Significance over Seniority
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May 19, 2010 • Lauren Gourley
Filed under BuccaNews, Bucs Life, Top Stories, View from the Crew
I empathize with all the students who will spend their last weeks in school, or even in their entire high school career, mourning over the loss of Allatoona’s “budget cut” teachers. As of the morning of May 11th, some of Cobb County School District’s most influential educators will no longer be with us next year. Never in my entire experience in high school have I seen so many of my peers emotionally drained before the first bell of the day. It literally pained me to watch students go up and thank teachers for the impact they had on lives while choking back a “best of luck”. How can money judge whether or not a teacher is valuable to a school and its attendees? The last time I checked, years of employment cannot equate to years of inspiration.
Budget cuts have taken away small classroom sizes, and curriculum availability, but now it is taking away something that cannot be replaced, fifteen of Allatoona’s most loving teachers and head coaches. Some of these educators left their former jobs two years ago in order to have the opportunity to build a program from the ground up. Now as of this week, these same hardworking teachers are being let go. The expression “Teaching is not a profession; it’s a passion”, can easily serve to describe the dedication that thrived and still does exist in our affected teachers.
Personally, my past two years at Allatoona has allowed me to become acquainted with some of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I’ve met a variety of personalities and I’ve experienced a collection of teaching styles. The sincere teacher who is so passionate about learning, she has cried about the most inspirational stories in history. I had the privilege of learning about science from a dry humored, yet extremely funny coach and child at heart. I’ve even had the honor of being taught by Allatoona’s mystery woman who drives one of the nicest cars in the parking lot.
However, unfortunately at the end of the 2009-2010 school year, Cobb County has voted to cut 579 full and part time teachers. But, rather than having sympathy for the educators that we’re losing, perhaps we should celebrate their remaining time here. A contribution a teacher has made to students’ lives cannot be “reduced” nor is it “temporary”. It is a gift that has created some of the most passionate student reactions in Cobb’s history. With these last two weeks left, the teachers and students at Allatoona should still spend their remaining time growing the connection that makes Allatoona the school it is, and will continue to be, regardless of our losses.
In order to express to the community how dear our teachers are to us, please leave a comment on this article with a memory of your affected teacher. Writing your name on a petition is one thing, but a sincere thought is something entirely different.
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Honestly, 15 teachers being gone from Allatoona High School has an impact on every single student in that school. We truly care about and love these teachers, coaches, counselors, and educators with all of our hearts. They have taught us so many things and Allatoona is never going to be the same. We need them back. Coach Perry is honestly the best teacher I’ve ever had. We all know he cares about us and our future. He made it to where we learned so much and became so educated in the subject of physics but also made it humorous and fun. That right there is the most amazing talent anyone can have. I look forward to physics everyday. That’s rare for me to look forward to a class. I also had Coach Hood last year and recently talked with Ms. Turner, my guidance counselor. It’s so devastating to see them go. I also had Coach Cox last year. These 4 teachers and the 11 more made Allatoona the amazing school that it is. I just know that we need to get them back. And as students, we’re going to do everything we can to help and support these teachers in their time of need.
Nicole
Let me just say that Coach Perry is probably one of the coolest teachers I’ve ever had. He combines humor with physics; the only reason I’m passing that class is because of how great of a teacher he is. Hopefully everything will be resolved because he’s honestly a major part of Allatoona. I’ll also miss Mrs. Page, my NHS adviser because she’s put so much effort into our club, and Mrs. Lewis who just recently became the adviser for the BRAND NEW Young Aldermen. It’s not fair that their opportunities and jobs are being cut, some after only one year. All the affected teachers mean so much to a variety of different students, and I hope Cobb realizes that these teachers are too important to be let go.
-Lauren Gourley
Mrs. Young, the FACS teachers, is such an amazing person, and is one of the last people on earth who should have to suffer from something like this. I never actually took her class, but she came into the coffee shop every morning with such a cheerful attitude that was really contagious. She is one of the few teachers who actually, sincerely cared about me and my siblings while we were going through a really rough time at home, and her support and happiness made such a difference on many days that could have potentially turned out bad. She really loves her students, and we love her back.
