Considering leaving MCPS employment for private

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those of you considering leaving, what are the specific things about MCPS that make you want to consider private?
Non-teacher

Op here: I have friends who teach in independent and several who send their kids to independent schools. This is what I’ve been told that makes me want to leave:

- autonomy. Teachers can teach what they want and are trusted in independent schools whereas in mcps we are micromanaged and scolded by admin [b]True. But this is workable because it’s only one school[\b]

- respect and support. Teachers in independent are backed up by their admin whereas in mcps the parent is always right and admin are quick to throw teachers under the bus. The entire community views us as overpaid babysitters rather than qualified professionals [b] School dependent. Yes you’ll get support but do not for one minute think you’ll be supported against parents at independent’s. Parents are paying customers in private school and keeping them happy is at the forefront. Especially those with the most money.[\b]

- time and resources . It sounds like most independent schools don’t require teachers to run after school events, to choose a club to run, or to make materials at home. It sounds like there are permanent subs on call ready to fill in when a teacher is sick as opposed to mcps broken sub system that doesn’t have enough subs [b] School dependent because choosing a club to run or coach is very the expectation if you want to stay in good standing at many independents. [\b]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those of you considering leaving, what are the specific things about MCPS that make you want to consider private?
Non-teacher

NP here. Admin at my school are bad. You wouldn’t see it as a parent because they ingratiate themselves with parents but they are on a complete power trip with teachers.
So much busy work that does not help students. The union can’t do much.
I do consider leaving. Private school is attractive for sure. The range of students I have combined with large classes is exhausting.

[Anonymous]

OP, I taught in a neighboring public system and now am a parent and substitute teacher in an independent school. As a sub, I will never, ever work in a public school ever again. The level of professionalism, the administration’s commitment to supporting the teachers, the resources, it is all unmatched in public. If you can afford it, I would not think twice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, how many years do you have in mcps? Do you have a spouse with excellent health insurance and a solid salary?

I'm in year 20 of mcps and what's kept me are the benefits- it's the ultimate golden handcuffs. I have a variety of health issues and need to know that I have access to the best care. I'm too deep in now so it makes no sense to switch because I'm 2/3 of the way to the pension. I would actually make more per hour (2-3x) doing private practice (related service provider).

In these 20 years I have put up with a lot of bull shit...so I totally get why you'd want to jump ship. Just go with your eyes wide open as to what you're leaving behind.

OP here- this is the problem and the ultimate word holding me back. Pension. I have 23 years in and it’s like a prison sentence I’m counting down. Either leave now and face consequences or wait another 7 years. It’s so hard. My spouse does have really good insurance if we want to use it so that’s no an issue

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those of you considering leaving, what are the specific things about MCPS that make you want to consider private?
Non-teacher

Op here: I have friends who teach in independent and several who send their kids to independent schools. This is what I’ve been told that makes me want to leave:

- autonomy. Teachers can teach what they want and are trusted in independent schools whereas in mcps we are micromanaged and scolded by admin

- respect and support. Teachers in independent are backed up by their admin whereas in mcps the parent is always right and admin are quick to throw teachers under the bus. The entire community views us as overpaid babysitters rather than qualified professionals

- time and resources . It sounds like most independent schools don’t require teachers to run after school events, to choose a club to run, or to make materials at home. It sounds like there are permanent subs on call ready to fill in when a teacher is sick as opposed to mcps broken sub system that doesn’t have enough subs.

Your friends are gaslighting you!

[Anonymous]

I don't think so. I think you are gaslighting this person who hit the nail on the head about autonomy and admin supporting teachers in private and parents in public. Teachers are thrown under the bus everyday because the parents heard hear say about a teacher not being nice and giving real honest grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think so. I think you are gaslighting this person who hit the nail on the head about autonomy and admin supporting teachers in private and parents in public. Teachers are thrown under the bus everyday because the parents heard hear say about a teacher not being nice and giving real honest grades.

