Why are dozens of principals leaving Fairfax Co. schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd be curious to see the employee satisfaction surveys from the principals who recently left. I suspect a few of them were given the "retire or get fired" ultimatum.

+1
I'd also like to see the employee survey results for Dr. Reid. Interestingly, they were not released.

She started working on July 1, 2022. Staff don’t take the surveys until the winter. You can’t be serious that you would find any employee surveys done when she was 6 months into the job to be valid. It’s a HUGE organization. Any dysfunction and subsequent dissatisfaction with how it’s being run was already in place.

[Anonymous]

After all these pages.. looks like this was rumor - a farce - a troll post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

You clearly hate your students, their parents, and your job.

What plagiarized essay in FCPS actually counts for anything these days? This was a much bigger issue back in the day. Movies made about it with smart kids selling essays. Now anything you do at home is worth zero if it's even given at all or graded. The majority of the work done at home isn't even reviewed by teachers anymore. Are you in FCPS? Doesn't sound like it.

You can't tell a student to put their phone away? I'm pretty sure all schools now have phone policies. Figure out a system to punish for that. It's against school policy to have your phone out in class.

The touching of a student involves moving a student to another desk.

Why were teachers able to figure this out for generations and now they can't? Maybe the old systems were better.

[Anonymous]

And what does this have to do with principals leaving? Nothing. You just like to come on here and hate because you have some mood disorder. I'm convinced it's just one teacher coming on here all the time to post how awful students and parents are thinking this forum is somehow related to her job when it's an elective activity she can completely ignore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

You clearly hate your students, their parents, and your job.

What plagiarized essay in FCPS actually counts for anything these days? This was a much bigger issue back in the day. Movies made about it with smart kids selling essays. Now anything you do at home is worth zero if it's even given at all or graded. The majority of the work done at home isn't even reviewed by teachers anymore. Are you in FCPS? Doesn't sound like it.

You can't tell a student to put their phone away? I'm pretty sure all schools now have phone policies. Figure out a system to punish for that. It's against school policy to have your phone out in class.

The touching of a student involves moving a student to another desk.

Why were teachers able to figure this out for generations and now they can't? Maybe the old systems were better.

Teachers have not been dealing with the same problems “for generations.” This whole post reeks of someone who knows nothing about teaching in 2023. I suspect they are the same poster bashing teachers from the last 11 pages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

You clearly hate your students, their parents, and your job.

What plagiarized essay in FCPS actually counts for anything these days? This was a much bigger issue back in the day. Movies made about it with smart kids selling essays. Now anything you do at home is worth zero if it's even given at all or graded. The majority of the work done at home isn't even reviewed by teachers anymore. Are you in FCPS? Doesn't sound like it.

You can't tell a student to put their phone away? I'm pretty sure all schools now have phone policies. Figure out a system to punish for that. It's against school policy to have your phone out in class.

The touching of a student involves moving a student to another desk.

Why were teachers able to figure this out for generations and now they can't? Maybe the old systems were better.

DP
It sounds like the essay this teacher called home about counts for something. It also sounds like you want it to count, but then chastise the teacher for holding the student accountable. With you the teacher is in in a dammed if she does, damned if she doesn’t situation. Obviously the paper was reviewed by the teacher.

I’m sure the teacher can tell the student to put the phone away, but I’m also sure it’s difficult to get some students to follow through without them cussing, arguing and/or doing whatever they can to disrupt the class with the goal of making the teacher’s job more difficult. The same with moving a student to another desk. Do you think every student will just go willingly with a, “Yes ma’am. I’m sorry Mrs/Mr ______”?

For generations teachers had students who were respectful and didn’t want to get to a point where the school was calling home. That’s different from today when some students know that if the school calls home about something like plagiarism they will reach a parent like you who thinks because the teacher called the teacher hates you, the students and the job rather than placing any responsibility with your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

You clearly hate your students, their parents, and your job.

What plagiarized essay in FCPS actually counts for anything these days? This was a much bigger issue back in the day. Movies made about it with smart kids selling essays. Now anything you do at home is worth zero if it's even given at all or graded. The majority of the work done at home isn't even reviewed by teachers anymore. Are you in FCPS? Doesn't sound like it.

You can't tell a student to put their phone away? I'm pretty sure all schools now have phone policies. Figure out a system to punish for that. It's against school policy to have your phone out in class.

The touching of a student involves moving a student to another desk.

Why were teachers able to figure this out for generations and now they can't? Maybe the old systems were better.

LOL you proved PP's point parents are the ones who need to grow a thicker skin. You clearly have issues. Since you are so amazing go sub or there are many unfilled positions because many teachers left and got better jobs! Go show teachers how it's done-lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

You clearly hate your students, their parents, and your job.

What plagiarized essay in FCPS actually counts for anything these days? This was a much bigger issue back in the day. Movies made about it with smart kids selling essays. Now anything you do at home is worth zero if it's even given at all or graded. The majority of the work done at home isn't even reviewed by teachers anymore. Are you in FCPS? Doesn't sound like it.

You can't tell a student to put their phone away? I'm pretty sure all schools now have phone policies. Figure out a system to punish for that. It's against school policy to have your phone out in class.

The touching of a student involves moving a student to another desk.

Why were teachers able to figure this out for generations and now they can't? Maybe the old systems were better.

