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:Get McKnight out of there. She cares nothing for academics. It's all about "social justice. " Yes, in quotes.

That is the general feeling among majority of parents. Vote incumbent board members out. That is the best way to bring positive change that benefits all students. Right now, resources are used for political and PR. That money should go towards education.

Says who?

I’m a DP, but this is also what I hear as both a parent and teacher. I think it stems from the insane amount of requests for filling out the anti-racist survey that were sent out while the system was falling apart.

I am certainly hopeful that things can improve because it’s hard to imagine another year like this past one. However, I have not seen any initiatives to get new teachers such as incentives. Instead, the county continues to focus on more new social initiatives. Personally it seems more important to fill the jobs!

Hear from who? How many parents have you heard from to feel it’s a majority? And if you’re a teacher, I’m surprised you’ve narrowed down the BoE or Super’s focus to only social justice initiatives, since clearly they mention and followup on LOTS of other things every board meeting. To name a few:

3rd grade reading rates
New LETRS program
Maryland Blueprint
Construction of new schools
Principal Appointments
Wellness centers
Recruitment
Financial Literacy

Don't forget Bocce Ball!

I don't understand the obsession with bocce ball. I'm sure that whatever mcps spent on bocce fraction of what they will spend on basketball and baseball and football

It's because it's aimed at special needs kids, and some people want to keep them out of sight, out of mind.

On the contrary. This was not a new program at all. The high schools were already playing bocce ball using $50 sets and PVC pipes. It's shameful, since the federal covid money could have been used for teacher incentives or other disabled programs.

Think about this. Instead of hiring more support staff or funding more disabled treatment programs, MCPS spent federal covid money on bocce ball? It is very much like "keep them out of sight, out of mind" by doing that. It's like telling the disabled, "go play with the balls instead of getting supports".

Has anyone seen the 40 bocce ball courts set up at middle schools? Well guess what. MCPS requested federal covid grant money to build bocce ball courts at 40 locations, so where did that money go?

I don't know who you are pp, but if you're involved in this, I hope you are someday charged with waste fraud and abuse. From the bottom of my heart, I really, really do. Any scum who hides behind the disabled doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

I hope you get better soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get McKnight out of there. She cares nothing for academics. It's all about "social justice. " Yes, in quotes.

That is the general feeling among majority of parents. Vote incumbent board members out. That is the best way to bring positive change that benefits all students. Right now, resources are used for political and PR. That money should go towards education.

Says who?

I’m a DP, but this is also what I hear as both a parent and teacher. I think it stems from the insane amount of requests for filling out the anti-racist survey that were sent out while the system was falling apart.

I am certainly hopeful that things can improve because it’s hard to imagine another year like this past one. However, I have not seen any initiatives to get new teachers such as incentives. Instead, the county continues to focus on more new social initiatives. Personally it seems more important to fill the jobs!

Hear from who? How many parents have you heard from to feel it’s a majority? And if you’re a teacher, I’m surprised you’ve narrowed down the BoE or Super’s focus to only social justice initiatives, since clearly they mention and followup on LOTS of other things every board meeting. To name a few:

3rd grade reading rates
New LETRS program
Maryland Blueprint
Construction of new schools
Principal Appointments
Wellness centers
Recruitment
Financial Literacy

Don't forget Bocce Ball!

I don't understand the obsession with bocce ball. I'm sure that whatever mcps spent on bocce fraction of what they will spend on basketball and baseball and football

It's because it's aimed at special needs kids, and some people want to keep them out of sight, out of mind.

On the contrary. This was not a new program at all. The high schools were already playing bocce ball using $50 sets and PVC pipes. It's shameful, since the federal covid money could have been used for teacher incentives or other disabled programs.

Think about this. Instead of hiring more support staff or funding more disabled treatment programs, MCPS spent federal covid money on bocce ball? It is very much like "keep them out of sight, out of mind" by doing that. It's like telling the disabled, "go play with the balls instead of getting supports".

Has anyone seen the 40 bocce ball courts set up at middle schools? Well guess what. MCPS requested federal covid grant money to build bocce ball courts at 40 locations, so where did that money go?

I don't know who you are pp, but if you're involved in this, I hope you are someday charged with waste fraud and abuse. From the bottom of my heart, I really, really do. Any scum who hides behind the disabled doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

I hope you get better soon.

Well, answer the questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get McKnight out of there. She cares nothing for academics. It's all about "social justice. " Yes, in quotes.

That is the general feeling among majority of parents. Vote incumbent board members out. That is the best way to bring positive change that benefits all students. Right now, resources are used for political and PR. That money should go towards education.

Says who?

I’m a DP, but this is also what I hear as both a parent and teacher. I think it stems from the insane amount of requests for filling out the anti-racist survey that were sent out while the system was falling apart.

