Dear Parents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some teacher just had an awesome time reading this thread and I’m very happy for them!

I did and I’m not a teacher. I’m a parent who’s totally DISGUSTED by the behavior of jackass entitled parents on this thread.

Teacher here. I just read your comments and want to thank you for your support. It’s helpful to know you’re out there, especially on DCUM which can skew very anti-teacher.

Most parents do support teachers. However, as this thread illustrates, they also advocate for their children, which might sometimes come across as anti-teacher when it's not. Ultimately, parents can't control teacher working conditions. Some of the advice given to parents in this thread, such as, "if you don't have grades, ask for a conference," seems like it would make teachers' jobs harder, not easier. Some parents are horrible, but others have had their trust eroded by non-responsive teachers. Dedicated teachers might not know or understand what it is like to have your child in a class with an ineffective teacher. As a parents, you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. If teacher communication with parents or grading isn't timely, and it's really an overall workload issue, then it would make sense to go to an administrator, which no teacher wants. We wind up with the back and forth where teachers rightfully demand to be treated like the professionals that they are, while at the same time telling parents that they are unreasonable for wanting teachers to perform core functions of their jobs, like gradiig.

This is an outdated concept. That was true before the pandemic, but no longer. Since the pandemic, working conditions have gotten worse. School district and school administration have continued to pile on non-teaching responsibilities to teachers and have offered very little in the way of relief to overworked and exhausted teachers, forcing many teachers out of the career. Teachers have realized that their complaints are ignored at the administration and district level. So, teachers have been forced to take other measures which include Work to Rule. It isn't because teachers want to stop doing all these things that help make students more successful, but they are out of options. So they work to rule, they provide hard limits to the amount of extra off-duty work that they will complete, they end up not doing some elements like parent conferences, posting grades in a timely manner, etc. The hope, now, is that the parents will go to the administration. The hope is that if there are enough complaints from the parents and community that the administration will actually act to take some of the administrative tasks that should not be on the teachers off their plate so that the teachers can get back to teaching and teaching related duties.

So, help out. Go to the administration, but try not to go with torches and pitchforks, but go to the school administration and inform them that your child is not getting the support from the teacher that they need, and that the teacher has not bee responsive to your outreach on your student's behalf. Ask them to please do what is necessary to allow the teacher to get to these teaching duties. The school administration needs to be involved and needs to know the extent of the problem and the complaints of the community or they will continue to ignore the teachers' complaints about overburdened non-class time.

I am sympathetic to this but what are examples of the new admin tasks that the non-teaching staff could / should do instead?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am floored by teachers who think late grading is defensible. It's a fundamental requirement of the job.

You haven't been paying attention. There are now 130% fundamental requirements of the job. If a person is only willing to give 110-120% of their contracted time to the job, what gives? It's easier to take a pass on things like entering grades into the on-line portal than to skip mandatory meetings, skip state mandated testing requirements, skip state and federal disability management (like meetings for IEPs, 504s), and so on.

There are only so many hours in a week and at a certain point, teachers give up. I know many who work 60 hour work weeks and have to stop so that they can take care of their own families or their own health. I know one teacher who had a chronic health issue, went to the ER, was admitted on a Friday night. On Sunday after getting discharged, instead of going home to rest as she was instructed, she drove to school so that she could work on lesson plans for Monday. She was given a form from the hospital that said she was excused from work for 3 days to recover, but she ignored it because there was no sub lined up and no sub available for Monday. So she drove to school, did her lesson plans and caught up on state mandated training that had to be completed by Monday and finally late at night Sunday, drove home to eat a quick microwave dinner and collapse into bed for 6 hours so that she could get up and get to school on time.

So, what parts of state and district mandated work do you want the teacher to give up to be able to spend 1 hour entering grades into Canvas for parents to see? My friend graded things and handed the papers back to the kids, but she just didn't enter the results into Canvas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some teacher just had an awesome time reading this thread and I’m very happy for them!

