Educators React to ‘Superman’ (MI)

October 6, 2010

Detroit schoolteacher Doris Flaherty didn’t hold out much hope the screening of “Waiting for ‘Superman’” would dramatically change the educational landscape in the United States.

“I don’t think there are any super fixes,” Flaherty, who has taught for 35 years, said during a Metro Detroit preview of the documentary.

“There are too many encumbrances. There is a lack of supplies. There is a lack of parental involvement. There is a lack of administrative support.”

After the screening, Flaherty wasn’t swayed by what she saw, particularly the emphasis on charter schools as the answer.

“Charter schools are not panaceas, and they don’t fare much better than public schools,” she said. “They have an opportunity to be selective, so I can’t see that as being the answer.”

A crowd of mostly educators, community leaders and education experts turned out Monday for the showing at the Main Art Theatre

The movie examines America’s failing public schools and follows five children who are bidding to make it into better schools through a lottery. It also takes aim at unions that allow bad teachers to continue teaching. Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb were among those atending the event, sponsored by the local office of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Granholm said she hopes the film is a “catalyst for change” in making schools better for all students.

“We have to do whatever it takes to make sure every child has a quality education,” Granholm said before the screening. “That’s not happening right now.”

Bobb said he would like “Waiting for ‘Superman’” to inspire the nation to act.

“I hope it encourages everyone who passes a public school to get involved,” he said.

Not everyone was convinced the movie would do the job.

David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan, said the film was not fair to public schools.

“Waiting for ‘Superman’” is an attack on public education. It’s an attack on teachers, and it’s an attack on school units,” Hecker told The News. “We don’t need to wait for Superman. You walk into any public school and you see superheroes every day.”

Michael Brennan, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, said he hopes the film sparks debate about the issues confronting public education and prompts more people to help solve them.

“The responsibility to transform education in our region is a responsibility for all of us,” said Brennan.