The article, “Silicon Valley Courts Brand-Name Teachers, Rising Ethical Questions,” (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/02/technology/silicon-valley-teachers-tech.html) has sparked a debate within the teaching profession as well as with professors, and former U.S. Attorney Generals. The question everyone is considering, is whether teachers are violating school and states ethical policies, when tech companies provide them with incentives to promote their products? I personally, do not believe tech companies should target one specific teacher in a school or a school district. A tech company should choose a team of teachers from various schools, grades, and districts within a county to test software, computers, handheld devices, etc. This will allow more feedback from a diverse group of teachers to enhance the quality of their products.

I do not see the need for tech companies to give teachers free meals, t-shirts, etc. for them to test products. Receiving the product to test should be suffice for the teacher with the exception of traveling expenses being paid by the company on behalf of the teacher for speaking engagements. One can never know the true intent behind a teacher promoting a tech company’s product, whether for personal gains or for knowledge and resources for their students and districts. Why should we as teachers want our opinion considered in the development of new technology we can incorporate into our classrooms. There is nothing wrong with tech companies donating merchandise to schools for the advancements of students.