How do teachers feel about the red situation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The demands of this year do not bother me as I am very prepared for both virtual and in-person. I took virtual learning courses before the pandemic ironically and used all of my skills to be as effective as I could. I favor in-person learning 100%. We follow Covid-protocol, and I clean my own classroom every single day and have the lowest covid count in the school, 0. I read about covid-19, learned how to prevent it and followed the instructions from the CDC. My entire family has been just fine.

I AM concerned about lapses in social skills, language development and lack of number sense in my kids. We work around the clock in my classroom even practicing letter sounds, blends and sight words during bathroom breaks and we practice math facts on the way to specials, lunch and recess. We use every single minute of our day working on skills that these children need to be successful and I am seeing progress. When we do our daily writing, I expect every single kid to produce something and now I am having kids writing 2 pages and using proper punctuation, capitalization and spelling sight words correctly.

What I do not need: closures. This will inhibit our progress and the stability in which I have built in my classroom. We have a very good routine, follow procedures and regulate our emotions through zen breaks and mindfulness. I LOVE my class right now and believe we can move most of my class from red and orange into yellow and green, be emotionally ready for 2nd grade and recover as much as we can from the damage of the pandemic.

The scary part is parents here believing this is a real post and calling this so-called teacher amazing. It proves how much people outside of education truly have no idea what the inside of an actual classroom looks like. It’s nice if you think this would be “amazing” but this isn’t how it works. At all. Also, kids need a break. Singing math facts in the hallway sounds ridiculous not to mention disruptive. Blending works on bathroom breaks? Get. Real. First graders writing two pages with proper punctuation? This poster isn’t a teacher and if they actually are, they are delusional. So are parents with expectations like this.

+100. I’m a teacher and that long teacher post just was not adding up for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

You do realize we have a new normal, right? COVID isn’t going away. I’m sorry for your losses, I’ve also had losses. I had COVID before vaccines came out, even though I’m really careful all the time.

We all have to find a way to adjust that doesn’t include closing the schools. I think that means training and hiring a lot more teachers and staff (nurses too). Enough damage has been done to the students and society from the closures. It’s time to recognize that MCPS needs to build up the teaching infrastructure to deal with absences and retirements. Some teachers will never feel comfortable in the classroom and probably should move on to another job.

You are glossing over the fact that there are no teachers or staff to hire. MCPS could bump up salaries but I haven’t seen any discussion of that

[Anonymous]

Kids seem very agitated by all the uncertainty. Many kids are missing. It makes it very difficult to teach. I’m not a fan of virtual but 2 weeks virtual might be better than the current situation. This week ended up being a complete waste

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The demands of this year do not bother me as I am very prepared for both virtual and in-person. I took virtual learning courses before the pandemic ironically and used all of my skills to be as effective as I could. I favor in-person learning 100%. We follow Covid-protocol, and I clean my own classroom every single day and have the lowest covid count in the school, 0. I read about covid-19, learned how to prevent it and followed the instructions from the CDC. My entire family has been just fine.

I AM concerned about lapses in social skills, language development and lack of number sense in my kids. We work around the clock in my classroom even practicing letter sounds, blends and sight words during bathroom breaks and we practice math facts on the way to specials, lunch and recess. We use every single minute of our day working on skills that these children need to be successful and I am seeing progress. When we do our daily writing, I expect every single kid to produce something and now I am having kids writing 2 pages and using proper punctuation, capitalization and spelling sight words correctly.

What I do not need: closures. This will inhibit our progress and the stability in which I have built in my classroom. We have a very good routine, follow procedures and regulate our emotions through zen breaks and mindfulness. I LOVE my class right now and believe we can move most of my class from red and orange into yellow and green, be emotionally ready for 2nd grade and recover as much as we can from the damage of the pandemic.

You know "cleaning your classroom.every day" has negligible to nil effect on the spread of COVID, right?

Not the prior poster but I work at an elementary school that is short staffed on custodians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

I missed the part where the original poster said that they were teaching first graders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

I missed the part where the original poster said that they were teaching first graders.

