MCPS faces Teacher shortage next year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Crazy? The PP nailed you spot on...

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Imagine smugly typing this out and thinking you had a "gotcha" moment. So embarrassing. You sound like an entitled parent who is upset people are calling out entitled parents for their poor behavior. You are the problem whether you like it or not. This basically proves everyone else's point. Congratulations, I hope you feel better about yourself.

Wow. Putting the crazy talk aside, MCPS will either have no staffing issues in August, or they will.

If it's fixed, then McKnight did what a half-a-mil Sup should do (i.e. her job) and this entire thread is just hot air.

On the other hand, if MCPS doesn't cover the staffing issues and classes either don't have a teacher or have to cancel classes to support basic subjects - that would be a problem.

If all MCPS does is posture and CYA, then I think it would be time for massive restructuring for ALL Central Office staff should be re-assigned to fill teaching positions, or be fired?

Don't you agree?

Crazy? The PP nailed you, spot on. Continue to feel salty about it.

Have to disagree. The PP was spot on. They seem like an entitled parent.

Exactly… so you agree…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Not really. People like you are the actual problem.

How can you say people like this pp are the problem? What is the problem with wanting exit interviews to look at why teachers are quitting? And what is the problem with inquiring about the millions of dollars MCPS has received in COVID relief funds from the state when we are unable to retain teachers? Or have enough teachers and support staff available so our students are able to learn, feel valued and enjoy school? Many teachers may not be leaving the system this year but are at the point of wanting to quit. While I have not experienced the craziness of interacting with super demanding and entitled parents at my school, I have friends teaching at other schools who have absolutely dealt with this issue. When you give 100% and spend all your energy on your job / students to the point that it is takes away from your ability to give to your own children, and you constantly hear parents complaining that it’s still not enough, you can imagine the resulting impact on morale (again, not my personal experience, but I have heard this issue come up frequently with other teachers). I work at a Title I school and the amount of severe behavior issues we have seen has increased every year. Yes, MCPS has a code of conduct, but does not provide enforceable consequences. Like another PP wrote, often the principals hands are tied but those students end up right back in the classroom continuing to disrupt the class. It is near impossible to successfully teach content to a class of 17 students when two or three of those students are constantly displaying violent outbursts. I believe in Dr. Green’s motto of ‘kids do well when they can’ and try to co-regulate students who are experiencing meltdowns. I have a calm down corner, flexible seating and sensory figits available to all students but I am only one person. I wish I could split myself in half - I need to simultaneously help a student (or multiple students) work through their disregulation while the other half of me is successfully teaching the other 16 kids. We need the flexibility to have another adult (para) in the classroom who can help with behavior issues - providing them adequate compensation. A paraeducator makes $20 a hour - yes, the benefits are good, but many of the paras I know are actually former teachers or have MA degrees. Offering $20 an hour makes it difficult to attract or retain highly experienced support staff. While this is likely a Union issue (I am not pro Union), central office could absolutely provide stipends / incentives to staff in these roles. Prioritizing additional compensation for SpEd teachers should also be at the forefront of the discussion.

Many of my students have experienced trauma and COVID has only made the situation worse but more central office positions are not going to help those students. Adding in mandatory curriculums Benchmark ELA and Eureka math (and the awful Curriculum 2.0), and taking away the flexibility for teachers to modify the curriculum to best engage students OR allow for remediation of foundational skills is a recipe for disaster. I am disappointed in MCPS as both a teacher and a parent. Kids are subjected to endless testing ($$$) and we are required to collect and document hundreds of data points - for what purpose? We are unable to use that information to modify the curriculum. Data should be used to drive further instruction, and as teachers, our hands are tied. I have been a Science of Reading advocate long before it was popular and incorporate (sneak in) OG methodology as much as possible but it has been very demoralizing to witness my students personal victories and growth, see them develop confidence in themselves and think of themselves as capable learners, and to observe the frustration and shut-down that occurs after taking the required Benchmark assessments. Almost any teacher could have predicted the staffing issues with ESY and summer school but MCPS failed to try to develop creative solutions and be proactive about the situation. I absolutely think exit interviews should be conducted with the results available to the public. We should be examining WHY there is such a disconnect between central office, BoE, teachers, admin and parents, and how those gaps can be bridged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Imagine smugly typing this out and thinking you had a "gotcha" moment. So embarrassing. You sound like an entitled parent who is upset people are calling out entitled parents for their poor behavior. You are the problem whether you like it or not. This basically proves everyone else's point. Congratulations, I hope you feel better about yourself.

