If teachers are leaving left and right, is it the principal's fault?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have had multiple teachers quit mid-year - is this because they're not being supported by the principal? The last time this happened, the principal was fired. Is ours likely to get fired too? Should families contact the Exec Principal or Regional Principal?

No. It is your fault because you iwant to pay them a true living wage. Teachers are grossly underpaid and they have to put up with students who just take up space and they have to put up with parents who think the teacher is their free babysitter or Guidance counselor

How is that the parent's fault? Where were YOU when the meals tax was on the ballot several years ago? What was YOUR vote?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a huge reason why public schools are failing. There are no consequences for poor behavior. I think class sizes play a role as well as staffing. We have full grade levels struggling due to the behavior of 5-8 kids. We have parents asking teachers how to parent their kids. It is a mess.

I think a lot of kids misbehave at school because they know they can get away with crap there that they wouldn’t at home. Teachers ‘ ability to deliver meaningful consequences has been stripped from teachers, and school administrators who are more interested in playing politician than in acknowledging their “in loco parentis” responsibilities, are doing little because they prioritize their own self-interest over the community for which they work.

THIS ^^. I'm one of the PPs who wound up quitting due to the horrendous behavior of some of my students. The principal and assistant principal looked at me like I had four heads when I brought the situation to their attention (they already knew about it, but continued to gaslight as if it was my fault). They refused to call the parents because they clearly didn't want the hassle of having to deal with them. I'm looking into teaching a private school, where kids troublemakers are not tolerated and teachers are supported.

Do not fool yourself into believing this. We are at a VERY expensive private and there are tons of kids with bad behavior and it is addressed like this: kid acts up, get walked around school by assistant teacher (so basically is rewarded with 1-on-1 attention), other kids in classroom get that much less attention, parents notified, kid is given no consequence at home, repeat the next day at school, never ending cycle.

In a private, can’t they expel the kid if they are a chronic behavior problem? If I was paying for private school and my kid’s class was constantly interrupted by one kid, I would absolutely complain to admin. If you’re paying tuition, there should be some expectation of appropriate behavior in class.
DP

They can. This was the main reason I switched to teaching at a private. Being able to say no to the kid who destroys classrooms makes it so much easier to teach everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Is the bad behavior at Shrevewood that is causing the teachers to quit? There is a lot of terrible and disruptive behavior at that school but it is not different than any other Title 1 school. The issue with Shrevewood is there is such a clash in class dynamics. It makes it challenging for teachers. I wholeheartedly sympathize but the administration needs to clash down on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the bad behavior at Shrevewood that is causing the teachers to quit? There is a lot of terrible and disruptive behavior at that school but it is not different than any other Title 1 school. The issue with Shrevewood is there is such a clash in class dynamics. It makes it challenging for teachers. I wholeheartedly sympathize but the administration needs to clash down on it.

OP here - my question is not about Shrevewood. I don't know why this turned into another thread about that school.

At our school, there has definitely been an increase in bad behavior, from what I've heard -- it's like the pandemic brought out all the bad behavior in kids and parents are not doing their jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Shrevewoood parent here. I had no idea teachers were quitting this year. Our only complaint has to do with the disintegration of Level IV. It’s a terrible idea and we know many families who left for Lemon Road. If our second child gets into AAP next year, we will be doing the same.

Another Shrevewood parent here… I understand the intention based on “equity”, but in practice like many of these attempts at evening the playing field for all, we’ve clearly just diluted what was good about ESOL and AAP classrooms and spread our educators and students thinly. Everyone is losing.

Btw take w a grain of salt… I’m a parent not an EdD

There were no ESOL dedicated classrooms. So here’s the real problem: AAP parents are upset because they no longer have segregated classrooms.

If you believe this is true, you should be fighting tooth and nail for the elimination of center schools, which are then logically the perfect embodiment of the “segregation” you’re speaking about.

NP here: Fighting for that everyday. The centers are ridiculous and the bastion of segregation. They’ll be going soon enough.

You vastly overestimate your own power. Keep dreaming though!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a huge reason why public schools are failing. There are no consequences for poor behavior. I think class sizes play a role as well as staffing. We have full grade levels struggling due to the behavior of 5-8 kids. We have parents asking teachers how to parent their kids. It is a mess.

I think a lot of kids misbehave at school because they know they can get away with crap there that they wouldn’t at home. Teachers ‘ ability to deliver meaningful consequences has been stripped from teachers, and school administrators who are more interested in playing politician than in acknowledging their “in loco parentis” responsibilities, are doing little because they prioritize their own self-interest over the community for which they work.

THIS ^^. I'm one of the PPs who wound up quitting due to the horrendous behavior of some of my students. The principal and assistant principal looked at me like I had four heads when I brought the situation to their attention (they already knew about it, but continued to gaslight as if it was my fault). They refused to call the parents because they clearly didn't want the hassle of having to deal with them. I'm looking into teaching a private school, where kids troublemakers are not tolerated and teachers are supported.

There is so much gaslighting in education at every level. This is why teachers are done. Oh and the toxic positivity-nonsense.

what does that mean?

