Teachers, can a school make you use a textbook that you played no part on selecting it?

Question

Teachers, can a school make you use a textbook that you played no part on selecting it?

Answer 1

Yes.  I didn't get to select any of the textbooks from which I have to teach.

Answer 2

Well, I live in Canada, and so I don't know about the US, but I almost never teach from the textbook.  The information is usually too surface level, and it's booooring.  I prefer to find ways to give the students what they need without always using the textbooks.  I do use the textbooks sometimes, as they need to learn how to find the important information in them, but it's more as a supplement than anything else.  I do a lot of powerpoint presentations, and integrate drama and current events, among other things, in my lessons.  The students are much more engaged in what they are learning, than if they use the text.

Answer 3

of course.

Districts decide this.

Answer 4

If the school/district purchases the textbooks, then that's what they want you to use.  Depending on what you tell you, I don't know that you HAVE to actually use the textbook in class.  But if you want to use a different text in your class, then don't count on them purchasing a separate set for you.

Answer 5

Absolutely, you can be "forced" to use a textbook you didn't select.  In fact, most teachers have little or no say in the textbooks.  Principals will check lesson plans to see what you will be teaching and how you will do it (textbooks, etc.)

However, the real issue is teaching standards.  Depending upon your principal, you may use alternative curricula if you can prove your students are learning the district standards.  But, the principal may insist that you use textbooks in addition to any supplemental materials you may want to use.

Sadly, many teachers have little flexibility in what and even how they teach due to the emphasis on standards/testing.