Credential Panel

Could not remain silent after reading the story on Gov. Pete Wilson’s firing three appointees to the state Teacher Credentialing Commission (March 30). Such blatant misuse of his power was beyond comprehension.

Having served for a number of years as chair of the Committee of Credentials (a subsidiary of the commission), I have had opportunities to observe the commission close at hand. Over the years, I have disagreed from time to time with some of their decisions and political viewpoints, but at least I knew they were all acting from their highest sense of right. No one was ever threatened if they did not carry out the governor’s mandates. This included appointees of the two previous governors.

It is perfectly acceptable for the governor to indicate a desire for reforms. However, I do not think Gov. Wilson has the expertise to mandate that laid-off aerospace workers be put into the classroom. Subject matter expertise is but one part in the makeup of a quality teacher.

As for Phil Fitch, I always found him to be professional, qualified and unreservedly devoted to the children of California. No surprise that the commission approved retaining him as executive director. Perhaps they were acting on facts, not political knee-jerk rhetoric!

M. ANN NELSON

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