Charter school teachers are quitting at an alarming rate...and going to DCPS. How can parents help?!

Anonymous
mmm....Although it would take a lot of work, I'm pretty sure turnover is even crazier on the charter side due to low pay, burn out, etc.

Anybody disagree?
Anonymous
Anybody have any actual evidence (not just "A bunch of teachers are leaving X School!", but actual data) that this is happening?
Anonymous
Our school hires from nearby charters. I think it's a combination of things-- pension/benefits, less pressure and more control over your schedule, or maybe not liking the school leadership. Our principal makes a big point of treating teachers well and doing things by the book. In some cases teachers have burned out or wanted to slow down to have their own kids.
Anonymous
All charters schools have to disclose their teacher retention scores. You can find them in each school's annual report.

The analogous DCPS data isn't released.

The annual reports are good to read anyway, both for current parents and prospective ones. Lots of good information contained there.
Anonymous
But do teacher retention rates take into account teachers that have moved away or left the profession all together?
Anonymous
DC school administrators are notorious for bullying teachers. If you want to help, you will have to get someone to address that problem.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:But do teacher retention rates take into account teachers that have moved away or left the profession all together?


No. Turnover is turnover from the students' perspective.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:But do teacher retention rates take into account teachers that have moved away or left the profession all together?


No. Turnover is turnover from the students' perspective.
Anonymous
union for charter teachers will even the playing field.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:union for charter teachers will even the playing field.

Teachers at DCPS are leaving at an alarming rate and moving to Charters and other school districts!!!
Anonymous
I'd never work for a charter. The hours are insane for teachers. Even if it isn't on paper the expectations are crazy.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I'd never work for a charter. The hours are insane for teachers. Even if it isn't on paper the expectations are crazy.


I can imagine! Most are essentially start ups. There are a lot of kinks to be worked out and it falls on the teachers. I'm not a teacher but I can totally see how this would work out. I know there are a few very strong charters in the city but most are not.
Anonymous
It happens all the time. They get older and more marketable, and long hours for low pay doesn't seem as appealing. So when they get serious about having kids, they're very susceptible to quality of life offers. Our principal has picked up a few great folks just by promising an awesome maternity leave.
Anonymous
DCPS pay and benefits are so much better, I can't imagine ever going to a charter.

Anonymous
Two years ago, my child's 10th-grade teacher at HRCS told him he received a 97 on his final.
The report card stated it was a 73. With no principal, we waited until mid August and then we all went to talk to the new principal that the grade was incorrect ...
Supposedly it was a "strange glitch". The newprincipal promised the grade would be rectified, mwhich unfortunately never happened. And the poor teacher was let go of only days before the start of the school year.
This would have have happened at DCPS.
post reply Forum Index » DC Public and Public Charter Schools
Message Quick Reply
Go to: