Parents and teachers in the Bronx and citywide protested the expansion of the highly successful Lead Teacher Program Monday.

Protesters say the city's plans to expand the program will ruin its effectiveness. Under the program, experienced teachers are paid to train those who have not been in the classroom as long. Now, the schools chancellor wants the 200 lead teachers to be chosen by principals rather than by parents and other community members. Critics say they fear principals will choose friends rather than the most competent teachers. However, the Department of Education vows parents and other education officials will have a say in deciding who the participating teachers are.

Critics also fear that the program will no longer provide the nurturing between the community and teachers as it did in the past.