Are you in middle school? Seriously, you're an adult and this is the way you defend your argument? You have nothing to add but slinging stupid, immature insults. What a waste of time. There is another thread going on where adults are trying to figure out what tweens and teens mean when they say "cringe." You're behind the times, PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Imagine smugly typing this out and thinking you had a "gotcha" moment. So embarrassing. You sound like an entitled parent who is upset people are calling out entitled parents for their poor behavior. You are the problem whether you like it or not. This basically proves everyone else's point. Congratulations, I hope you feel better about yourself.

Are you in middle school? Seriously, you're an adult and this is the way you defend your argument? You have nothing to add but slinging stupid, immature insults. What a waste of time. There is another thread going on where adults are trying to figure out what tweens and teens mean when they say "cringe." You're behind the times, PP.

Not the pp, but you're such an angry human being. You've hardly acted like an adult, but it's interesting you use that as your own form of slinging insults. The only person continually embarrassing themselves is you. You should get off the internet and take some time to look at yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Agree the super long post seems like it was written by another unhinged MCPS basher.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Imagine smugly typing this out and thinking you had a "gotcha" moment. So embarrassing. You sound like an entitled parent who is upset people are calling out entitled parents for their poor behavior. You are the problem whether you like it or not. This basically proves everyone else's point. Congratulations, I hope you feel better about yourself.

Are you in middle school? Seriously, you're an adult and this is the way you defend your argument? You have nothing to add but slinging stupid, immature insults. What a waste of time. There is another thread going on where adults are trying to figure out what tweens and teens mean when they say "cringe." You're behind the times, PP.

Not the pp, but you're such an angry human being. You've hardly acted like an adult, but it's interesting you use that as your own form of slinging insults. The only person continually embarrassing themselves is you. You should get off the internet and take some time to look at yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Not really. People like you are the actual problem.

How can you say people like this pp are the problem? What is the problem with wanting exit interviews to look at why teachers are quitting? And what is the problem with inquiring about the millions of dollars MCPS has received in COVID relief funds from the state when we are unable to retain teachers? Or have enough teachers and support staff available so our students are able to learn, feel valued and enjoy school? Many teachers may not be leaving the system this year but are at the point of wanting to quit. While I have not experienced the craziness of interacting with super demanding and entitled parents at my school, I have friends teaching at other schools who have absolutely dealt with this issue. When you give 100% and spend all your energy on your job / students to the point that it is takes away from your ability to give to your own children, and you constantly hear parents complaining that it’s still not enough, you can imagine the resulting impact on morale (again, not my personal experience, but I have heard this issue come up frequently with other teachers). I work at a Title I school and the amount of severe behavior issues we have seen has increased every year. Yes, MCPS has a code of conduct, but does not provide enforceable consequences. Like another PP wrote, often the principals hands are tied but those students end up right back in the classroom continuing to disrupt the class. It is near impossible to successfully teach content to a class of 17 students when two or three of those students are constantly displaying violent outbursts. I believe in Dr. Green’s motto of ‘kids do well when they can’ and try to co-regulate students who are experiencing meltdowns. I have a calm down corner, flexible seating and sensory figits available to all students but I am only one person. I wish I could split myself in half - I need to simultaneously help a student (or multiple students) work through their disregulation while the other half of me is successfully teaching the other 16 kids. We need the flexibility to have another adult (para) in the classroom who can help with behavior issues - providing them adequate compensation. A paraeducator makes $20 a hour - yes, the benefits are good, but many of the paras I know are actually former teachers or have MA degrees. Offering $20 an hour makes it difficult to attract or retain highly experienced support staff. While this is likely a Union issue (I am not pro Union), central office could absolutely provide stipends / incentives to staff in these roles. Prioritizing additional compensation for SpEd teachers should also be at the forefront of the discussion.