I did and I’m not a teacher. I’m a parent who’s totally DISGUSTED by the behavior of jackass entitled parents on this thread.

Teacher here. I just read your comments and want to thank you for your support. It’s helpful to know you’re out there, especially on DCUM which can skew very anti-teacher.

Most parents do support teachers. However, as this thread illustrates, they also advocate for their children, which might sometimes come across as anti-teacher when it's not. Ultimately, parents can't control teacher working conditions. Some of the advice given to parents in this thread, such as, "if you don't have grades, ask for a conference," seems like it would make teachers' jobs harder, not easier. Some parents are horrible, but others have had their trust eroded by non-responsive teachers. Dedicated teachers might not know or understand what it is like to have your child in a class with an ineffective teacher. As a parents, you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. If teacher communication with parents or grading isn't timely, and it's really an overall workload issue, then it would make sense to go to an administrator, which no teacher wants. We wind up with the back and forth where teachers rightfully demand to be treated like the professionals that they are, while at the same time telling parents that they are unreasonable for wanting teachers to perform core functions of their jobs, like gradiig.

This is an outdated concept. That was true before the pandemic, but no longer. Since the pandemic, working conditions have gotten worse. School district and school administration have continued to pile on non-teaching responsibilities to teachers and have offered very little in the way of relief to overworked and exhausted teachers, forcing many teachers out of the career. Teachers have realized that their complaints are ignored at the administration and district level. So, teachers have been forced to take other measures which include Work to Rule. It isn't because teachers want to stop doing all these things that help make students more successful, but they are out of options. So they work to rule, they provide hard limits to the amount of extra off-duty work that they will complete, they end up not doing some elements like parent conferences, posting grades in a timely manner, etc. The hope, now, is that the parents will go to the administration. The hope is that if there are enough complaints from the parents and community that the administration will actually act to take some of the administrative tasks that should not be on the teachers off their plate so that the teachers can get back to teaching and teaching related duties.

So, help out. Go to the administration, but try not to go with torches and pitchforks, but go to the school administration and inform them that your child is not getting the support from the teacher that they need, and that the teacher has not bee responsive to your outreach on your student's behalf. Ask them to please do what is necessary to allow the teacher to get to these teaching duties. The school administration needs to be involved and needs to know the extent of the problem and the complaints of the community or they will continue to ignore the teachers' complaints about overburdened non-class time.

I am sympathetic to this but what are examples of the new admin tasks that the non-teaching staff could / should do instead?

One typical example is that non-teaching school staff can prep and monitor standardized testing for students. In-class teachers can get those periods for standardized tests for planning sessions. Classroom teachers often have to escort classes to other locations (presentations in the gym, lunch, cafeteria monitoring) for younger classes, or have to monitor things like detention, or club activities for older kids. Too often schools want to use teachers who are paid salary rather than para-educators who are paid hourly for these types of activites to save money. Instead schools should be paying those para-educators and school staff to handle some of these non-teaching responsibilities so that teachers can do more of their teaching supplemental responsibilities. Just a few types of things that I know friends who are teachers would appreciate. I'm sure actual teachers could expand the list with various responsibilities that are outside their classroom and teaching responsibilities that could be transferred to non-teaching school staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

I'd say fraud, waste and abuse is a pretty big story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

This is not new news. Why do you act as though this is a brand new problem?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am floored by teachers who think late grading is defensible. It's a fundamental requirement of the job.

I’m not missing time with my family to do it…and it’s a none issue because there are ZERO consequences for not doing it timely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

I'd say fraud, waste and abuse is a pretty big story.

Abuse of what? Teachers? I agree.

[Anonymous]

Parents: be kind!!! It’s not that hard- try to handle all your interactions with your kid’s school with kindness and a little grace. It’s your child’s teacher for goodness sakes!! If there are issues, approach it with a little compassion and an open mind. If you truly care about your child, then your goal is to have a positive parent- teacher relationship.

