Perception Or Reality at PS 154 in the Bronx?

Oh Thanksgiving is over, the last football game of the day is near end and after several nights of wishing to blog but having to compete for computer time with my son and his Minecraft obsession, I finally have some time.

On November 19 on these pages it was discussed how monies at PS 154 in the Bronx have the Teachers College. This is true with a post written in August on these pages about the same perception. But it seems the deeper the perception is the more it might become reality.
perception of being misspent in a possible conflict of interest with

But first a little background. We here at SBSB shared how back in April when a teacher at PS 154 was unceremoniously removed during instruction time that the class of 2nd graders had a parade of fresh, new, and quite young Teachers College substitutes who showed their ineptness quite glowingly. We also exposed how DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx advertised on the Teachers College website for teachers in lieu of using the Open Market system. For this we might have been mistaken.

Apparently, due to the school's demographics, scores, being in District 7, PS 154 is not subject to the outside hiring freeze. We are still waiting to confirm, but due to the diligence of journalistic integrity here at SBSB we feel that we must share this and offer a pro forma mea culpa at this point.

But that does not excuse what has happened at PS 154 this year as far as staff decisions have gone.

Again, reality is perception and perception can be reality.

This year there were 5 classroom openings at PS 154. Of the 5 positions filled, 4 of these, or 20% were filled by graduates of Teachers College.

Of the 5 positions filled, 4 of these (again, 80%) were filled by teachers that do not reflect the community.

Of the 5 positions filled, all, or 100%, were filled by females.

Of the 5 positions filled, all, or 100%, were filled by those under 30.

Now, recall, DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 is not only a graduate of Teachers College, but at one time was an adjunct professor there.

With the thousands of ATR's DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 could not find ONE teacher to employ at PS 154? A teacher with skills?

With the thousands of graduates from education programs from across the country and the New York metropolitan area as well DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 was only able to fine ONE QUALIFIED candidate for PS 154? Is it possible that the lone non TC teacher is just a token hire to ward off the whiff of a conflict of interest?

With the thousands of African-Americans and Hispanics wishing to teach in New York City how is it possible that 80% of the candidates hired were neither African-American or Hispanic?

With so many students in PS 154 and the South Bronx without a positive male role model in their lives and crying out for one how is it possible that not ONE MALE candidate was hired or even considered?

Now there can be two perceptions here. One is that DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 might have a conflict of interest in regard with Teachers College.

The other might be that DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 wants staff that reflect herself. Neither African-American or Hispanic, and certainly not male.

With the school due to be squeezed out by Bronx Classical Charter (2nd grade will be added next year) what does this portend for the Greasers, the Outliers, of PS 154? It means if you don't give up your life, kiss ass, and follow aimlessly and blindly, then you will be set up to leave. No way in hell any of the Socs will be excessed. 

Perhaps it is time that the hiring practices of DR Alison Coviello, PhD. and Principal of PS 154 to be looked into?