – I tried to pull out the gist of what you were saying, but it’s a little challenging, Robert T.
1. Who does PEF answer to? The school board.
2. Long sentence about subverting the will of the people…controlling schools: Same answer. We work in schools only if the democratically elected school board says we can. Most of them are trying to build up Hamilton County schools and appreciate any help they can get.
3. What’s in it for PEF? Not a thing except that do-good feeling, and a better community to live in. Yep – you’ve caught us again – we ARE a bunch of do-gooders, and proud of it. Why the heck aren’t you? And – this is really my burning question – what else could possibly be in it for us? Why would we want to control schools? Our only goal is to help kids learn more, and we do that by providing teachers and school leaders with extra training and information.
4. What would we do if we didn’t work for PEF? Work for somebody else, preferably in the area of public education. We are all passionate about that work.
5. What’s wrong with making a profit? Nothing. That’s just not our goal. What’s wrong with not making a profit?
6. Second entry: You invite me to your show. How kind! I’ll gladly accept, on one condition: you first admit in public that PEF has a right to exist and to work in Hamilton County schools. I’m glad to answer any reasonable questions to the very best of my humble abilities, but I have no incentive to come if you’ve already established your very negative view of us with your listeners.
7. For the sake of our readers, let's skip to the part where we confirm that PEF paid for the board retreat to Nashville. No problem – we confirmed that for Channel 9, and it was confirmed for you by HCDE. You’re just funning me that you called for that reason. By the way, we’re proud of helping out. Helping pay for professional development for school leaders fits within our mission. They have really tough jobs, they needed to go to this meeting, and they’re facing really tough decisions. They don’t deserve the criticism they’ve received over this.
8. I”ll have to pass on your invitation to tune in. Sorry, I can’t work and listen at the same time.
9. As for the voice mail you left on my home phone, you express pride at your status as a citizen taxpayer of Hamilton County. Good for you! More folks need to take that position.
10. You make the point several times that I live in Catoosa County. Yep. See above.
11. Now here, Robert T., is where we really do disagree: you complain because I didn’t return your “legitimate press inquiry.” I DO return all legitimate press inquiries!!! I’m not positive, but I understand that you yourself characterize your show as “infotainment,” not news. I can’t swear to that – haven’t heard it myself – see #10, above. I will say this, though – much as it pains me - a legitimate press inquiry doesn’t begin with “you have no right to exist…you’re a shadow government…you control the schools and subvert the democratic process….” I think there’s something somewhere about “fair and objective reporting,” in connection with legitimate press inquiries. Correct me if I’m wrong.
The bottom line is this, regarding my willingness to come on your show: we both need a fair shot at win-win. You want to entertain your listeners, and you think you can do that by throwing crazy accusations at me and PEF. My task is to build support for Hamilton County schools and for PEF. I clearly can’t accomplish my task in your environment – you can’t even pretend to offer a level playing field – so why should I come on your show?
P.S. I was having fun with this, Robert T., until I saw your post chiding the teachers. Shame on you. That’s lower than low.
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 26, 2008
Ms. Frances Haman-Prewitt,
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. Please know I did not mean to discomfit you by calling you at home. In fact, the last time you appeared on my show on behalf of the PEF - your current concerns over same aside - you warmly encouraged me to contact you anytime. That said, you've Bought The Ticket, so don't be complaining about Taking The Ride. Must respectfully point out you have absolutely no idea what I think, and your suggestion that you know what I think is a faulty and unfounded meta-perception. With that out of the way, please know I am currently fact-checking a number of your assertions. With that in mind, can you be In Studio for a factual discussion of what, if any, benefit the PEF has achieved next Wednesday, i.e. 11/26/08, at 2:00 PM? Please advise ASAP so I can preview and promote our showdown. Thanks!
I Am,
Robert T. Nash
Citizen/Taxpayer/Property Owner
Host/Producer/Reporter
Citadel Broadcasting
Talk Radio WGOW 102.3 FM
821 Pineville Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405
(423) 756-6141 FRONT DESK - HAVE ME PAGED!