Many of my students have experienced trauma and COVID has only made the situation worse but more central office positions are not going to help those students. Adding in mandatory curriculums Benchmark ELA and Eureka math (and the awful Curriculum 2.0), and taking away the flexibility for teachers to modify the curriculum to best engage students OR allow for remediation of foundational skills is a recipe for disaster. I am disappointed in MCPS as both a teacher and a parent. Kids are subjected to endless testing ($$$) and we are required to collect and document hundreds of data points - for what purpose? We are unable to use that information to modify the curriculum. Data should be used to drive further instruction, and as teachers, our hands are tied. I have been a Science of Reading advocate long before it was popular and incorporate (sneak in) OG methodology as much as possible but it has been very demoralizing to witness my students personal victories and growth, see them develop confidence in themselves and think of themselves as capable learners, and to observe the frustration and shut-down that occurs after taking the required Benchmark assessments. Almost any teacher could have predicted the staffing issues with ESY and summer school but MCPS failed to try to develop creative solutions and be proactive about the situation. I absolutely think exit interviews should be conducted with the results available to the public. We should be examining WHY there is such a disconnect between central office, BoE, teachers, admin and parents, and how those gaps can be bridged.

MCPS elementary teacher here of 20 years - you have nailed it! Exit interviews would be an excellent idea. It's awful right now. We are not doing right by kids given the curriculum demands, lack of consequences or appropriate supports for students, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Imagine smugly typing this out and thinking you had a "gotcha" moment. So embarrassing. You sound like an entitled parent who is upset people are calling out entitled parents for their poor behavior. You are the problem whether you like it or not. This basically proves everyone else's point. Congratulations, I hope you feel better about yourself.

Are you in middle school? Seriously, you're an adult and this is the way you defend your argument? You have nothing to add but slinging stupid, immature insults. What a waste of time. There is another thread going on where adults are trying to figure out what tweens and teens mean when they say "cringe." You're behind the times, PP.

Not the pp, but you're such an angry human being. You've hardly acted like an adult, but it's interesting you use that as your own form of slinging insults. The only person continually embarrassing themselves is you. You should get off the internet and take some time to look at yourself.

I was not the PP the poster was responding to. I'm a parent and also a teacher. I was just browsing through this thread. So nice try. Again, nothing but insults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Not really. People like you are the actual problem.

How can you say people like this pp are the problem? What is the problem with wanting exit interviews to look at why teachers are quitting? And what is the problem with inquiring about the millions of dollars MCPS has received in COVID relief funds from the state when we are unable to retain teachers? Or have enough teachers and support staff available so our students are able to learn, feel valued and enjoy school? Many teachers may not be leaving the system this year but are at the point of wanting to quit. While I have not experienced the craziness of interacting with super demanding and entitled parents at my school, I have friends teaching at other schools who have absolutely dealt with this issue. When you give 100% and spend all your energy on your job / students to the point that it is takes away from your ability to give to your own children, and you constantly hear parents complaining that it’s still not enough, you can imagine the resulting impact on morale (again, not my personal experience, but I have heard this issue come up frequently with other teachers). I work at a Title I school and the amount of severe behavior issues we have seen has increased every year. Yes, MCPS has a code of conduct, but does not provide enforceable consequences. Like another PP wrote, often the principals hands are tied but those students end up right back in the classroom continuing to disrupt the class. It is near impossible to successfully teach content to a class of 17 students when two or three of those students are constantly displaying violent outbursts. I believe in Dr. Green’s motto of ‘kids do well when they can’ and try to co-regulate students who are experiencing meltdowns. I have a calm down corner, flexible seating and sensory figits available to all students but I am only one person. I wish I could split myself in half - I need to simultaneously help a student (or multiple students) work through their disregulation while the other half of me is successfully teaching the other 16 kids. We need the flexibility to have another adult (para) in the classroom who can help with behavior issues - providing them adequate compensation. A paraeducator makes $20 a hour - yes, the benefits are good, but many of the paras I know are actually former teachers or have MA degrees. Offering $20 an hour makes it difficult to attract or retain highly experienced support staff. While this is likely a Union issue (I am not pro Union), central office could absolutely provide stipends / incentives to staff in these roles. Prioritizing additional compensation for SpEd teachers should also be at the forefront of the discussion.