Coach Perry is amazing, as a teacher and a goofball! His comments, facial expressions and drawing are hilarious and make class so much fun! He is a unique teacher that can never be replaced! KEEP COACH PERRY!
“You drew that Lamba!” hahaa (:
An example, Coach Perry has always been such an inspiration. Although I’ve never had him as a teacher, as a coach, he made me WANT to improve. And although I may not know some of the other teachers/coaches as well.. i know that every student at Allatoona can say they feel something because we are losing them. These cuts come as a shock considering no one could predict the kind of debt the county would fall upon. However, the loss of our teachers, our coaches, our friends, our mentors, is not easy for anyone.
Coach Rob Phillips came to Walton High School and has changed my day to day high school experience. He’s one of the nicest and most patient teachers, and works hard to make sure his students understand the material. Despite only being with us for a couple of years, many students look at him as a man that actually cares and everytime I see him he is talking, helping, and trying to inspire students even when he has his own problems to worry about. He’s made my time as part of the wrestling team an amazing experience, and I just don’t understand how Cobb County can cut so many teachers when there must be other ways of fixing the budget problems.
I left Allatoona a little over 4 months ago to move to a new state. I have attended 3 high schools in my life and none can compete with the wonderful experience I had while at the Home of The Buccaneers. I heard about all this crazy stuff happening and I am just as upset as any other student. One of the best parts of Allatoona was the wonderful group of teachers, they made classes fun and really wanted to help each student reach their full potential. Coach Perry got me through physics with a B, when for the past 2 years I had been getting Cs in every science class I ever took. He made physics so much fun, and while I had no friends in that class I always looked forward to coming just to see what wonderfully crazy thing Coach Perry would do that day. I understood the curriculum and was amazed at my good grades. I will always remember him as one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had and I will be sad to know he had to leave this wonderful school. I don’t know what other teachers are being cut, but not once in my experience at Allatoona did I not love my teachers. They are all wonderful people and I will forever be grateful to each of them for all they taught me, about class curriculum and life outside of school.
Coach Perry. I never had him as a teacher, but did have the opportunity to work with him on the soccer field and around the school. All i can say is that this big mistake that Cobb County is making, cutting teachers based off of seniority instead of significance, is wrong and inconsiderate. Also Coach Cox. I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who looked up to him and enjoyed his teaching. What a mistake Cobb County.
Mrs. Young is one of my absolute favorite teachers. she’s always a cheerful person and brightens up my day in first period. She is one that truly cares for her students, as well as they do for her. She’s a teacher that can be a friend to her students as well, and is the least deserving of this. also, Coach Cox is one of the best teachers i have. he’s the only “social studies” teachers i’ve ever had that i’ve actually learned from. He’s always cracking jokes in class and keeps us laughing and makes the class fun. Our school is composed of an amazing staff and student body that create a family- like bond, and this tears at not only the teachers that are leaving, but the students too. we’re doing every possible thing we can do to support all 15 teachers in their time of need, which is now. they will all be missed so much, and it will hurt to see them leave.
Coach Cox moved here from Texas in order to coach/teach at NCCS, things ended up turning out badly and he was able to get a job here at Allatoona. it would be such a shame for a good man, coach, friend, and teacher to be put through the hardships of moving his family AGAIN and trying to start somewhere new.
we have the nicest school in the county, and probably the state. we have all of the high-tech learning devices you could ask for. we have FLAT SCREEN TVs IN THE LUNCHROOM. why not cut money in places that we can afford? without the teachers, the equipment is USELESS. this means we will have 40+ people crammed around a smart-board to learn from a teacher they are unfamiliar with. personally, I would rather have 25 students, no smart board, and a good teacher. this IS an option.
Keep Coach Hood !
i feel that Coach Dennison should not have been fired, because he was one of the best teachers i have ever had . he’s very laid back and is just what every high school student needs as a teacher. hes a head coach we need him . and he’s done nothing but helped our school out . i think he should be re hired. honestly . he’s a sweet and caring teacher . and would hate to see him go . even though i won’t have his class or another class with him . well i love coach Dennison . and hope something good happens love always .