This. I'm 15 years into my 30 and leaving for private anyway. My choice has nothing to do with the kids; it's all about the admin and the parents. The financial hit isn't as big as it seems when you factor in having evenings free to tutor. Also, the private I'm moving to is giving amazing financial aid for my kids to attend almost free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, how many years do you have in mcps? Do you have a spouse with excellent health insurance and a solid salary?

I'm in year 20 of mcps and what's kept me are the benefits- it's the ultimate golden handcuffs. I have a variety of health issues and need to know that I have access to the best care. I'm too deep in now so it makes no sense to switch because I'm 2/3 of the way to the pension. I would actually make more per hour (2-3x) doing private practice (related service provider).

In these 20 years I have put up with a lot of bull shit...so I totally get why you'd want to jump ship. Just go with your eyes wide open as to what you're leaving behind.

OP here- this is the problem and the ultimate word holding me back. Pension. I have 23 years in and it’s like a prison sentence I’m counting down. Either leave now and face consequences or wait another 7 years. It’s so hard. My spouse does have really good insurance if we want to use it so that’s no an issue

20 year mcps employee here...yes it does feel like a prison sentence...I hear you completely. However, with only 7 years left, you will be leaving a lot of money on the table if you bow out now. You can do some calculations using the retirement calculator to determine how much...and if it's worth it to you. Can you switch to a different position or school? I have made 2 jumps in my 20 years...both were helpful in getting out of a rut. I have been happiest in my current position. If money or benefits are not a concern, then prioritize your mental health. However, if you need to factor in retirement and retirement benefits than proceed with significant caution.

[Anonymous]

I left MCPS last year for a private independent school. Best decision ever. I love my job and am happy driving to school most everyday. Admin are true partners with teachers. Classes are small. Students are, for the most part, very respectful. Parents are generally supportive and positive in their interactions with teachers. We have freedom within the curriculum to try new ideas. I feel respected and valued daily. The reason I left MCPS? An awful principal… as so many others have said.
So many MCPS colleagues expressed jealousy they couldn’t do the same because of pay, benefits, pension. I’m fortunate that I was able to prioritize my mental well being. I do make less and benefits, esp pension, are not as good but… I smile throughout the day and never go home in tears like I used to.
So far as the Union - I don’t miss it at all. Admin and teachers are a team at my new school. There are no adversarial relationships that would require a union.
Leaving MCPS was a scary leap… I am so glad I did it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wondering if any MCPS employees are here and willing to share their experiences leaving MCPS for private schools. Any regrets? Happier, the same, or is it worse? I’m with MCPS and really tired of the BS and looking for a change but not sure if this is the way to go

I’m the reverse - been in private for over a decade and switching to MCPS this year. Two biggest reasons are the surprise out-of-hours weekend/after school requirements (make sure to ask about those when interviewing) and lack of salary equity/no ability to get a large enough raise to become paid commensurately with new hires with equivalent/less experience. I probably could have switched to a different private to address the latter, but truly wanted a job where I could leave the students at the end of the school day or get paid additional for that time.

Benefits to private: small class sizes. What a joy to truly know all my students! Supportive admin. Curriculum flexibility - if I could justify and standards align it, I could teach it. This meant that when I knew a lesson or project or text wouldn’t engage my students, I could pivot to teach the same standards in a way that better served their needs (and thus was more fun for me because the students were engaged!). A real community with the families and teachers. A culture of collaboration. More flexibility with teaching hours to have all school community events or academic projects.

A good private that matches your teaching style is worth its weight in happiness. Do your research, talk to current teachers and students, and best of luck!!!

I feel like you are making a bad move here. You should really consider another private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP being in private will get you more freedom in how you teach and what you teach but you would have no protections. There are crazy parents and crazy department heads that can make your life miserable and it's more difficult to transfer out because if you don't get a good recommendation you can't get another job anywhere whereas in public you could switch schools.

I know a lot of happy teachers in MCPS but they all have great principals.

