SFS MS teachers

[Anonymous]

Since the days of the pandemic, it seems like the quality of a disconcerting quantity of teachers at Sidwell Middle School has suffered. I recall reading that a lot of teachers left the profession of teaching generally during/after the pandemic. Indeed, our principal was still filling teaching positions Three to four weeks before the start of the 2022 school year. I don't know if the profession has rebounded (if it is true that it suffered).

I am casting around for reasons to contextualize the undue irritability of some teachers at the school. I hear more and more stories about teachers being short with students or even shaming them in front of their class for standard fare.

On the other hand, maybe this is in some part attributable to the students’ behavior. And I recognize that teachers are human beings and get frustrated just like everyone. But it seems like the commitment to respecting other people, an SFS community value, is rather weak in some of these teachers.

If I thought it would make a lick of difference, I would raise this with the administration.

Can anyone else offer observations? Did you have similar observations at SFS SM or other schools?

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Oh, it’s the drag the SFS again thread; on the eve of the admission decisions. 🙄

[Anonymous]

Maybe the employer contribution/match was decreased or cut entirely to save money. That would make me irate.

[Anonymous]

The head of the middle school is a terrible manager who plays favorites and is not honest with those that work for and with her. This is a huge contributing factor to the issue OP raises. Many have walked out and said “ enough”.

[Anonymous]

Similar to what we hear is happening at NCS. Same script, different cast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since the days of the pandemic, it seems like the quality of a disconcerting quantity of teachers at Sidwell Middle School has suffered. I recall reading that a lot of teachers left the profession of teaching generally during/after the pandemic. Indeed, our principal was still filling teaching positions Three to four weeks before the start of the 2022 school year. I don't know if the profession has rebounded (if it is true that it suffered).

I am casting around for reasons to contextualize the undue irritability of some teachers at the school. I hear more and more stories about teachers being short with students or even shaming them in front of their class for standard fare.

On the other hand, maybe this is in some part attributable to the students’ behavior. And I recognize that teachers are human beings and get frustrated just like everyone. But it seems like the commitment to respecting other people, an SFS community value, is rather weak in some of these teachers.

If I thought it would make a lick of difference, I would raise this with the administration.

Can anyone else offer observations? Did you have similar observations at SFS SM or other schools?

You should raise these issues with the administration, even if you don’t think it will make a difference. You will not know whether it would make any difference if you don’t try. Posting here will certainly not change anything.

[Anonymous]

Are the middle school administrators known to be responsive at SFS? Consider finding out before speaking to them about this. At some schools, making suggestions is more headache than it is worth. SFS may be open to feedback and if so I agree with PP that you should let them know!

[Anonymous]

I have a friend that teaches at a public school and has said that this cohort of kids is the most difficult they have had to manage since the pandemic.

I think it is really a product of COVID and the bump that will smooth out for both faculty and students, but parents really need to look at their current middle and high school kids and think about socialization gaps that may exist because of the pandemic, distance learning and devices.

It is hard for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The head of the middle school is a terrible manager who plays favorites and is not honest with those that work for and with her. This is a huge contributing factor to the issue OP raises. Many have walked out and said “ enough”.

Oh no! Is this another DEI hire gone rogue?!?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend that teaches at a public school and has said that this cohort of kids is the most difficult they have had to manage since the pandemic.

I think it is really a product of COVID and the bump that will smooth out for both faculty and students, but parents really need to look at their current middle and high school kids and think about socialization gaps that may exist because of the pandemic, distance learning and devices.

It is hard for everyone.

It is hard for everyone, however, some schools are better equipped to manage students and employees throughout the remainder of the bump period you refer to.

Bad managers that lack respect for teachers, others opinions, and anyone that does not praise their every decision, will not pivot quick enough to serve current students best.

COVID revealed schools too stuck in their ways to pivot when pivots were required. Some schools still refuse to change when change is required, which is sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, it’s the drag the SFS again thread; on the eve of the admission decisions. 🙄

Not at all. Nor is it a DEI-related jab, as a previous kneejerk post suggested. I have had kids at the school for more years than I care to admit (a decision I question often).

I am honestly sad about where the environment there seems to have gone. From my perspective. Not speaking for anyone else.

To that end, I will add that the expanded extent of the sports culture is alienating many families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, it’s the drag the SFS again thread; on the eve of the admission decisions. 🙄

Not at all. Nor is it a DEI-related jab, as a previous kneejerk post suggested. I have had kids at the school for more years than I care to admit (a decision I question often).

I am honestly sad about where the environment there seems to have gone. From my perspective. Not speaking for anyone else.

To that end, I will add that the expanded extent of the sports culture is alienating many families.

Can you please expand on this statement?

[Anonymous]

I can. Previous poster is a nerd and doesn’t like when athletes get attention

[Anonymous]

I look forward to watching Sidwell's top-notch boys and girls hoops teams play in the DC tourney this weekend. BTW, Sidwell's best players are African-American. Shhhhh ......