Deanna Hewgley.
I would like to say, Coach Perry is the greatest guy I have ever known. I had surgery on my knee this year and it is heart breaking for him not to coach my senior year. I cried for 4 hours and on… I want my coach back and plus some of these great teachers. We are losing really good teachers and next year we could be stuck with teachers that don’t care and just are ready to leave! I am not ready for this change!
When i found out that 2 of my favorite teachers were cut, i was absolutely devastated. Never in all of my years in school have i had teachers that mean as much as the teachers at Allatoona mean to me. Let me just start with Mrs. Young. I have had such a great experience with her class this year. I look forward to it every b day, and i always look forward to hearing a new story from her. She has an amazing personality and i hope i turn out to be as good of a person as she is when im older. She may as well be the strongest woman i have ever met. I admire her for her positive attitude toward the struggles she is dealing with in her life right now. She is an amazing person, and has the best heart. She truly cares about each and every one of her students and if you have ever had the chance to talk to her you can truly sense that. Mrs. Young will be completely honest with you, and shes the only person i would probably ever go to for advice. She has no problem telling us exactly what shes thinking. She has made such an amazing impact on me. I know i will never forget her and she is someone i will without a doubt be keeping in touch with.
Coach Perry is not only one of my favorite teachers but he is THE BEST teacher i have, if not ever had. He is my honors physics teacher and thanks to his crazy self and his fun and high energy teaching strategies, i have managed to keep an A in that class. He knows how to relate physics into situations that we will understand better, such as all the drawings he does. He is the goofiest adult i have ever met but i absolutely love it because it keeps my attention for a complete 90 minutes and would probably keep the whole day if he had to. If you have coach perry You can tell that he cares about you and that he wants you to do the best that you can possibly do. He will work with you until you understand exactly what you were having trouble with. Coach Perry has a real talent and passion for teaching and it pains me to even think that i wont see him next year. Or hear him yelling ‘Chalmers!” at me. Or watching him dance on top of his desk during valentines day. Every time i think about his class it puts a smile on my face and i cant help but laugh and it makes me look forward to the next class even more. There have been so many hilarious moments in there that i still remember from the first few weeks of school. I dont think i have ever laughed as hard as i have in his class and im going to miss him so much. I really hope he knows how much of an impact he has left on his students, and especially me. I will never forget him.
There hasn’t been a day that i haven’t looked forward to going to Mrs.Young’s Interior Design class. She always has a smile on her face, and is by far one of my favorite teachers at Allatoona. Not only is she a great teacher, but she’s also a great person to be around! I’m very upset about the fact that she won’t be here next year. I’m also upset that Coach Pirkle is leaving. I only have him for homeroom, but there’s never a dull moment in that classroom. His sense of humor cracks me up, and I love starting my day off with him. Madame Duvall is also one of my all-time favorite teachers, and I can’t believe she’s leaving as well. I may not be taking French next year, but the two years I’ve had her for French have been the best. I’m gonna miss her class so much. I’m really sad about this whole thing. It just kinda leaves me with a sick feeling in my stomach. My heart goes out to all the teachers who are being cut.
When i found out that all those teachers were being let go it really devastated me, especially when i heard coach Cox got let go. He’s been one of my favorite teachers he is always nice and Grandpa Cox, im going to miss you soo much! also coach dennison was one of the best teachers, he was funny and always had a great attitude with his class, even though we would frustrate him sometimes he was still always nice to us. also Coach Perry, after him taking our girls soccer team to state, he did such a great job. i had him for a month in last year for physics and having him as a teacher for those days really helped me improve my grade. I just hope Cobb County was a bit smarter and not let go off the teachers for seniority but by evaluating teachers. WE’RE GOING TO MISS YOU ALLATOONA TEACHERS♥
The chaos that this teacher cut has caused is enormous, and quite honestly, inspiring.
