For teachers, a question about a question

The Philadelphia Teachers Union is challenging the legality of a question that is asked of prospective teachers who use a revamped Web site to apply online.

Union officials say that they asked the district not to include the question, "Have you had any unsatisfactory [classroom] observations or disciplinary documents in your file?" because it violates the applicant's privacy and could hamper their chances in getting hired.

In a statement sent to his members Tuesday, union President Jerry Jordan urged "every member who wishes to apply for site selection to check the box indicating that you 'decline to answer,' " he said. The terminology "site selection" refers to hiring teachers based on various factors rather than filling vacancies based primarily on seniority.

"When a person applies, they are sending that information to the principal and the committees," Jordan said yesterday.

Selection committees are typically composed of principals, teachers and parents, and, in some cases, assistant principals.

Jordan said that too many eyes would be privy to the teachers' records.

"They could very well share the information with a stranger or the teacher's professional colleague," Jordan said. "It should not be a question that's required."

But the question isn't required, and candidates shouldn't have to worry about being penalized for choosing not to respond, said Estelle Matthews, the district's chief talent officer. The questionnaire itself is optional.

"I did it for a couple reasons," she said of adding the question to the survey.

"If I was a principal, I'd want to know everything about the candidate without calling the prior manager or principal. Surely, the hiring principal is going to want to know."

The process by which educators can apply for teaching positions in the district was upgraded Monday. Teachers now create an online profile with their resumé, which can be accessed by principals across the district, Matthews said.

"We needed to enhance the process," she said. "It's quality assurance. It's a more effective and efficient way to conduct business than a paper trail."

Previously, candidates would have to carry multiple copies of resumes and other pertinent information to meetings at each school.

Applicants can also view lists of schools with vacancies, certification requirements and the number of candidates who have applied for positions in those schools, Matthews said.

The district has received more than 200 applications since the program began and instructors, union and district officials have applauded the speedier process.