(423) 756-1505 NEWSROOM - NOW WITH VOICEMAIL!!
(423) 668-2458 DIRECT TO VOICEMAIL - AS GOOD AS TALKING TO ME!!!
(423) 593-8522 CELL - NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS ONLY!!!
(423) 266-3629 FACSIMILE - WHY ARE YOU STILL USING ONE OF THESE!?!
(423) 622-4627 HOME - ANYTIME/WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS!!!!
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 26, 2008
Ms. Frances Haman-Prewitt,
Oops...My bad! Kindly make the date on that In Studio request 12/03/08...Seems that while I can listen and work at the same time - it's called multi-tasking - I can't flip the calendar while I type. Speaking of out of date, your Board Membership roster on the PEF website needs some serious grooming. Shoot me a note if you need help figuring it out. Take care.
RTN/XXX/OOO
Frances Haman-Prewitt on Nov. 26, 2008
Hey, Robert T., thanks for the heads up on the Board roster. We'd missed that - been working on other things like our podcast series - check it out at www.pefchattanooga.org, and click on "newsletter/podcasts." There'll be a new one coming out next week that will bring tears to your eyes. Anyway, we've fixed the board page, and are planning an update of the other pages over the holidays. (Test scores are actually higher in most cases than those listed from last year.)
Can't come on the show though. You haven't met my condition!
I'm out of here for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a peaceful and happy holiday.
FHP
Robert T. Nash on Nov. 26, 2008
Ms. Frances Haman-Prewitt,
Thanks for the update. Truth be told I knew you wouldn't be coming On Air with me. Please know legitimate media outlets rarely agree to pre-arranged and/or negotiated limits as a condition of booking a guest or segment, and when they do they don't hash it all out in a public forum like this one. Quite frankly, I'm more than a little suprised I'm having to point this out to a working flack such as yourself. On a related note, what, if anything, did you get the folks at Chattarati to agree to in advance of their PEF access? Anyway, it's my belief and experience your gushing praise of the resultant coverage would prick up an experienced editor's ears. As for the PEF website, you removed the deceased board member, but you've still got some work to do. HINT: It involves Ms. Ruth Holmberg, who has not been Publisher Emeritus of The Chattanooga Times-Free Press for more than six months, a fact you can easily confirm by glancing at the TFP masthead. Happy Thanksgiving!
Respectfully Yours,
Robert T. Nash
Proud Citizen/Taxpayer/Property Owner
Rick Fitzgerald on Dec. 1, 2008
Robert T, please help me understand what your concerns are with PEF. I am an active listener and fan of the show by the way. I am aware of your concerns with one or more of the donors to PEF as well. I personally would like to keep up with any outside influence as a parent of a child in the HCDE system.
I was ignorant of PEF until coming across the post and surprised at their organizational size.
Robert T. Nash on Dec. 1, 2008
Dear Rick,
Thanks for the note, and for listening to Talk Radio WGOW 102.3 FM in general, and 'Live and Local' specifically. Basically, it's my belief the PEF functions as a psuedo-School Board that effectively serves to usurp the will of The People by subverting The Democratic Process. When they're not actively grant-mongering. If you need more info, call in on 423-267-1023 between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM weekdays and I'll gladly cover my concerns with - as well as my objections to - The Public Education Foundation. In extreme detail. On Air. Just for you. Take care.
Respectfully Yours,
Robert T. Nash
Verine2116 on Dec. 3, 2008
"Please know legitimate media outlets rarely agree to pre-arranged and/or negotiated limits as a condition of booking a guest or segment, and when they do they don’t hash it all out in a public forum like this one."
Interesting response Robert. Most "legitimate" media outlets don't ream someone up and down for months and then invite the target of their blather to be interviewed to justify their existence. It's called objectivity. You don't have it, which is fine, but don't expect your targets to show up for interviews just because you invite them. Speaking of legitimate media, how many radio show hosts say they are contemplating running for office just to boost ratings?