Members

GO: Good morning. We are here this morning at ACORN Woodland with Mrs. Izola Haynes, a GO2 for GO Public Schools. Tell me a little bit about yourself this morning. I believe you're a parent and a parent coordinator for ACORN Woodland?

IH: Yes, my name is Izola Haynes. I am a Family Coordinator here at ACORN Woodland Elementary School. I have a nine-year-old son here and my goal and focus is that he gets all the education that he needs at a quality level.

GO: Why are you involved with GO Public Schools?

IH: I'm involved with GO because it is a wonderful organization in support of better schools as well as qualified teachers. Teachers are our children's role models for eight hours a day. I know that GO will make certain that they are not just in the classrooms, but are held accountable for their role as teachers. I am a GO2 because I believe the GO2 initiative will not only benefit all public schools, but will make a difference with the quality of education our children get. I want to be a part of that change, to improve public schools for children, teachers, and parents.

GO: What do you believe makes an effective teacher?

IH: An effective teacher is well organized and prepared on a daily basis, to not only educate our children for that time but to get them college ready every day. An effective teacher will not be based on their children's test scores and what test scores look like, but they will be held accountable for our children getting their educational needs met, not just for a job, but for a career.

GO: What is your vision for Oakland's public schools?

IH: My vision for Oakland public schools is a budget that will better pay our teachers their salary, that will allow them adequate health plans, and the motivation to want to teach here in the Oakland flatlands. My vision for Oakland public schools is more quality field trips for our students, textbooks that speak to the future and not just for today... and a school that is diverse in education and culturally strengthening.

GO: GO recently distributed its first print newsletter. What did you think about it? 

IH: Actually, I loved the newsletter. It's another avenue with information regarding what's going on in our Oakland public schools. I'm so glad to be a part of this organization, and I am looking forward in the future for greater things for Oakland public schools.