I think it’s awesome that kids around here are finally starting to stand up for something that they believe in, despite the fact that they know their efforts may not result in anything positive. Obviously these teachers mean a lot to the students of Allatoona, and it’s completely unfair that the county just took them away. I personally have only had one of these teachers, Mrs. Young, but it upsets me still that there are great teachers in this school that are being cut.
In all honesty, I think the county should have started fixing this problem LONG before it escalated to this. Had they taken responsibility and started making changes two years ago, they wouldn’t have had to resort to letting teachers go. And even if they would eventually have had to eliminate positions, seniority should have been on the bottom of the list of factors. Many of the teachers that were let go have been teaching for a long time, and getting rid of them simply because they have only worked in Cobb County for a few years is ridiculous. Seniority does not determine teaching quality or value. Plus, some of these teachers came here from other counties for the purpose of being coaches. They left their old schools, moved into a new county, and are rewarded by being let go, as if they never meant anything in the first place. It’s pitiful.
Both of us had COACH TAYLOR for Economics this year, and truely feel like we’ve learned a great deal from him. We’ve never had a teacher who kept us so inspired to learn. Not only did we learn in his class, we also had fun doing it. The way he explained econ to us MADE SENSE. He related to things we would understand. He’s such an incredible teacher and was a great addition at Allatoona. We are seniors and leaving this school this year, but we want the rest of the students at the school to have the same great experience we did!
We both had COACH HOWARD the past two years for Literature and loved it. She is one of the most genuine teachers we ever had. She related everything we learned in her class to real life. We both learned so much in our Lit. classes because of her! The English Department at Allatoona will not be the same without her next year!
We are going to miss you Coach Taylor & Coach Howard!
I wish our protesting, sign-making, and pouting would get us somewhere. None of us are naive enough to believe that it will, but we keep on. We do it because we care. The student body was never given an opportunity to share our feelings before all of this went down & that’s what frustrates me the most.
Coach Perry (B-Pizzle as i’ve always called him) is one of THE BEST teachers i have ever had. He makes Physics FUN. Is that possible? Evidently. I LOVE my 4th period class with him. I look forward to it. He keeps my attention in that class and i have had an A the entire year. So many jokes have formed from that class, i am constantly laughing.
“I dropped a clamor!” “COACH, YOU PLANT THEM!!”
“My fat crack!!”
“Coach, you drew that lamda!”
I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH COACH PERRY, YOU HAVE REALLY IMPACTED MY LIFE & I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
-Brittany
Coach Pirkle was honestly one of the BEST teachers i’ve ever had. Although i’m only a freshman, Coach Pirkle has had such an impact on me, and all of his students. It makes no sense to cut a teacher who, one has created a learning enviornment in and out of the class that is comfortable and enjoyable, and has deep roots in the athletic department. I’ve honestly learned more in his class, then any other class ive been in. He is a FANTASTIC teacher, and an even better coach. Our softball team went 2nd in the region this year, and we are only a 2nd year school. Pirkle came to Allatoona to build our softball program, and now all his hard work is starting to pay off, and he has to leave? is that fair? There are so many ways we can cut back on money, like getting rid of all our high tech tvs and smartboards and keep the teachers that mean the most to us. The Cobb County Board didn’t sit in the classroom with us, and experience every day with the teachers, how do they know that they aren’t good. A teacher whose been teaching for 2 years may be a better teacher for one thats been teaching for 12. It makes no sense.
Also, Coach Perry is such an amazing guy. I haven’t had the pleasure of being in his class but i have gotten to know him through soccer. He’s a people person and i was looking foward to having his class my Junior year. He was also a great coach who cared about his varsity players, and also the JV girls and the rest of the soccer teams. He was funny, and nice, and looked our for his kids. I’ve learned a lot from him. People were torn apart because he is leaving. I think that the students should have a say in who goes and who doesn’t, after all we are the ones who will be effected by this the most, besides the teachers of course. If they simply just gave us a survey or something that allowed us to rate our teachers, that would be so much more fair, who cares if people have been here for two years, thats how long Allatoonas been around. If cobb really is hurting for money, why did they spend the money to build Allatoona in the first place?
