Teacher turnover

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

Parents at our school demanded to know the specific medical ailments that were keeping teachers out.

Well, obviously inappropriate, but given that I have to disclose all sorts of very personal details about my child, doesn't seem that invasive. Obviously they were trying to figure out whether the medical exemptions were bona fide.

But its not the same. Teachers had to provide medical documentation to DCPS as their employer, but they don't have to provide it to every individual parent. It is simply not appropriate for parents to be demanding private medical information from individual teachers.

If you don't want to share your medical information with the school, you have the option of keeping your child out of school and homeschooling. Similarly, if a teacher did not want to share their medical information with DCPS HR, then they had either agree to return in person or quit. They don't have to share their private medical information with every person who asks - that's simply not how things work, and is not an acceptable ask from parents.

Oh come on. This particular example is silly to get worked up about. While I wouldn't have asked the teacher's vaccination status, due to all the drama about ITS UNSAFE!! I can't blame parents for wanting to know whether the teachers and staff were vaccinated. Because every single year we provide assurance that our kids are vaccinated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

Ok. I’ll go. I have an email from a parent that says “you are a disgusting piece of trash for abandoning your job as a teacher”. “You disgust me and you should be disgusted with yourself” “what you have done to children is child abuse”. I received this email in December.

I’m not sure if I consider this impolite or rude but maybe you consider it par for the course?

Another example from my school (not PP): A parent demanding to know vaccine status and medical conditions during class, in front of students.

I have to submit my kid's vaccine status to the school every year - I have no issues with teachers seeing it. Or knowing about any medical issues.

I do agree that vaccine status is of interest to parents, because it directly affects their child’s safety (if the child is too young to be vaccinated themselves), but why on earth do you think you should be entitled to know the teacher’s health issues?

[Anonymous]

Those parents acted badly and they shouldn't have. No one deserves that kind of verbal abuse ("disgusting"). And no, parents don't get to know teacher health issues (beyond covid exposures).

I will admit to wondering why, after vaccination, a large portion of teachers were somehow medically able to keep working from home. With regards to that issue, I do believe that there are a number of teachers who are taking advantage of more lenient exemptions. So I'm not surprised that parents asked that question. But yeah, it's one of those areas that is just going to have to sit there like a giant lump of distrust that can't be commented on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

Ok. I’ll go. I have an email from a parent that says “you are a disgusting piece of trash for abandoning your job as a teacher”. “You disgust me and you should be disgusted with yourself” “what you have done to children is child abuse”. I received this email in December.

I’m not sure if I consider this impolite or rude but maybe you consider it par for the course?

Another example from my school (not PP): A parent demanding to know vaccine status and medical conditions during class, in front of students.

I have to submit my kid's vaccine status to the school every year - I have no issues with teachers seeing it. Or knowing about any medical issues.

I do agree that vaccine status is of interest to parents, because it directly affects their child’s safety (if the child is too young to be vaccinated themselves), but why on earth do you think you should be entitled to know the teacher’s health issues?

+1

You’ve got to be joking me if you think vaccine status is the same as medical condition that a teacher has that would qualify under ADA or FMLA. And let’s think for a second why the school nurse would need to know your child’s medical conditions versus a teacher having to share their medical conditions with random adults. The school nurse needs to be aware so they can administer medications, or share information with the classroom teacher around things a child can and cannot do (ex: I had a kid with a condition where they could not be in the heat or get too hot. I adjusted my behavior accordingly to ensure that student was protected).

Why do you need to know if a teacher has asthma, diabetes, cancer, MS, etc.? This is why people are fed up with this total BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

I think we should have had most students and teachers back February 1. I understand the anger. BUT I did see specific examples of beyond the pale behavior including our admin being shouted at and threatened by a parent demanding an IPL spot to the point the police were called. It was, to sway the least, ineffective behavior.

[Anonymous]

That’s some outrageous, obnoxious parent behavior.

I didn’t see any of it because my kids haven’t gotten to go to school in person for 15 months. Haven't gotten to meet a teacher in person either.

Silver linings, I guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care if teachers leave. Everyone is replaceable. I just want my kids back in class, in front of ANY teacher.

You can say that, but i work in admin at a WOTP school in DCPS and we can’t fill all of our vacancies because the pool is so shallow. You will most likely see those positions filled by first year teachers or TFA type who are only around for two years.

Judging by most teachers' comments on DCUM, it seems that most teachers hate their jobs. Maybe it's a good thing if they quit. We can replace them with people who actually want to educate children.