Many of my students have experienced trauma and COVID has only made the situation worse but more central office positions are not going to help those students. Adding in mandatory curriculums Benchmark ELA and Eureka math (and the awful Curriculum 2.0), and taking away the flexibility for teachers to modify the curriculum to best engage students OR allow for remediation of foundational skills is a recipe for disaster. I am disappointed in MCPS as both a teacher and a parent. Kids are subjected to endless testing ($$$) and we are required to collect and document hundreds of data points - for what purpose? We are unable to use that information to modify the curriculum. Data should be used to drive further instruction, and as teachers, our hands are tied. I have been a Science of Reading advocate long before it was popular and incorporate (sneak in) OG methodology as much as possible but it has been very demoralizing to witness my students personal victories and growth, see them develop confidence in themselves and think of themselves as capable learners, and to observe the frustration and shut-down that occurs after taking the required Benchmark assessments. Almost any teacher could have predicted the staffing issues with ESY and summer school but MCPS failed to try to develop creative solutions and be proactive about the situation. I absolutely think exit interviews should be conducted with the results available to the public. We should be examining WHY there is such a disconnect between central office, BoE, teachers, admin and parents, and how those gaps can be bridged.

MCPS elementary teacher here of 20 years - you have nailed it! Exit interviews would be an excellent idea. It's awful right now. We are not doing right by kids given the curriculum demands, lack of consequences or appropriate supports for students, etc.

I would not advise anyone to be honest in an exit interview. Usually they aren't going to like what you had to say or use that feedback in an actionable way

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Signing bonuses, competitive pay, and generous benefits is how employers fill positions. Do more than your competitors, then you will get the better candidates.

Particularly for hard to fill positions including Special Education jobs, MCPS advertise low wages and no benefit or signing bonuses. This results in positions going unfilled while candidates choose other school districts or private employment opportunities.

Valuing your personnel goes a long way, and it’s not happening most places. Not just In MCPS.

It's not even MCPS. It's the parents of this community and the complete lack of respect teachers get in general. People are sick and tired of being treated this way. You're so privileged bc you have SuMmEr OfF, sToP wHiNiNg....It's disgusting. People who disparaged teachers for two years are running for BOE. No one wants to put up with these types of people anymore.

That must be why over 800 teachers quit this year - because the current BOE supports teachers and respects them a lot?

You just buried yourself honey.

Ew. Who says “honey” in the year 2022? You just dated yourself. Teachers quit because of parents. You didn’t even make a point for “burying”… you’re really bad at this. Must be someone vying for the “slate” of imbeciles.

Since you didn't get it the first time, let's spell it out so it's simple enough that even someone who works in the MCPS CO or is a member of the current MC BOE could understand the point.

Last year over 500 teachers quit and not all of those positions were filled by the beginning of the 21-22 school year. The DCUMS posters last year blamed everything on covid. Most parents bought it, and even though MCPS never filled all the positions, MCPS managed to barely make it to the end of the school year.

This year MCPS doesn't have the covid excuse anymore because rocket scientists like McKnight said everything was fine and the schools had to remain open in-person. MCPS CO can't blame staff shortages on covid because they were so stupidly stubborn, even though 2100 faculty / staff and over 9% of the student body got sick, causing all sorts of disruptions in January to the point someone begged for National Guard troops to drive kids into school and they had to shut down 21 schools for two weeks each anyway and messed up so badly MCPS kept changing the covid dashboard reporting and metrics to hide how bad it was, imho. I think either way the MCPS Central Office and MC BOE looked like fools.

Right now I believe there are over 800 anticipated teacher vacancies MCPS will need to fill by August. Since last year MCPS couldn't fill all 500 positions, what makes anyone think they can realistically fill 800 positions with top-notch teachers this year? Both McKnight and the BOE knew it was an issue, at least according to the published articles where they were interviewed about it, and it was also supposedly the reason why McKnight flew to her alma mater to recruit alumni (while picking up two personal awards while she was there). It might be possible MCPS hires 800 people with a pulse, but we all know there is no way MCPS will find 800 quality, certified teachers by August. Since nothing is ever the fault of the MC BOE or MCPS CO (cough), come August when all of this blows up, I think the MCPS CO will need new scapegoats to blame?