Teachers have not been dealing with the same problems “for generations.” This whole post reeks of someone who knows nothing about teaching in 2023. I suspect they are the same poster bashing teachers from the last 11 pages.

agree

[Anonymous]

I don’t doubt that it’s harder to teach in 2023 than in past decades. However, for the most part, educators and their representatives (whether you call them teachers’ unions or teachers’ organizations) have supported the politicians who then put in place (or hire the people who put in place) the policies that make leading, or teaching in, public schools increasingly difficult.

When the teachers and principals openly challenge the school boards and central administrators who expect so much, yet are clueless about what’s happening on a day-to-day basis, maybe things will change and the general public will have your back. But right now you seem to be a victim of your own best intentions. You want more support but you have to act like adults yourselves and acknowledge your own role in creating the conditions that you now find hard to tolerate. If your only response is to attack parents and criticize kids, people will simply conclude you aren’t cut out for the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

Okay twinkle toes. Here’s the thing very few people love their jobs. You are lucky if you do, but most don’t. Love has nothing to do with conducting yourself in a capable, competent and professional manner.

If you want to be the adult equivalent of a schoolyard bully, in total control, and not have your actions be questioned or criticized then may I suggest the FFX county Sheriff’s Office. I hear the county is hiring prison guards.

Go work out your anger, aggression and control issues on the career cons. Warning though when they don’t like you they won’t just grumble and complain to the higher ups. They’ll probably just shank you in the kidney and call it a day.

Hope a career spent policing cafeteria food fights and hallway dilly dalliers hasn’t made you soft.

LOL one flew over the cuckoos nest I'm not "twinkle toes" but wow you have a lot of issues as a parent and human.

I don’t get this comment at all. PP made some very valid points. Most people do not love their jobs. And teachers need to develop a thicker skin when it comes to people complaining about them. If they don’t want anyone questioning them, they should try working in a prison. That’s all PP was saying. What issues do you get from that?

From what I can tell from DCUM, the teachers actually have pretty thick skin. They can “give it”, just as much as parents do. I’ve seen plenty of overly sensitive parents on this forum.

Teachers have to have a thick skin! Our days are spent dealing with complainers, often people arguing against their own best interests. I’ve been called every curse word in the book, mainly because I said things like “please put away your phone” and “I’d like you to stop poking your classmate.” I’ve been hit by a high schooler. And then I’ve been told I’m a dreadful teacher and a horrible human (just this past week) because I called a parent about a plagiarized essay.

So I think I can handle anything the DCUM meanies want to throw my way. Usually it’s just claims that my job is easy. For those, I usually roll my eyes and scroll on without responding. You don’t know how tough it is unless you try teaching, and we can’t effectively explain it to you in words. So why bother?

You clearly hate your students, their parents, and your job.

What plagiarized essay in FCPS actually counts for anything these days? This was a much bigger issue back in the day. Movies made about it with smart kids selling essays. Now anything you do at home is worth zero if it's even given at all or graded. The majority of the work done at home isn't even reviewed by teachers anymore. Are you in FCPS? Doesn't sound like it.

You can't tell a student to put their phone away? I'm pretty sure all schools now have phone policies. Figure out a system to punish for that. It's against school policy to have your phone out in class.

The touching of a student involves moving a student to another desk.

Why were teachers able to figure this out for generations and now they can't? Maybe the old systems were better.

LOL you proved PP's point parents are the ones who need to grow a thicker skin. You clearly have issues. Since you are so amazing go sub or there are many unfilled positions because many teachers left and got better jobs! Go show teachers how it's done-lol

I’m the teacher PP. I thank this poster for proving my point so easily.

She jumped immediately to accusations and hatred, which is pretty normal these days. The first line was the best: I hate my students, their parents, and my job. Wow. That’s a lot to extrapolate from my post!

Thank you to those of you who responded with words of support. I know there’s a lot of support out there, which makes putting up with people like this PP easier!

[Anonymous]

The public school establishment teaches kids to hate America and its institutions, disrespect authority, and see themselves as either oppressors or victims. And then they get upset when kids hate school, disrespect teachers, and expect, quite rationally, not to be held personally accountable.

[Anonymous]

A big part of the problem remains the latent anger parents have from FCPS closing its doors for a year.

The kids are still behind, there is some attempt internally to raise expectations and recover from that, but teachers aren't able to work magic and erase the impact of that lost year.

Teachers are frustrated with the expectations that they alone must fix everything: lagging academics and awful behavior (when they didn't make the decision to shutter in the first place, that was administrative). Parents are resentful because they didn't support the decision to close school buildings that year, and now no one can fix the mess that was made. They aren't eager to give teachers a pass. Teachers feel they deserve one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A big part of the problem remains the latent anger parents have from FCPS closing its doors for a year.

The kids are still behind, there is some attempt internally to raise expectations and recover from that, but teachers aren't able to work magic and erase the impact of that lost year.

Teachers are frustrated with the expectations that they alone must fix everything: lagging academics and awful behavior (when they didn't make the decision to shutter in the first place, that was administrative). Parents are resentful because they didn't support the decision to close school buildings that year, and now no one can fix the mess that was made. They aren't eager to give teachers a pass. Teachers feel they deserve one.

There is basically one group of parents who feels this way, but they think they speak for everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The public school establishment teaches kids to hate America and its institutions, disrespect authority, and see themselves as either oppressors or victims. And then they get upset when kids hate school, disrespect teachers, and expect, quite rationally, not to be held personally accountable.

Perfect ! +1