Your child's "teacher" will be inexperienced, incompetent and unqualified, but as you've made abundantly clear, you don't give a damn about actual EDUCATION -- just that they're not in your house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

I would need more concrete examples before I believe that parents in favor of reopening "engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale." Because what I saw in my school was the opposite. Teachers *went on strike* (supported by principals) to keep vulnerable kids out of the classroom. This was supported by a contingent of high-profile school parents (including parents who were also elected DC officials) engaging in whisper campaigns to get parents to undermine school reopening. Parents who wanted their kids to go to school were afraid to speak up, because the prominent school parents (LSAT members, PTA presidents) were all literally reposting WTU "ONLY WHEN ITS SAFE" talking points on the school listserv.

LOL! Nobody cares if you "would need more concrete examples." For your examples, peruse the umpteen absurd, hysterical OMG TEACHERS ARE TERRORISTS HOLDING MY BABIES HOOOOSTAAAAAGE!!!! threads that were vomited all over DCUM for the past year. Asinine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

Ok. I’ll go. I have an email from a parent that says “you are a disgusting piece of trash for abandoning your job as a teacher”. “You disgust me and you should be disgusted with yourself” “what you have done to children is child abuse”. I received this email in December.

I’m not sure if I consider this impolite or rude but maybe you consider it par for the course?

Ok that's bad, but that's one parent. And, you should take it as evidence of the extreme breach of trust caused by school closures, not as a way to cloak yourself in self-pity.

Yeah, no. The only thing that email is "evidence" of is a parent who's an entitled, pathetic disgrace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

Parents at our school demanded to know the specific medical ailments that were keeping teachers out.

Well, obviously inappropriate, but given that I have to disclose all sorts of very personal details about my child, doesn't seem that invasive. Obviously they were trying to figure out whether the medical exemptions were bona fide.

TEACHERS' MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS. You are not entitled to that information. Who the hell do you think you are?

[Anonymous]

This is so disheartening.
Each year we return to DCPS it gets worse.
I wish my colleagues felt supported. I’m tired of absorbing newbies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

I would need more concrete examples before I believe that parents in favor of reopening "engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale." Because what I saw in my school was the opposite. Teachers *went on strike* (supported by principals) to keep vulnerable kids out of the classroom. This was supported by a contingent of high-profile school parents (including parents who were also elected DC officials) engaging in whisper campaigns to get parents to undermine school reopening. Parents who wanted their kids to go to school were afraid to speak up, because the prominent school parents (LSAT members, PTA presidents) were all literally reposting WTU "ONLY WHEN ITS SAFE" talking points on the school listserv.

LOL! Nobody cares if you "would need more concrete examples." For your examples, peruse the umpteen absurd, hysterical OMG TEACHERS ARE TERRORISTS HOLDING MY BABIES HOOOOSTAAAAAGE!!!! threads that were vomited all over DCUM for the past year. Asinine.

but parents got to hear on DCUM from people saying they were teachers that we just didn't love our children. So. The point: DCUM probably brings out the worst all around and shouldn't be something on which to decide your job or how you feel about a general group of people (parents/teachers).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's just be honest with ourselves. Some parents, not a majority by any means, engaged in behavior that was beyond the pale. Yes, it was in the interest of their children and in moving schools in a likely better direction, but it was unnecessary, offensive, and poisoned the environment of the schools. In some rare cases, it was even racist. I am a parent, and I was frankly shocked by what some folks were willing to say and do. Even if it agreed with their point. Sadly, our society in general has deteriorated to the point that incivility has become a norm for some people. They seem to feel no shame or remorse for that. I do not blame teachers or staff for not being willing to put up with it. And even though I hope that we will slowly piece our school communities back together, they will be fractured and the wounds will take a long time to heal. You can make comments about how you'd prefer new teachers, but our children will suffer even higher teacher turnover. I know that in my own school community we are losing some fantastic teachers, ones that were incredibly reasonable during distance learning and went above and beyond for the kids. All of this is not to say that some teachers and staff also engaged in behavior that was simply unacceptable, perhaps borne out of fear and frustration, and which was unnecessary and costly for kids this past year. But the question here is teacher turnover, and the adage that two wrongs do not make a right still holds.

+1

+2

And in the spirit of keeping it real, if you can't identify examples of W3 parents acting "beyond the pale" this year over reopening, then you're likely part of the problem. At my school community, it has caused a rift between the teacher and parent community and alienated our families of color. It's not great and we have a lot of rebuilding to do this next year.