I am not a teacher-but have a lot of respect for the profession and I could never do it myself! I’ll be the first to admit I don't have a big enough backbone to handle the potential negative interactions with parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

I'd say fraud, waste and abuse is a pretty big story.

Abuse of what? Teachers? I agree.

FCPS defines abuse as "injurious to FCPS or its interests; and (ii) excessive, deficient or improper when compared with the conduct that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary governmental practice in light of the facts and circumstances known at the time. Abuse also includes misuse of FCPS
resources, authority or position which results, or could be expected to result, in injury to the school division, including reputational injury, whether such misuse is for personal interests or not. Acts of fraud could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to others, or could cause injury to FCPS or its interests, or both. Waste also includes
incurring unnecessary costs as a result of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.

If you are a teacher or administrator, I'm surprised you aren't familiar with the terms. I would assume that you would receive training on it, and would recognize that you are required by FCPS policy to immediately report it to your supervisor.

We have a scenario where teachers are failing to perform their assigned functions, and are receiving compensation. Per the FCPS definitions this corresponds to waste, fraud and abuse.

Then an administrator, when informed by a large number of parents that such an incident has occurred, refuses to report to their supervisor, as required, and instead dismisses the concern of 20 parents by telling them to meet at a restaurant.

If you don't see this as a problem with regards to being an injury to the school division, including reputational injury, along with misuse of resources, incurring unnecessary costs and financial gains to public employees for not completing tasks and don't think that the media would find it newsworthy, then don't be surprised in what results should parents push the issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am floored by teachers who think late grading is defensible. It's a fundamental requirement of the job.

You haven't been paying attention. There are now 130% fundamental requirements of the job. If a person is only willing to give 110-120% of their contracted time to the job, what gives? It's easier to take a pass on things like entering grades into the on-line portal than to skip mandatory meetings, skip state mandated testing requirements, skip state and federal disability management (like meetings for IEPs, 504s), and so on.

There are only so many hours in a week and at a certain point, teachers give up. I know many who work 60 hour work weeks and have to stop so that they can take care of their own families or their own health. I know one teacher who had a chronic health issue, went to the ER, was admitted on a Friday night. On Sunday after getting discharged, instead of going home to rest as she was instructed, she drove to school so that she could work on lesson plans for Monday. She was given a form from the hospital that said she was excused from work for 3 days to recover, but she ignored it because there was no sub lined up and no sub available for Monday. So she drove to school, did her lesson plans and caught up on state mandated training that had to be completed by Monday and finally late at night Sunday, drove home to eat a quick microwave dinner and collapse into bed for 6 hours so that she could get up and get to school on time.

So, what parts of state and district mandated work do you want the teacher to give up to be able to spend 1 hour entering grades into Canvas for parents to see? My friend graded things and handed the papers back to the kids, but she just didn't enter the results into Canvas.

She sounds like an idiot without a backbone to be honest. If they can’t find a sub, that’s the school’s problem. The teacher is not expected to come in if no sub picks up the job. That has never been the case. Also, it’s very possible they could have found someone the next am. If not, they will often divide the kids up and send them to different rooms for the day. How would she know on Sunday night whether or not the job would or wouldn’t be filled come Monday AM? Furthermore, teachers are told to have emergency sub plans on hand that any idiot can follow. There was no need for her to actually go to the school to make the lesson plans if she already had emergency plans created like she was supposed to. I guess she didn’t have them created. And seriously, plans can be emailed to a colleague from home anyway. And why was she waiting until the last possible weekend to complete a state mandated training? I’m sure she could have gotten an extension given her visit to the ER. This so called teacher is trying to be a martyr. Nobody forced her to come in.

To be honest this whole story sounds made up. Schools are not even open on Sundays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

I'd say fraud, waste and abuse is a pretty big story.

Abuse of what? Teachers? I agree.