I am certainly hopeful that things can improve because it’s hard to imagine another year like this past one. However, I have not seen any initiatives to get new teachers such as incentives. Instead, the county continues to focus on more new social initiatives. Personally it seems more important to fill the jobs!

Hear from who? How many parents have you heard from to feel it’s a majority? And if you’re a teacher, I’m surprised you’ve narrowed down the BoE or Super’s focus to only social justice initiatives, since clearly they mention and followup on LOTS of other things every board meeting. To name a few:

3rd grade reading rates
New LETRS program
Maryland Blueprint
Construction of new schools
Principal Appointments
Wellness centers
Recruitment
Financial Literacy

Don't forget Bocce Ball!

I don't understand the obsession with bocce ball. I'm sure that whatever mcps spent on bocce fraction of what they will spend on basketball and baseball and football

It's because it's aimed at special needs kids, and some people want to keep them out of sight, out of mind.

They could have used that money to have them play in regular sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get McKnight out of there. She cares nothing for academics. It's all about "social justice. " Yes, in quotes.

That is the general feeling among majority of parents. Vote incumbent board members out. That is the best way to bring positive change that benefits all students. Right now, resources are used for political and PR. That money should go towards education.

Says who?

I’m a DP, but this is also what I hear as both a parent and teacher. I think it stems from the insane amount of requests for filling out the anti-racist survey that were sent out while the system was falling apart.

I am certainly hopeful that things can improve because it’s hard to imagine another year like this past one. However, I have not seen any initiatives to get new teachers such as incentives. Instead, the county continues to focus on more new social initiatives. Personally it seems more important to fill the jobs!

Hear from who? How many parents have you heard from to feel it’s a majority? And if you’re a teacher, I’m surprised you’ve narrowed down the BoE or Super’s focus to only social justice initiatives, since clearly they mention and followup on LOTS of other things every board meeting. To name a few:

3rd grade reading rates
New LETRS program
Maryland Blueprint
Construction of new schools
Principal Appointments
Wellness centers
Recruitment
Financial Literacy

Don't forget Bocce Ball!

I don't understand the obsession with bocce ball. I'm sure that whatever mcps spent on bocce fraction of what they will spend on basketball and baseball and football

It's because it's aimed at special needs kids, and some people want to keep them out of sight, out of mind.

On the contrary. This was not a new program at all. The high schools were already playing bocce ball using $50 sets and PVC pipes. It's shameful, since the federal covid money could have been used for teacher incentives or other disabled programs.

Think about this. Instead of hiring more support staff or funding more disabled treatment programs, MCPS spent federal covid money on bocce ball? It is very much like "keep them out of sight, out of mind" by doing that. It's like telling the disabled, "go play with the balls instead of getting supports".

Has anyone seen the 40 bocce ball courts set up at middle schools? Well guess what. MCPS requested federal covid grant money to build bocce ball courts at 40 locations, so where did that money go?

I don't know who you are pp, but if you're involved in this, I hope you are someday charged with waste fraud and abuse. From the bottom of my heart, I really, really do. Any scum who hides behind the disabled doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

You know that the people who disagree with you don’t work for the schools in an administrative or leadership role, right? And that you’re embarrassing yourself every time you assert they do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get McKnight out of there. She cares nothing for academics. It's all about "social justice. " Yes, in quotes.

That is the general feeling among majority of parents. Vote incumbent board members out. That is the best way to bring positive change that benefits all students. Right now, resources are used for political and PR. That money should go towards education.

Says who?

I’m a DP, but this is also what I hear as both a parent and teacher. I think it stems from the insane amount of requests for filling out the anti-racist survey that were sent out while the system was falling apart.

I am certainly hopeful that things can improve because it’s hard to imagine another year like this past one. However, I have not seen any initiatives to get new teachers such as incentives. Instead, the county continues to focus on more new social initiatives. Personally it seems more important to fill the jobs!

Hear from who? How many parents have you heard from to feel it’s a majority? And if you’re a teacher, I’m surprised you’ve narrowed down the BoE or Super’s focus to only social justice initiatives, since clearly they mention and followup on LOTS of other things every board meeting. To name a few:

3rd grade reading rates
New LETRS program
Maryland Blueprint
Construction of new schools
Principal Appointments
Wellness centers
Recruitment
Financial Literacy

Don't forget Bocce Ball!

I don't understand the obsession with bocce ball. I'm sure that whatever mcps spent on bocce fraction of what they will spend on basketball and baseball and football

It's because it's aimed at special needs kids, and some people want to keep them out of sight, out of mind.

On the contrary. This was not a new program at all. The high schools were already playing bocce ball using $50 sets and PVC pipes. It's shameful, since the federal covid money could have been used for teacher incentives or other disabled programs.