I am an NP and I am genuinely asking for an example of behavior you think is beyond the pale. Reopening was very divisive at my W6 school and definitely I heard parents privately use language about teachers (generically much more than specific teachers) that I would never use and that I suspect they would never use publicly. Sometimes getting more kids back in school made the at home experience worse and, especially to the extent that statistically preferences for IPL v DL had a racial/economic correlation, I completely agree that reopening issues split school communities along unhelpful lines. But unless you think merely advocating for kids to return given those background conditions is beyond the pale (I do not), I really cannot think of examples of the phenomenon which you indicate was everywhere. WHAT did nice white parents do at your school that was so bad?

Some of those parents who used "language about teachers that I would never use and that I suspect they would never used publicly" did in fact did do so publicly and in emails to teachers, principals, and other parents.

Until you actually spell out what you believe is "beyond the pale," I don't buy it. I think you just think it was impolite for them to advocate for kids to get back into the schools. Maybe they got a little mad -- but what did you expect? Schools literally closed for over a year for many parents, and many kids are really suffering the consequences. You seem to be arguing that the people most entitled to be emotional (parents who think their kids are being put at risk) are the ones who had to maintain some sort of decorum lest the powers that be feel hurt. This wasn't about anybodies' feelings.

Parents at our school demanded to know the specific medical ailments that were keeping teachers out.

Well, obviously inappropriate, but given that I have to disclose all sorts of very personal details about my child, doesn't seem that invasive. Obviously they were trying to figure out whether the medical exemptions were bona fide.

But its not the same. Teachers had to provide medical documentation to DCPS as their employer, but they don't have to provide it to every individual parent. It is simply not appropriate for parents to be demanding private medical information from individual teachers.

If you don't want to share your medical information with the school, you have the option of keeping your child out of school and homeschooling. Similarly, if a teacher did not want to share their medical information with DCPS HR, then they had either agree to return in person or quit. They don't have to share their private medical information with every person who asks - that's simply not how things work, and is not an acceptable ask from parents.

Oh come on. This particular example is silly to get worked up about. While I wouldn't have asked the teacher's vaccination status, due to all the drama about ITS UNSAFE!! I can't blame parents for wanting to know whether the teachers and staff were vaccinated. Because every single year we provide assurance that our kids are vaccinated.

Uh but as a teacher IDK that, office staff and admin do. I only get to assume. Also no one will know if your child is vaccinated for COVID. No one knows if your child take meds!(unless you give PERMISSION for them to take it at school) I had a student taking medication for ADHD and one week dad forgot to give it to his son (parents divorced) and OMG that child had the most challenging behaviors. I was so confused, until dad was like 'oh yea he take medication to calm him....'

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care if teachers leave. Everyone is replaceable. I just want my kids back in class, in front of ANY teacher.

You can say that, but i work in admin at a WOTP school in DCPS and we can’t fill all of our vacancies because the pool is so shallow. You will most likely see those positions filled by first year teachers or TFA type who are only around for two years.

Judging by most teachers' comments on DCUM, it seems that most teachers hate their jobs. Maybe it's a good thing if they quit. We can replace them with people who actually want to educate children.

Your child's "teacher" will be inexperienced, incompetent and unqualified, but as you've made abundantly clear, you don't give a damn about actual EDUCATION -- just that they're not in your house.

Well I think they don't care as long as their child is 'babysat' I mean many of these people who post her have typically developing, supported, middle/upper middle class kids. They could be taught by almost anyone and progress. But little do they know that their child could have grown even more with a great teacher.

The parents who do care often have a child with a disability, those advantages still help but they really do need specialized help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care if teachers leave. Everyone is replaceable. I just want my kids back in class, in front of ANY teacher.

You can say that, but i work in admin at a WOTP school in DCPS and we can’t fill all of our vacancies because the pool is so shallow. You will most likely see those positions filled by first year teachers or TFA type who are only around for two years.

Judging by most teachers' comments on DCUM, it seems that most teachers hate their jobs. Maybe it's a good thing if they quit. We can replace them with people who actually want to educate children.

Your child's "teacher" will be inexperienced, incompetent and unqualified, but as you've made abundantly clear, you don't give a damn about actual EDUCATION -- just that they're not in your house.

Well I think they don't care as long as their child is 'babysat' I mean many of these people who post her have typically developing, supported, middle/upper middle class kids. They could be taught by almost anyone and progress. But little do they know that their child could have grown even more with a great teacher.

The parents who do care often have a child with a disability, those advantages still help but they really do need specialized help.

Idk, but you aren't making the convo better by suggesting that parents -- particularly the parents mad about slow reopening -- just want their kids "babysat." I get that some parents have been truly sh*tty to teachers, but some teachers have said some truly sh*tty things about parents. Odds are, the parents that want schools to reopen faster are the ones that think that education and teachers are important (individual posters on this thread notwithstanding).