This is untrue or rare. Most parents are trying to work with the teacher - the very reason they are in private school to begin with is because of the academics so there's a huge incentive for a partnership. Also, you would not ask your CURRENT private school employer for a recommendation/reference anyway - that's just silly. Teachers usually get their renewal contracts in private school sometime between February and April so it's a done deal and they either renew or not. It's not that big of a deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP being in private will get you more freedom in how you teach and what you teach but you would have no protections. There are crazy parents and crazy department heads that can make your life miserable and it's more difficult to transfer out because if you don't get a good recommendation you can't get another job anywhere whereas in public you could switch schools.

I know a lot of happy teachers in MCPS but they all have great principals.

Private school teacher who posted above here.

That last line is key. It’s all about admin. Unfortunately, I never worked for a good administration in public school. I left public 100% because of a demeaning and belittling admin team. I finally came to the conclusion that public school admin can do a terrible amount of damage, and (unfortunately) some of the worst teachers get promoted to admin.

My private school admin still teaches at least one class each. They still have a foot in the classroom, so they remember the challenges. They also can serve as true models of good teaching, and younger teachers can observe their classes. It’s a much stronger model, and it produces an admin team that can be respected as true leaders and models of good teaching.

This has been my experience as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those of you considering leaving, what are the specific things about MCPS that make you want to consider private?
Non-teacher

Op here: I have friends who teach in independent and several who send their kids to independent schools. This is what I’ve been told that makes me want to leave:

- autonomy. Teachers can teach what they want and are trusted in independent schools whereas in mcps we are micromanaged and scolded by admin

- respect and support. Teachers in independent are backed up by their admin whereas in mcps the parent is always right and admin are quick to throw teachers under the bus. The entire community views us as overpaid babysitters rather than qualified professionals

- time and resources . It sounds like most independent schools don’t require teachers to run after school events, to choose a club to run, or to make materials at home. It sounds like there are permanent subs on call ready to fill in when a teacher is sick as opposed to mcps broken sub system that doesn’t have enough subs.

Your friends are gaslighting you!

I'm a former MCPS parent with kids IN a private school, am also on the Board so I see everything that happens behind the scenes. The is all true. There is one caveat which is that for out of school hours events - i.e., galas or open houses, they do like faculty there sometimes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, how many years do you have in mcps? Do you have a spouse with excellent health insurance and a solid salary?

I'm in year 20 of mcps and what's kept me are the benefits- it's the ultimate golden handcuffs. I have a variety of health issues and need to know that I have access to the best care. I'm too deep in now so it makes no sense to switch because I'm 2/3 of the way to the pension. I would actually make more per hour (2-3x) doing private practice (related service provider).

In these 20 years I have put up with a lot of bull shit...so I totally get why you'd want to jump ship. Just go with your eyes wide open as to what you're leaving behind.

OP here- this is the problem and the ultimate word holding me back. Pension. I have 23 years in and it’s like a prison sentence I’m counting down. Either leave now and face consequences or wait another 7 years. It’s so hard. My spouse does have really good insurance if we want to use it so that’s no an issue

20 year mcps employee here...yes it does feel like a prison sentence...I hear you completely. However, with only 7 years left, you will be leaving a lot of money on the table if you bow out now. You can do some calculations using the retirement calculator to determine how much...and if it's worth it to you. Can you switch to a different position or school? I have made 2 jumps in my 20 years...both were helpful in getting out of a rut. I have been happiest in my current position. If money or benefits are not a concern, then prioritize your mental health. However, if you need to factor in retirement and retirement benefits than proceed with significant caution.

7 years is way too long. You will not regret the move to private - it will be such a breath of fresh air. Just do it.

[Anonymous]

At the private where we are, our current Head of Schools is also a former teacher. Literally, every decision that is made, she views from that lens - will interfere with the teachers' personal; will it overburden the teachers; how much more can we give to 401k, etc. Our teachers are highly respected, appreciated and loved. Are there some bad apple students in the bunch - there are a few but they don't stay long.