I don't think MCPS can blame covid or a lack of funding. McKnight already requested oodles of covid money for spec ed and teacher incentives (at least that's what the ESSER III funding says - now, is the money really going to spec ed and teachers? who knows). I think last year there was also a property tax increase (with a good chunk for education) that kicked in? There was also the $160M for electric buses, $2M for discrimination training, $2M for Kid Museum. $1M for bocce ball, etc. so if MCPS could pay a million here and there for goodie bags, I don't see a credible way the MCPS CO can claim a "lack of funding" is the issue (unless they're total idiots and admit incompetent budgeting / fiscal planning? If you've got the money for cake, there better be bread on the table).

The posters on this thread are testing the waters claiming "entitled parents" are bullying them so badly that they are driven to quit, yet there are never any specific schools or incidents mentioned. I'm sure there may have been an instance or two that are valid, but I think it pales in comparison to how the MC BOE and MCPS CO treated teachers like cattle this year, imho. I would believe that the BOE or CO are getting an earful from parents, but line teachers? Maybe a safety issue at the Title I / Red Zone schools (ex. no SRO's)? I'd want to see stats from exit interviews or maybe request the Maryland IG investigate any claims like that to determine the real root cause (and hope that's exactly what the new board does when these incumbents are replaced this Fall)?

Is that better at making the point? Are you happy now?

Not really. People like you are the actual problem.

How can you say people like this pp are the problem? What is the problem with wanting exit interviews to look at why teachers are quitting? And what is the problem with inquiring about the millions of dollars MCPS has received in COVID relief funds from the state when we are unable to retain teachers? Or have enough teachers and support staff available so our students are able to learn, feel valued and enjoy school? Many teachers may not be leaving the system this year but are at the point of wanting to quit. While I have not experienced the craziness of interacting with super demanding and entitled parents at my school, I have friends teaching at other schools who have absolutely dealt with this issue. When you give 100% and spend all your energy on your job / students to the point that it is takes away from your ability to give to your own children, and you constantly hear parents complaining that it’s still not enough, you can imagine the resulting impact on morale (again, not my personal experience, but I have heard this issue come up frequently with other teachers). I work at a Title I school and the amount of severe behavior issues we have seen has increased every year. Yes, MCPS has a code of conduct, but does not provide enforceable consequences. Like another PP wrote, often the principals hands are tied but those students end up right back in the classroom continuing to disrupt the class. It is near impossible to successfully teach content to a class of 17 students when two or three of those students are constantly displaying violent outbursts. I believe in Dr. Green’s motto of ‘kids do well when they can’ and try to co-regulate students who are experiencing meltdowns. I have a calm down corner, flexible seating and sensory figits available to all students but I am only one person. I wish I could split myself in half - I need to simultaneously help a student (or multiple students) work through their disregulation while the other half of me is successfully teaching the other 16 kids. We need the flexibility to have another adult (para) in the classroom who can help with behavior issues - providing them adequate compensation. A paraeducator makes $20 a hour - yes, the benefits are good, but many of the paras I know are actually former teachers or have MA degrees. Offering $20 an hour makes it difficult to attract or retain highly experienced support staff. While this is likely a Union issue (I am not pro Union), central office could absolutely provide stipends / incentives to staff in these roles. Prioritizing additional compensation for SpEd teachers should also be at the forefront of the discussion.

Many of my students have experienced trauma and COVID has only made the situation worse but more central office positions are not going to help those students. Adding in mandatory curriculums Benchmark ELA and Eureka math (and the awful Curriculum 2.0), and taking away the flexibility for teachers to modify the curriculum to best engage students OR allow for remediation of foundational skills is a recipe for disaster. I am disappointed in MCPS as both a teacher and a parent. Kids are subjected to endless testing ($$$) and we are required to collect and document hundreds of data points - for what purpose? We are unable to use that information to modify the curriculum. Data should be used to drive further instruction, and as teachers, our hands are tied. I have been a Science of Reading advocate long before it was popular and incorporate (sneak in) OG methodology as much as possible but it has been very demoralizing to witness my students personal victories and growth, see them develop confidence in themselves and think of themselves as capable learners, and to observe the frustration and shut-down that occurs after taking the required Benchmark assessments. Almost any teacher could have predicted the staffing issues with ESY and summer school but MCPS failed to try to develop creative solutions and be proactive about the situation. I absolutely think exit interviews should be conducted with the results available to the public. We should be examining WHY there is such a disconnect between central office, BoE, teachers, admin and parents, and how those gaps can be bridged.

