As a teacher, Tom Porton is this curly-topped force of nature who instilled in every young person he educated a sense of pride--in their work, in their integrity, in their community and in themselves. I point out his sad goodbye after 47 years of teaching Bronx youth for a reason: he details exactly what's wrong with this educational system and some administrators today.

Tom Porton is the first public school teacher in the COUNTRY to be honored and celebrated for his contributions as a teacher and community activist at the White House. When he tells you something's wrong with how the Common Core standard works in real life, then you best believe it. When he tells you administrating for statistics instead of for the genuine growth and life skills of the students you're supposed to be serving, then listen up.

Tom Porton taught with gusto, a love of the material and for the young people studying it. He let us Bronx kids know we have a voice, and he did it during the many decades that no one would touch the Bronx with a 10-foot pole, let alone help low income kids live up to their potential. He is being pushed out of a career that is a beloved way of life for him.

As NY starts it's own process to reevaluate the merits of the Common Core standards, let's start by checking in with this dedicated educator. Governor Andrew Cuomo and School Chancellor Carmen Fariña, Tom Porton gave generations of kids like me a voice and now he's being discarded when his voice is most needed. Please hear this man out: In a task force, in a program. Somewhere, please. You won't be sorry.