DP. Where I teach, it means something along the lines of "He wouldn't be failing/ refusing to come to school/ initiating fights with classmates/ calling you a f****** b**** if you tried a little harder to build a relationship and made your lesson plans more engaging. We know it's Thanksgiving Break but here's some PD to teach you how to do this more effectively!! Please remember to take time to connect with those around you and enjoy your time off!"

This. In MS and HS, add to that the B.S. of open enrollment and the 50% minimum policy, which mean we end up with classes where a third of students are unequipped to learn the material and show zero initiative to help themselves--but somehow it's our fault and we should just meet there where they're at and call them all in for one-on-one help during advisory to get them caught up on what they didn't learn in years prior and teach them the current material at the same time. Being micromanaged and overworked with all the administrative garbage that some bureaucrat has created to justify their job and thrown under the bus every time a parent decides it's our fault his kid knows nothing.

[Anonymous]

The job sucks. That’s why people are leaving. Plus it doesn’t pay well for this area no matter what people say. Terrible admin can just seal the deal. Most teachers I know would quit today if they could. The job sucks that much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The job sucks. That’s why people are leaving. Plus it doesn’t pay well for this area no matter what people say. Terrible admin can just seal the deal. Most teachers I know would quit today if they could. The job sucks that much.

That is very true. And most admin too, it’s just harder to admit it for them. Many make teachers job harder but many are also struggling with the last few years, behaviors, and parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the bad behavior at Shrevewood that is causing the teachers to quit? There is a lot of terrible and disruptive behavior at that school but it is not different than any other Title 1 school. The issue with Shrevewood is there is such a clash in class dynamics. It makes it challenging for teachers. I wholeheartedly sympathize but the administration needs to clash down on it.

You are charmingly naive if you think this is the main root cause

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have had multiple teachers quit mid-year - is this because they're not being supported by the principal? The last time this happened, the principal was fired. Is ours likely to get fired too? Should families contact the Exec Principal or Regional Principal?

No. It is your fault because you iwant to pay them a true living wage. Teachers are grossly underpaid and they have to put up with students who just take up space and they have to put up with parents who think the teacher is their free babysitter or Guidance counselor

How is that the parent's fault? Where were YOU when the meals tax was on the ballot several years ago? What was YOUR vote?

NP and a teacher. Why does this come up so often? Do you thinking throwing more money will solve anything? Open your eyes and see the waste. If I wasn’t a teacher, I likely would have voted yes because anything for education. Since I’m in it day after day it was an easy no. That money would not go to benefit students or staff and they would likely cut funding from other places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a huge reason why public schools are failing. There are no consequences for poor behavior. I think class sizes play a role as well as staffing. We have full grade levels struggling due to the behavior of 5-8 kids. We have parents asking teachers how to parent their kids. It is a mess.

I think a lot of kids misbehave at school because they know they can get away with crap there that they wouldn’t at home. Teachers ‘ ability to deliver meaningful consequences has been stripped from teachers, and school administrators who are more interested in playing politician than in acknowledging their “in loco parentis” responsibilities, are doing little because they prioritize their own self-interest over the community for which they work.

THIS ^^. I'm one of the PPs who wound up quitting due to the horrendous behavior of some of my students. The principal and assistant principal looked at me like I had four heads when I brought the situation to their attention (they already knew about it, but continued to gaslight as if it was my fault). They refused to call the parents because they clearly didn't want the hassle of having to deal with them. I'm looking into teaching a private school, where kids troublemakers are not tolerated and teachers are supported.

There is so much gaslighting in education at every level. This is why teachers are done. Oh and the toxic positivity-nonsense.

what does that mean?

DP. Where I teach, it means something along the lines of "He wouldn't be failing/ refusing to come to school/ initiating fights with classmates/ calling you a f****** b**** if you tried a little harder to build a relationship and made your lesson plans more engaging. We know it's Thanksgiving Break but here's some PD to teach you how to do this more effectively!! Please remember to take time to connect with those around you and enjoy your time off!"

that makes absolutely no sense. you mean that's the messaging parents give you as a teacher???

DP. That makes perfect sense. This is the message teachers are given by both the parents and the administration - "It's YOUR fault if your students aren't engaged. It's YOUR fault if they're acting up and disrupting the class. What can YOU do to make this child behave better?" The PP nailed it.

DP, but I could have been the PP and written that post. Not only have I been told that I need to have a plan to support the disruptive students, but I also need to have and communicate my plans to support the students who are most affected (or have parents who are most vocal) by the disruptive students. Apparently if I set expectations, am consistent and model expected behaviors the disruptive students will behave appropriately. When they don’t it must be because I’m not doing these things. I also need to make sure I know what all of the students are doing, 100% of the time, which is tough to manage when so much time is spent working with small groups.