MCPS elementary teacher here of 20 years - you have nailed it! Exit interviews would be an excellent idea. It's awful right now. We are not doing right by kids given the curriculum demands, lack of consequences or appropriate supports for students, etc.

I would not advise anyone to be honest in an exit interview. Usually they aren't going to like what you had to say or use that feedback in an actionable way

Who would do these exit interviews? That would be a few FT jobs right there! And who cares if you are honest because that's the point. You are leaving and you are giving reasons why. I bet the reasons are almost all the same- being treated like a child by admin, no ability to make decisions about curriculum, discipline, parents, the increasing workload and not additional time to complete it, no support from admin about discipline, etc.

[Anonymous]

Exit interviews are worthless in any industry.
The person leaving has no incentive to start fires when they are escaping the madness and the organization is defensive and can easily dismiss what is being said by painting the departing employee as bitter and disgruntled

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exit interviews are worthless in any industry.
The person leaving has no incentive to start fires when they are escaping the madness and the organization is defensive and can easily dismiss what is being said by painting the departing employee as bitter and disgruntled

This is a fair point; however, I think teaching is fundamentally different compared to most professions. Many choose to become a teacher because they want to make a difference in the students they teach. Even those who are pushed to their limit and leave the profession early still care about their students and community, and they want to see the system improve. It is not uncommon for teachers to feel their role as a teacher is deeply intertwined with their identity. Most teachers I know would not recommend their own children to enter into the field - that’s certainty true in my case. I have questioned many times how much longer I can continue to stay on this hamster wheel and if I even want to continue my career as a teacher. I think many teachers who choose to leave do so after realizing they no longer have anything left to give of themselves. It would be helpful to have data on the specific reasons why teachers are leaving. Conflicts with admin? Frustration with curriculum? Student behaviors? Agro parents? Too much paperwork? Not enough support? Unrealistic expectations? Etc. Personally, I am burnt out - if I have a student who is reading three grade levels behind, and I get them to a point where they are just slightly behind, it’s still not good enough. Instead of celebrating the student’s individual accomplishments and personal growth, the student is still below grade level and therefore negates progress. We can’t control what goes on in a student’s life that may have contributed to the point of being so behind, we can’t control the curriculum we are forced to use, and we can’t control the fact that the student will likely experience summer slide because there is a shortage of summer school teachers. MCPS has an enormous budget and it is disheartening to see the amount of money wasted. At a minimum, why is it not a priority to allocate at least one full time permanent position substitute teacher to every MoCo school? Or doubling the number of support staff within each school? Teachers want to be part of the conversation about what’s working and what is NOT working, and proactively work towards developing potential solutions that will actually make a difference.

[Anonymous]

If this many people were leaving other professions, it would behoove them to figure out why so they can fix it. The number of people going into teaching so it's not like we can just replace everyone who leaves. Add in lots of retirements and you've got a huge problem. A lot can be fixed just by listening to teachers and making some changes. My number one pet peeve is that I follow the flow chart of behavior interventions like I'm supposed to but when I send a kid to the office, he/she shouldn't be sent back with a treat. I'm sick to death of kids being rewarded with donuts or candy when they have broke the rules.

[Anonymous]

As an "entitled" parent, I can believe that teachers are getting a hard time from parents at a Title I school, especially since the SRO's are removed and if the sup put the word out that 'restorative justice' is the policy.

MCEA already knows this current sup and board are an issue. My guess is that's why none of the incumbents were endorsed by the Apple Ballot this year.

For the first time ever, I'm taking an interest in the board elections and making sure I don't vote for a single encumbent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As an "entitled" parent, I can believe that teachers are getting a hard time from parents at a Title I school, especially since the SRO's are removed and if the sup put the word out that 'restorative justice' is the policy.

MCEA already knows this current sup and board are an issue. My guess is that's why none of the incumbents were endorsed by the Apple Ballot this year.

For the first time ever, I'm taking an interest in the board elections and making sure I don't vote for a single encumbent.

We need restorative justice. We need more of it, not less. We need to heal our society members, not punish them. THAT IS NOT WORKING.

[Anonymous]

Schools don’t actually do restorative justice though. It involves bringing in all affected individuals (students, parents) having recurring meetings with reflections etc. That is not even close to what is happening.