MCPS Parents -- What would you tell teachers if you could?

[Anonymous]

Let's go the other way. Parents, what would you tell teachers specifically? This is not the same as what you would tell administration or central office.

[Anonymous]

Please don’t take away recess. We know you’re not supposed to so don’t even threaten it. Come up with other consequences. You shouldn’t put up with bad behavior though, but find something not involving fresh air and exercise.

[Anonymous]

Why support an Apple Ballot that campaigns for candidates who inflate Central Office but don’t support items that would fill vacancies in schools?

These are things I would think teachers would support in candidates that haven’t been provided by past Apple Ballot candidates who are on the Board of Education: Attractive salaries to compensate for the demands of the jobs. Full time positions with benefits (especially in SPED - where the gaps in hiring spiral down to extra demand on Gen Ed teachers). Respect and a fair process when sexual harassment and bullying are reported. Ability to advocate for students at 504/IEP meetings. Ability to speak up when we see problems in MCPS without fear of retaliation by administrators.

[Anonymous]

We respect you and appreciate you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t take away recess. We know you’re not supposed to so don’t even threaten it. Come up with other consequences. You shouldn’t put up with bad behavior though, but find something not involving fresh air and exercise.

Going into my 25th year in mcps and i’m struggling to recall a teacher I’ve wired with who took away recess as a punishment. It’s just a big a punishment for the teacher as the kids, why would anyone do that to themselves?? I’m not sure this is something worth worrying about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why support an Apple Ballot that campaigns for candidates who inflate Central Office but don’t support items that would fill vacancies in schools?

These are things I would think teachers would support in candidates that haven’t been provided by past Apple Ballot candidates who are on the Board of Education: Attractive salaries to compensate for the demands of the jobs. Full time positions with benefits (especially in SPED - where the gaps in hiring spiral down to extra demand on Gen Ed teachers). Respect and a fair process when sexual harassment and bullying are reported. Ability to advocate for students at 504/IEP meetings. Ability to speak up when we see problems in MCPS without fear of retaliation by administrators.

Why do you assume teachers support the apple ballot candidates? Just because the union puts it together? The average teacher has no pull with who goes on the ballot and most don’t know who is on it until it’s handed out. Most educate themselves about the candidates and make their own decisions. To assume everyone follows the apple ballot blindly is a mistake.

[Anonymous]

Please know that just because I sent an email at a ridiculous hour, I am not expecting an immediate response. You have a life outside of your job and I respect that.
Thank you for doing this job.
Is there anything I can do to make your job easier?

[Anonymous]

Question: why don’t you ask kids to turn in their homework? If it’s done electronically, why don’t you take a moment in class and say, “ok kids, let’s take a couple minutes and upload assignment three to your portal” or whatever? And the look and say, “Ryan, Melissa, John, why have you not turned in your homework?” Why are there no consequences other than a lower grade for kids who do not turn in hw?

When I was a kid, teachers asked for homework to be turned in and if you didn’t have it, they’d call you out on it in front of everyone and sometimes even call your parents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t take away recess. We know you’re not supposed to so don’t even threaten it. Come up with other consequences. You shouldn’t put up with bad behavior though, but find something not involving fresh air and exercise.

Going into my 25th year in mcps and i’m struggling to recall a teacher I’ve wired with who took away recess as a punishment. It’s just a big a punishment for the teacher as the kids, why would anyone do that to themselves?? I’m not sure this is something worth worrying about.

It’s school specific. We had a principal regularly take away lunch and recess and lie about it when asked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question: why don’t you ask kids to turn in their homework? If it’s done electronically, why don’t you take a moment in class and say, “ok kids, let’s take a couple minutes and upload assignment three to your portal” or whatever? And the look and say, “Ryan, Melissa, John, why have you not turned in your homework?” Why are there no consequences other than a lower grade for kids who do not turn in hw?

When I was a kid, teachers asked for homework to be turned in and if you didn’t have it, they’d call you out on it in front of everyone and sometimes even call your parents

Because we aren't allowed to grade or shame based on work done at home and there are more minutes scheduled in the day than actual minutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t take away recess. We know you’re not supposed to so don’t even threaten it. Come up with other consequences. You shouldn’t put up with bad behavior though, but find something not involving fresh air and exercise.

Can you suggest what "other consequences"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please know that just because I sent an email at a ridiculous hour, I am not expecting an immediate response. You have a life outside of your job and I respect that.
Thank you for doing this job.
Is there anything I can do to make your job easier?

Thank you! Messages like this go a long way!

[Anonymous]

I have done recess duty. If a kid is being dangerous on the playground, what do you want to be the consequence? I need to keep that kid away from the other kids for their safety, and no there's not enough coverage for one person to keep an eye on those kids individually while they play in a separate location from others. This happened a lot last year. If we don't make them sit out, what will get them to stop hurting others?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question: why don’t you ask kids to turn in their homework? If it’s done electronically, why don’t you take a moment in class and say, “ok kids, let’s take a couple minutes and upload assignment three to your portal” or whatever? And the look and say, “Ryan, Melissa, John, why have you not turned in your homework?” Why are there no consequences other than a lower grade for kids who do not turn in hw?

When I was a kid, teachers asked for homework to be turned in and if you didn’t have it, they’d call you out on it in front of everyone and sometimes even call your parents

I find that shame is not a productive feeling. You may get some immediate results but in the long run, it counterproductive. A kid who isn't doing homework is not going to become an enthusiastic student by associating my class with a feeling of shame, embarrassment, or failure.

[Anonymous]

My son is in HS. Here’s what I’d want them to know.

I see you work hard. I know you have too many students and you are doing your best. I see grades posting and emails sent at odd hours and you are clearly working overtime. My son is quiet and might not show it in class, but he likes you. I know because he tells me how lucky he is. He needs a lot of extra help and support and I appreciate that you go the extra mile.

And like said above, if I send you an email at odd hours or even during the school day, it’s ok to not respond immediately. I know you’re busy and also have a personal life.