In my decades of teaching for FCPS I never had difficulty managing a class until just a few years ago (still pre-pandemic). I rarely needed to refer to the administrators, but when I did you could be sure I needed assistance. I’ve stopped doing that. It just creates too much trouble for me and draws the spotlight of criticism. Almost the entire day is disrupted in some way by outbursts, side conversations, arguments or students who are just off task in some way. I keep trying Responsive Classroom techniques, but if they work it is short-lived. I’ve always allowed for movement and I never have expected a silent classroom, but something has changed and each day is very difficult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a huge reason why public schools are failing. There are no consequences for poor behavior. I think class sizes play a role as well as staffing. We have full grade levels struggling due to the behavior of 5-8 kids. We have parents asking teachers how to parent their kids. It is a mess.

I think a lot of kids misbehave at school because they know they can get away with crap there that they wouldn’t at home. Teachers ‘ ability to deliver meaningful consequences has been stripped from teachers, and school administrators who are more interested in playing politician than in acknowledging their “in loco parentis” responsibilities, are doing little because they prioritize their own self-interest over the community for which they work.

THIS ^^. I'm one of the PPs who wound up quitting due to the horrendous behavior of some of my students. The principal and assistant principal looked at me like I had four heads when I brought the situation to their attention (they already knew about it, but continued to gaslight as if it was my fault). They refused to call the parents because they clearly didn't want the hassle of having to deal with them. I'm looking into teaching a private school, where kids troublemakers are not tolerated and teachers are supported.

There is so much gaslighting in education at every level. This is why teachers are done. Oh and the toxic positivity-nonsense.

what does that mean?

Toxic positivity is the worst from admin this year.

We are all going to have fun and we love it here! Remember that your students must have fun every day too! That’s the most important! The building is filled with joy and happy faces ready to LEARN and GROW! Remember, here’s the festive holiday chart of happiness for all of us to follow to bring more fun and joy into everything we do! Three weeks until break and don’t forget the class party! We can’t wait to make the rounds and post to Twitter!

Meanwhile-
Team meetings during planning are mandatory, submit minutes in real time
Respond to all parent emails, calls, and accommodate if they want an in person meeting, but don’t skip any team or faculty meetings.
We are short subs. Be aware classes may be combined or you may be pulled if you have a free moment.
We understand the copier is broken and maintenance had been notified.
Don’t forget to submit xxxx from the latest PD with reflections by Friday.

This doesn’t even touch class behavior or anything with students in the actual class.

[Anonymous]

If they paid me $20k more I’d stay regardless of the nonsense. Instead I’m leaving after winter break for a job that pays DOUBLE my teaching salary.

I can put up with crap if I’m compensated. But I never will be as a teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a huge reason why public schools are failing. There are no consequences for poor behavior. I think class sizes play a role as well as staffing. We have full grade levels struggling due to the behavior of 5-8 kids. We have parents asking teachers how to parent their kids. It is a mess.

I think a lot of kids misbehave at school because they know they can get away with crap there that they wouldn’t at home. Teachers ‘ ability to deliver meaningful consequences has been stripped from teachers, and school administrators who are more interested in playing politician than in acknowledging their “in loco parentis” responsibilities, are doing little because they prioritize their own self-interest over the community for which they work.

THIS ^^. I'm one of the PPs who wound up quitting due to the horrendous behavior of some of my students. The principal and assistant principal looked at me like I had four heads when I brought the situation to their attention (they already knew about it, but continued to gaslight as if it was my fault). They refused to call the parents because they clearly didn't want the hassle of having to deal with them. I'm looking into teaching a private school, where kids troublemakers are not tolerated and teachers are supported.

There is so much gaslighting in education at every level. This is why teachers are done. Oh and the toxic positivity-nonsense.

what does that mean?

Toxic positivity is the worst from admin this year.

We are all going to have fun and we love it here! Remember that your students must have fun every day too! That’s the most important! The building is filled with joy and happy faces ready to LEARN and GROW! Remember, here’s the festive holiday chart of happiness for all of us to follow to bring more fun and joy into everything we do! Three weeks until break and don’t forget the class party! We can’t wait to make the rounds and post to Twitter!

Meanwhile-
Team meetings during planning are mandatory, submit minutes in real time
Respond to all parent emails, calls, and accommodate if they want an in person meeting, but don’t skip any team or faculty meetings.
We are short subs. Be aware classes may be combined or you may be pulled if you have a free moment.
We understand the copier is broken and maintenance had been notified.
Don’t forget to submit xxxx from the latest PD with reflections by Friday.

This doesn’t even touch class behavior or anything with students in the actual class.

Yup. So so true.

Around this time last year (Dec/jan/feb), our principal said during a staff meeting “we are OK. You are all OK.” NO WE ARE NOT!! It’s ok to admit and continuing to ignore the stress our staff is under doesn’t help.

This was also at the time they were prepping us for daily laptop take home and threats of virtual and also how to run virtual snow days. And make sure your kids are on schoology every damn day and can access it perfectly and that your page is updated with all work you do so they can access it from home or if sick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the bad behavior at Shrevewood that is causing the teachers to quit? There is a lot of terrible and disruptive behavior at that school but it is not different than any other Title 1 school. The issue with Shrevewood is there is such a clash in class dynamics. It makes it challenging for teachers. I wholeheartedly sympathize but the administration needs to clash down on it.

You are charmingly naive if you think this is the main root cause

NP: What is the main cause?