FCPS defines abuse as "injurious to FCPS or its interests; and (ii) excessive, deficient or improper when compared with the conduct that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary governmental practice in light of the facts and circumstances known at the time. Abuse also includes misuse of FCPS
resources, authority or position which results, or could be expected to result, in injury to the school division, including reputational injury, whether such misuse is for personal interests or not. Acts of fraud could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to others, or could cause injury to FCPS or its interests, or both. Waste also includes
incurring unnecessary costs as a result of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.

If you are a teacher or administrator, I'm surprised you aren't familiar with the terms. I would assume that you would receive training on it, and would recognize that you are required by FCPS policy to immediately report it to your supervisor.

We have a scenario where teachers are failing to perform their assigned functions, and are receiving compensation. Per the FCPS definitions this corresponds to waste, fraud and abuse.

Then an administrator, when informed by a large number of parents that such an incident has occurred, refuses to report to their supervisor, as required, and instead dismisses the concern of 20 parents by telling them to meet at a restaurant.

If you don't see this as a problem with regards to being an injury to the school division, including reputational injury, along with misuse of resources, incurring unnecessary costs and financial gains to public employees for not completing tasks and don't think that the media would find it newsworthy, then don't be surprised in what results should parents push the issue.

Rock on with your fight - I wish you the best

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

I'd say fraud, waste and abuse is a pretty big story.

Abuse of what? Teachers? I agree.

FCPS defines abuse as "injurious to FCPS or its interests; and (ii) excessive, deficient or improper when compared with the conduct that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary governmental practice in light of the facts and circumstances known at the time. Abuse also includes misuse of FCPS
resources, authority or position which results, or could be expected to result, in injury to the school division, including reputational injury, whether such misuse is for personal interests or not. Acts of fraud could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to others, or could cause injury to FCPS or its interests, or both. Waste also includes
incurring unnecessary costs as a result of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.

If you are a teacher or administrator, I'm surprised you aren't familiar with the terms. I would assume that you would receive training on it, and would recognize that you are required by FCPS policy to immediately report it to your supervisor.

We have a scenario where teachers are failing to perform their assigned functions, and are receiving compensation. Per the FCPS definitions this corresponds to waste, fraud and abuse.

Then an administrator, when informed by a large number of parents that such an incident has occurred, refuses to report to their supervisor, as required, and instead dismisses the concern of 20 parents by telling them to meet at a restaurant.

If you don't see this as a problem with regards to being an injury to the school division, including reputational injury, along with misuse of resources, incurring unnecessary costs and financial gains to public employees for not completing tasks and don't think that the media would find it newsworthy, then don't be surprised in what results should parents push the issue.

Let's take a look at this "injury" and "abuse" and "fraud," especially your allegation that employees are not "completing tasks."

I'm a high school teacher. I get 42 minutes a day to complete ALL of my work. That's 3.5 hours a week to do all of my planning and grading. Let's say I assign an essay to my 120 students. It will take me 10 minutes an essay to provide thorough feedback, which equals 20 hours of grading for that assignment alone. I'm supposed to give two "meaningful" assignments a week. Let's say the other assignment takes only 2 minutes to grade. Even so, that's an additional 4 hours of grading. I now have 24 hours of grading to complete that week and 3.5 hours during my work week to do it in. I also have to plan all of my lessons, which have to be updated every year. Assume that takes me an additonal 4 hours a week. I have to respond to emails, update data in student records, correspond with SPED about IEPs and 504s, complete mandatory trainings, etc. Assume that's another 5 hours of work a week. I now have 33 hours of work to complete that week and 3.5 work hours to do it in.

So, when we want to talk about "injury" and "abuse," this is it. This is why teachers are leaving. For a parent to come here and argue that teachers are committing fraud? Wow. That parent has some serious nerve. To the parents who understand and are sympathetic, THANK YOU! I'll continue to do this with your support and I'll just ignore the unreasonable, entitled demands of others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am floored by teachers who think late grading is defensible. It's a fundamental requirement of the job.

You haven't been paying attention. There are now 130% fundamental requirements of the job. If a person is only willing to give 110-120% of their contracted time to the job, what gives? It's easier to take a pass on things like entering grades into the on-line portal than to skip mandatory meetings, skip state mandated testing requirements, skip state and federal disability management (like meetings for IEPs, 504s), and so on.