I’m a freshman this year which was already scary enough in itself… But not only that, I had been homeschooled for all of my life up to this year. So I was freaking out this year probably more than most. I really didn’t know what to expect from my teachers. Well, I met a teacher in my second period B-day class that really truly made me want to work harder. Mr Pirkle. Mr Pirkle is one of my absolute favorite teachers this year and the thought of him leaving is terrible! Mr. Pirkle is absolutely hilarious and entertaining. He’s also a really amazing teacher who knows what he’s talking about and has actually taught me this year and not just read from a manual. He also expects more out of us not just as a class, but as an individual student. Mr. Pirkle really is a priceless teacher and to let go of him is ridiculous.
I think its stupid that they have to fire all these teachers. They could of at least gave them a notice like a few months before. Where are they gonna work now? where are teachers gonna find money to support themselves? Like a teacher from my school was fired and his wife to, both of them are out of jobs. How does that help anybody? just saying, they should rethink what their doing and whose its affecting.=]
Well Coach Parker Was Laid Off An He Won’t Be Here Next Year Sadly =/ He Was A Great P.E Coach & A Great Health Teacher To 7th Graders An Pretty Sure All Grade Level’s I Wish The Best For Him – J.J. Daniell Middle School
i really dont understand the whole laying off teachers , they’re great teachers at mostly everything , some of the teacher’s i have this year will probably not be here next year because of the whole budget going on in cobb county it’s really just not fair =/
Our editor wanted to use this as a way for our students to express their feelings about the budget cuts in Cobb County, but I felt inspired to comment myself. I have been impressed with the heartfelt expression of love and appreciation from our students as well as students from other schools. These teachers have given their heart and soul to Allatoona for two years and have been some of the best that I have had the pleasure to work with. As a teacher, I hear from our students who is effective in the classroom and who is not. It is a great dynamic when you find a teacher that can mix learning with fun while also letting students know you care about them personally. Unfortunately, this is what we are losing in most of the teachers that have been laid off this week. I am deeply saddened to watch my friends, like Coach Howard, go through something this devastating. I know that most of our friends will land on their feet and another school will scoop them up as quickly as they can. What bothers me the most is that some other school will benefit from their talents. I hate to think that I will not be able to work along side Coach Howard, Coach Hood, Coach Pirkle, Coach Hansen, Coach Perry, Coach Ware and Coach Varner in the athletic department. Mr. Bursmith built a great team of head coaches and we were just starting to turn the corner from establishment to building solid programs that enhance the environment of the entire school. I pray that things will change and we will see many if not all of OUR teachers back in the building for the 2010-2011 school year. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better teacher, coach, mentor, and leader.
I just want to say thank you to everyone whose helped me get this small article off the ground; I feel so much better knowing that no matter what may happen to the affected teachers, they still have such a caring student body. My gratitude goes especially to you Coach Lanier, you let me have so much freedom in Journalism, and it feels great to put it towards such a great cause.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR COMMENTING!
-Lauren Gourley
Let me start this off by saying how proud I am that there is finally tangible evidence of our school coming together. Nicole is right- these cuts are affecting each and every one of us. I have had the honor of being taught by the majority of the teachers who are being cut and it’s awful to think that no one after me will have the privilege of being in a classroom with any of these magnificent teachers. It’s really sad that something this devastating had to hit us for us to start showing our strength and support for our teachers, but I am glad that it did.
Ms.Lewis has done a fantastic job as a first year teacher. At first, I was skeptical as to how she would do with a classroom full of rowdy teenagers but, to my surprise, she handled it flawlessly. She has a genuine passion for History and it really shines through as she is teaching it. Her level of interest almost commands you to be interested. We all love Ms.Lewis and will miss her dearly.