Their last paragraph references the class being “emotionally ready for second grade”.
I actually do teach first and there is no way that poster is a first grade teacher, not even close!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s unfortunately one hateful poster on this thread. We should just ignore.

PR Hack You worked so hard on this post. You were up all night crafting each word and it has bombed. Get some rest and try again Monday. Enjoy the snow!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

You do realize we have a new normal, right? COVID isn’t going away. I’m sorry for your losses, I’ve also had losses. I had COVID before vaccines came out, even though I’m really careful all the time.

We all have to find a way to adjust that doesn’t include closing the schools. I think that means training and hiring a lot more teachers and staff (nurses too). Enough damage has been done to the students and society from the closures. It’s time to recognize that MCPS needs to build up the teaching infrastructure to deal with absences and retirements. Some teachers will never feel comfortable in the classroom and probably should move on to another job.

NP. I am sure teachers and nurses are lining up so that they can put up with abuse from the likes of you.

Actually, there are plenty of new grads every year. If more scholarships were offered for these programs, more students would go into these fields. We seem to keep making the wrong assumptions … this will be over in 2 weeks, it will be better in the spring/fall, etc. no, the schools need to hire more teachers. Why are the private schools succeeding in staying open? 2 teachers in every class room with lots of testing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

You do realize we have a new normal, right? COVID isn’t going away. I’m sorry for your losses, I’ve also had losses. I had COVID before vaccines came out, even though I’m really careful all the time.

We all have to find a way to adjust that doesn’t include closing the schools. I think that means training and hiring a lot more teachers and staff (nurses too). Enough damage has been done to the students and society from the closures. It’s time to recognize that MCPS needs to build up the teaching infrastructure to deal with absences and retirements. Some teachers will never feel comfortable in the classroom and probably should move on to another job.

You are glossing over the fact that there are no teachers or staff to hire. MCPS could bump up salaries but I haven’t seen any discussion of that

Agree - like there is some group of educated and talented people just sitting around waiting to be hired! Lol. We had a teacher shortage before the pandemic in part because parents suck and treat teachers like the help as opposed to the skilled professionals that they are. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, keep this nonsense and criticism of teachers up and you won’t have any teacher to criticize any more. SMH.

[Anonymous]

We follow Covid-protocol, and I clean my own classroom every single day and have the lowest covid count in the school, 0. I read about covid-19, learned how to prevent it and followed the instructions from the CDC.

This reminds me of the first-time parents who happen to get a good sleeper and think they have "won" at parenting, not realizing that some of it is just luck.

Following CDC guidance won't do anything when parents send sick kids to school, or send them in while PCR tests are still pending, or when kids get exposed at home or church or in PE class.

I'm glad Hero PP has 0 covid cases in her classroom, but the gloating makes her sound like a nightmare colleague.

[Anonymous]

I'm a MCPS teacher and I think virtual was a really bad fit for my students. I work with students in grades Kindergarten to second grade and I can really see the impact on students during their most formative years. Elementary education is all about building a strong foundation for students to build their knowledge.

That being said, it's very difficult to run school when we are so short staffed. I wish that the central office staff could be assigned to the school building as floating subs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

You do realize we have a new normal, right? COVID isn’t going away. I’m sorry for your losses, I’ve also had losses. I had COVID before vaccines came out, even though I’m really careful all the time.

We all have to find a way to adjust that doesn’t include closing the schools. I think that means training and hiring a lot more teachers and staff (nurses too). Enough damage has been done to the students and society from the closures. It’s time to recognize that MCPS needs to build up the teaching infrastructure to deal with absences and retirements. Some teachers will never feel comfortable in the classroom and probably should move on to another job.

NP. I am sure teachers and nurses are lining up so that they can put up with abuse from the likes of you.

Actually, there are plenty of new grads every year. If more scholarships were offered for these programs, more students would go into these fields. We seem to keep making the wrong assumptions … this will be over in 2 weeks, it will be better in the spring/fall, etc. no, the schools need to hire more teachers. Why are the private schools succeeding in staying open? 2 teachers in every class room with lots of testing.