There are only so many hours in a week and at a certain point, teachers give up. I know many who work 60 hour work weeks and have to stop so that they can take care of their own families or their own health. I know one teacher who had a chronic health issue, went to the ER, was admitted on a Friday night. On Sunday after getting discharged, instead of going home to rest as she was instructed, she drove to school so that she could work on lesson plans for Monday. She was given a form from the hospital that said she was excused from work for 3 days to recover, but she ignored it because there was no sub lined up and no sub available for Monday. So she drove to school, did her lesson plans and caught up on state mandated training that had to be completed by Monday and finally late at night Sunday, drove home to eat a quick microwave dinner and collapse into bed for 6 hours so that she could get up and get to school on time.

So, what parts of state and district mandated work do you want the teacher to give up to be able to spend 1 hour entering grades into Canvas for parents to see? My friend graded things and handed the papers back to the kids, but she just didn't enter the results into Canvas.

She sounds like an idiot without a backbone to be honest. If they can’t find a sub, that’s the school’s problem. The teacher is not expected to come in if no sub picks up the job. That has never been the case. Also, it’s very possible they could have found someone the next am. If not, they will often divide the kids up and send them to different rooms for the day. How would she know on Sunday night whether or not the job would or wouldn’t be filled come Monday AM? Furthermore, teachers are told to have emergency sub plans on hand that any idiot can follow. There was no need for her to actually go to the school to make the lesson plans if she already had emergency plans created like she was supposed to. I guess she didn’t have them created. And seriously, plans can be emailed to a colleague from home anyway. And why was she waiting until the last possible weekend to complete a state mandated training? I’m sure she could have gotten an extension given her visit to the ER. This so called teacher is trying to be a martyr. Nobody forced her to come in.

To be honest this whole story sounds made up. Schools are not even open on Sundays.

I'm confused by the conflicting feedback on this thread. On one hand, we have a parent saying that teachers need to drop everything (family, health, etc.) in their lives, even on weekends, in order to fulfill their obligations. Now we have a parent arguing that teachers shouldn't be martyrs to the job.

My school is open on Sundays. My previous school was, as well. I absolutely believe this story and I've worked with plenty of teachers who would have made a similar decision. There is a sub shortage just like there is a teacher shortage. Guess who covers my classes if I get sick or if I take leave? My overburdened, exhausted colleagues. Many of us try not to take leave for that very reason. Is it martyrdom? Perhaps, but it also the only sign of respect our coworkers often get these days. Guess who gets blamed if a parent doesn't like the "idiot" emergency plan you mention? The teacher. Guess who gets blamed if the students are divided up into other classes? The teacher. Sometimes the path of least resistance is just getting the job done, no matter how much you put yourself through to get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to think that MCPS parents were the worst, but I see that I just haven't been paying enough attention to FCPS parents. This thread is full of some of the most entitled, arrogant parents I've seen in a long time. And you wonder why teachers are leaving the profession and that some of you are complaining about having subs, long-term subs and random school staff babysitting your children and not teaching them. Well, congratulations, you've shown that your children are paying the price for your arrogance and entitlement. Don't be surprised if more teachers leave and some leave mid-year from some of you and your children end up with more untrained subs and school staff babysitting your children instead of teaching them.

Only an arrogant and entitled person would view parents wanting teachers to do their job and GRADE THE KIDS' WORK in a timely manner is arrogant or entitled. LOL.

You are only contributing to the problem. The problem right now is that the school administration and school board have pushed so many administrative tasks onto the teachers that they have less time per child. In addition, as teachers leave the profession, the class sizes are rising, which again decreases time per child. The teachers are overwhelmed. Adding in parent teacher meetings will only exacerbate the problem by taking more and more time away from the teacher's ability to address anything for the bulk of children.