Coach Pirkle “P-Money” is another unforgettable part of the Social Studies department. As far as homeroom teachers go, he is totally boss. There are not very many people who can balance their grouchiness with their humor- but, Coach P definitely has perfected the art. (:
This year, I had Coach Howard for World Literature. First impressions can be tough but, the word “frightening” does not do this woman justice. Coach Howard commands the attention of the classroom, she can hold her own to say the least. She is a tough cookie, no doubt. But, Coach Howard truly cares about each one of her students. She will go out of her way to FORCE you to succeed, and we love her for that- EVEN THOUGH SHE’S AN AUBURN FAN(;
Coach Hood is probably one of the most laid-back teachers at our school. In class he is really chill and a lot of fun. He will challenge you in whatever you’re playing & if you are as lucky as I was last year, he will make fun of you every chance he gets. Cheering across from Coach Hood for a whole season made me gain a lot of respect for him. No matter what situation the boys were in- he was always encouraging. Coach Hood is another one of those awesome teachers who wants the best for their students. We’ll miss you.
Coach Taylor.. oh where to begin? Geography with Coach Taylor was awesome. I’m sure he thinks otherwise considering we were quite the “hard to handle” bunch. He was a big part of what made my freshman year memorable. I love Coach Taylor, and I know that many Allatoona students feel the same.
All of you are irreplaceable. Allatoona will without a doubt never be the same. I honestly cannot imagine walking down the halls everyday without seeing you guys. No one is being hit as hard as Allatoona is- this is our chance to push through & show how truly strong we are as a school.
Lauren I am so proud of the article you have written. I also want to celebrate what all these amazing teachers and coaches have brought to our school. However I am not ready to say good-bye. I am hopeful and prayerful that I will have a chance to bring them back. I brought them here because I saw the passion they had for students and teaching. I will not let them go without fighting for them. Thank you for your work on this.
Mr. Bursmith,
Thank you so much for your support and everything that you’ve done for Allatoona. We’re all grateful for the hard work you put into building our school and the work you’ve put into keeping our teachers. I also appreciate that you took the time to read the article and the entries the students have submitted. Hopefully everything will work out for the best.
-Lauren Gourley
Let me start this by saying: I am a freshman. As such, seniority has been obvious since day one of school. That is acceptable because yes, most upperclassman do know more educationally than I do. Seniority, though, is NOT an excuse for people like our parents who have families and friends, to be released from their job. This is a second year school, of COURSE most of our teachers have not been in the county for more than that. Of the people cut, I have
only had two as teachers. One of which has been one of the most inspiring and influential people in my life thus far: Coach Pirkle. He LOVES what he teaches and the love is contageous. I never knew that anyone could care so much about population density and epidemiologic transition. He is always willing to help
you and further explain a topic to anyone who needs help. He is also willing to put up with my endless flow of questions simply fir the reason that he cares and is interested in furthering MY education.
If Cobb county thinks that it is more important to save for turf and save their vacations days, so be it. But unfortunately, they are not the students behind the desks. They cannot see the impression that these people have in our day to day lives, some of these imprints that will last us through the rest of our lives. In short: thank you Coach Pirkle for believing in my ability to eventually figure things out and for teaching me that sometimes the challenging things are good for us(even if it takes a momentary failure to get our priorities straight).
What a well spoken article and I promise not to soil it with rants about my frustration with this entire situation. I will, however, use this time to rave about my colleagues. When I started teaching here at Allatoona, to say that I was scared is a gross understatement. Many of the teachers that we are talking about right now were my crutch, are my support system, and became my best friends. Without them I would not have survived as a teacher. I fight back emotions not because my friends were the victims of unfortunate circumstance and dumb luck, but because some other school is about to get the absolute best of the best. Now another class of fortunate souls…and a new softball team will truly learn the meaning of the “7 levels of PIRKLETORY”. Your my boy Pirkle.
Fun
i just wanted to hop on the same wavelength (that would be “lambda”)…….
the students, parents, staff, faculty and administration here at ahs are a product of what cobb county schools put together.
a very formidable (definition #3, according to dictionary.com) force.
when one looks at the physics definition of “positive work”, it would seem to me, that there is no end to the amount allatoona high school can achieve if given the ability to go the infinite distance.
i have the pleasure and honor to work with some of the best students, parents, staff, faculty and administration.
i hope to return to the same environment.