There are hundreds of unfilled jobs this year. My school has been trying to hire a kindergarten teacher but there were so very few applicants and the applicants had their pick of job opening so they chose a different school closer to home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

You do realize we have a new normal, right? COVID isn’t going away. I’m sorry for your losses, I’ve also had losses. I had COVID before vaccines came out, even though I’m really careful all the time.

We all have to find a way to adjust that doesn’t include closing the schools. I think that means training and hiring a lot more teachers and staff (nurses too). Enough damage has been done to the students and society from the closures. It’s time to recognize that MCPS needs to build up the teaching infrastructure to deal with absences and retirements. Some teachers will never feel comfortable in the classroom and probably should move on to another job.

You are glossing over the fact that there are no teachers or staff to hire. MCPS could bump up salaries but I haven’t seen any discussion of that

Agree - like there is some group of educated and talented people just sitting around waiting to be hired! Lol. We had a teacher shortage before the pandemic in part because parents suck and treat teachers like the help as opposed to the skilled professionals that they are. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, keep this nonsense and criticism of teachers up and you won’t have any teacher to criticize any more. SMH.

Not all parents suck. Yes, teachers should get paid A LOT more. Yes, teachers are professionals. And yes, MCPS was already understaffed. They need to work on that - recruiting, raises, bonuses. I’m in HR - this is not an unsolvable problem. It takes more money of course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re telling me that your first graders are writing two pages every time they write? How interesting. And you’re taking credit for stopping covid from spreading even when they are in the cafeteria/specials or parents are traveling/kids are exposed outside of school hours yet bring it into the building. Ok.

Unfortunately many of us have read CDC protocols and have fully implemented mitigation practices into our lives, classrooms, and yet we still have felt the impacts of COVID; losing loved ones, long covid haulers which both myself and my students have experienced. Your post is what we call toxic positivity and is completely tone deaf. I’m glad it’s been such a breeze for you and unfortunately some of my students and myself have lost family members and are experiencing real trauma. They are scared, sad, and have strong emotions that a couple of brain breaks or peace moments doesn’t necessarily fix.

Despite the trauma, we are, like you, spending every moment of the school day trying to close achievement gaps while maintaining high expectations for each other. But sick kids aren’t available for learning, no matter how magical of a teacher you claim to be.

You do realize we have a new normal, right? COVID isn’t going away. I’m sorry for your losses, I’ve also had losses. I had COVID before vaccines came out, even though I’m really careful all the time.

We all have to find a way to adjust that doesn’t include closing the schools. I think that means training and hiring a lot more teachers and staff (nurses too). Enough damage has been done to the students and society from the closures. It’s time to recognize that MCPS needs to build up the teaching infrastructure to deal with absences and retirements. Some teachers will never feel comfortable in the classroom and probably should move on to another job.

NP. I am sure teachers and nurses are lining up so that they can put up with abuse from the likes of you.

Actually, there are plenty of new grads every year. If more scholarships were offered for these programs, more students would go into these fields. We seem to keep making the wrong assumptions … this will be over in 2 weeks, it will be better in the spring/fall, etc. no, the schools need to hire more teachers. Why are the private schools succeeding in staying open? 2 teachers in every class room with lots of testing.

Because private school is a much easier job than public school. You have more vacation, fewer students, most students are on a similar level or at least the base line is higher. Classroom management is not an issue. Public school teaching has become a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent, I feel frustrated - the virus vs academic learning and mental health, the uncertain and hard to following situation make it even worse.

I wonder how teachers feel about it - they have to be in school, be positive ( not COVID) to students and be prepared for in person and virtual any time... that's a lot.

I'm a teacher in an elementary school that works with many grade levels, and several teachers in each grade. I think it's fair to say teachers are feeling exactly how you are feeling. I've never seen so much frustration and anxiety. And after this week, I think teachers are really feeling like there is no transparency between what central office says, and what central office does. Every teacher I know wants to stay in person- that's what they love to do. But I think this year has been much tougher for morale than last year with all of the changes and lack of planning.