Your entire attitude will make the problem worse. Parents like you are one of the primary reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. Will you be happy if you decide to browbeat and harass the teacher and they decide to leave the profession and you get a long-term or short-term sub with no teaching credentials, no curriculum and no lesson plans to just make up busy work for your child for an entire quarter while they try to find someone to replace the teacher you helped to chase out? Will you be happy if because of the harassment, that your child is no longer given homework at all just to allow the teacher to cut back to a 10 hour work day and a 55 hour work week?

Parents should be advocating with the school board to reduce administrative overhead tasks from teachers. The teachers need to get many of those administrative tasks removed from their schedules so that they have more time in their schedules to address student issues. Harassing and browbeating teachers is not going to improve your child's education. But getting teacher's away from administrative tasks and back to teaching will. Devote that aggression and energy into helping to improve teacher work conditions and you'll find it will have a bigger effect on improving your child's education than just piling on to the overwhelming schedule and tasks of your child's teacher.

Parents like me have been your biggest supporter over the last 2 years- so your assumption made me laugh out loud just now. But, parents like me also expect that if I have a legitimate question and concern with my child's learning, and how DC is getting feedback, you will hear about it. If "parents like me" piss you off for doing that (and to be clear, I have not not had to do this thus far but would not hesitate) so be it.

Your admin burdens are not my problem. I will support you and all teachers to the maximum until you stop doing your job to effectively teach my kid. I don't care what you think about me, whether I"m a problem, etc.

Just to clarify, I am not a teacher nor have I ever been a teacher. I am a parent that gets along well with my children's teachers and I am as supportive as possible wherever and however I can be. I do not DEMAND actions from my children's teachers, but I highlight issues and ask them to help me solve them. I get answers because I act nicely and ask rather than demand. And I am also more patient. You seem to expect answers quickly and your imperious tone is very abrasive. But go ahead, say you are a big supporter while treating them like a servant.

Yes....kindness goes a long way. I'm not a servant and parents who behave that way will quickly know I am not their servant. Parents with this attitude are the ones who have kids who think they are the only one in my class....meanwhile I have 35 others in each class. It's an entitled attitude. To the parents who respect teachers and what they do thank you-we know who you are!

And just to clarify, if you can read, I have not NEEDED to do this with my kids' teachers yet. I am responding to the teacher or whoever it was that seemed to think they had no obligation to meet with parents, timely grade and provide feedback, and thinks that would fly with a lot of parents (including me). Yes, I do expect answers and in a timely manner - that is not unreasonable. My abrasive tone is on here and, so far, has not been needed with any teacher in FCPS. It is reserved her for the folks like you that seem to be making excuses for those that cannot seem to do their job. And think that is ok. It's not and I don't care what you think of my tone.

For two years, teachers have told parents that they are our "partners" in education and it was our job to get our kids through COVID - and I agree. And I did that. But being a "partner" requires teachers to do their part and no chance I'd accept anything less than timely grading and feedback, voluntarily if I can get it but with more involvement from admin if that wasn't working. And yes, we are "entitled" to that.

I also don't need your validation of whether or not I am a supporter of teachers or not. I know the truth and what I have supported and advocated for and for whom in the last few years. I can be both a supporter of teachers while advocating for my child. Sorry you don't get that but that matters not even a little to me.

Wrong. And many teachers have competent admin who will laugh off your entitlement when you “escalate” to them. Oh well.

That's what numbers are for.

Bring 20 parents with you and they can't laugh it off.

admin here. I’d laugh and provide you my superiors contact info. As well as the best places around my school for happy hour that can accommodate a group of 20

Laughing off the concerns of 20 parents with a flippant response? That is entirely unprofessional and entirely unfit for a public servant.

This is why parents no longer have respect for educators.

Can you imagine the media response to that one?

Fcps teachers refuse to grade timely. left and right would go nuts over that story.

Might even work too because teachers can complain they're overworked and get responsibilites pulled back.

That is such a boring non-story that no media outlet would publish/cover it.

I'd say fraud, waste and abuse is a pretty big story.

Yawn