Think about this. Instead of hiring more support staff or funding more disabled treatment programs, MCPS spent federal covid money on bocce ball? It is very much like "keep them out of sight, out of mind" by doing that. It's like telling the disabled, "go play with the balls instead of getting supports".

Has anyone seen the 40 bocce ball courts set up at middle schools? Well guess what. MCPS requested federal covid grant money to build bocce ball courts at 40 locations, so where did that money go?

I don't know who you are pp, but if you're involved in this, I hope you are someday charged with waste fraud and abuse. From the bottom of my heart, I really, really do. Any scum who hides behind the disabled doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt.

I hope you get better soon.

Well, answer the questions.

Grooooooow uuuuuuuup. Seriously. Rejoin the rest of us in reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get McKnight out of there. She cares nothing for academics. It's all about "social justice. " Yes, in quotes.

That is the general feeling among majority of parents. Vote incumbent board members out. That is the best way to bring positive change that benefits all students. Right now, resources are used for political and PR. That money should go towards education.

Says who?

+1. LOL. It’s only the “majority of parents” in her spoiled, entitled social circle.

They’re not being voted out, folks. Start making your peace now. Get professional help if needed.

[Anonymous]

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-teacher-resignations-retirements-up-38-in-past-school-year

More than 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools teachers resigned or retired in the last year, a 38% increase from the year prior, according to district data.

Concerns about teacher burnout increased as stressors caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the past year, such as addressing missed learning during online classes and also a rise in behavior and mental health problems among students, as well as losing planning time to cover classes for absent teachers.

Madeline Hanington — an MCPS recruitment specialist, former MCPS Teacher of the Year and Milken Educator Award winner — said the district recently created an “internal referral program” for employees to recommend people who are interested in working for MCPS.

“I wish I could tell you guaranteed we’re going to fill this all up and it’s going to be great,” Hanington said. “But we’re working hard and we’re going to do our best.”

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-teacher-resignations-retirements-up-38-in-past-school-year

More than 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools teachers resigned or retired in the last year, a 38% increase from the year prior, according to district data.

Concerns about teacher burnout increased as stressors caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the past year, such as addressing missed learning during online classes and also a rise in behavior and mental health problems among students, as well as losing planning time to cover classes for absent teachers.

Madeline Hanington — an MCPS recruitment specialist, former MCPS Teacher of the Year and Milken Educator Award winner — said the district recently created an “internal referral program” for employees to recommend people who are interested in working for MCPS.

“I wish I could tell you guaranteed we’re going to fill this all up and it’s going to be great,” Hanington said. “But we’re working hard and we’re going to do our best.”

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy year.

Looks like they lost hope and are tired of incompetent leadership at the central office and lack of support for the teachers and students.

[Anonymous]

And another director is leaving for Frederick County

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-teacher-resignations-retirements-up-38-in-past-school-year

More than 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools teachers resigned or retired in the last year, a 38% increase from the year prior, according to district data.

Concerns about teacher burnout increased as stressors caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the past year, such as addressing missed learning during online classes and also a rise in behavior and mental health problems among students, as well as losing planning time to cover classes for absent teachers.

Madeline Hanington — an MCPS recruitment specialist, former MCPS Teacher of the Year and Milken Educator Award winner — said the district recently created an “internal referral program” for employees to recommend people who are interested in working for MCPS.

“I wish I could tell you guaranteed we’re going to fill this all up and it’s going to be great,” Hanington said. “But we’re working hard and we’re going to do our best.”

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy year.

Looks like they lost hope and are tired of incompetent leadership at the central office and lack of support for the teachers and students.

I've seen this pattern before. The people who are valuable and can get other jobs leave, and what's left gets worse and worse. The board of education needs to be voted out and McKnight replaced as soon as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-teacher-resignations-retirements-up-38-in-past-school-year

More than 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools teachers resigned or retired in the last year, a 38% increase from the year prior, according to district data.

Concerns about teacher burnout increased as stressors caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the past year, such as addressing missed learning during online classes and also a rise in behavior and mental health problems among students, as well as losing planning time to cover classes for absent teachers.

Madeline Hanington — an MCPS recruitment specialist, former MCPS Teacher of the Year and Milken Educator Award winner — said the district recently created an “internal referral program” for employees to recommend people who are interested in working for MCPS.

“I wish I could tell you guaranteed we’re going to fill this all up and it’s going to be great,” Hanington said. “But we’re working hard and we’re going to do our best.”

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy year.

Looks like they lost hope and are tired of incompetent leadership at the central office and lack of support for the teachers and students.

I've seen this pattern before. The people who are valuable and can get other jobs leave, and what's left gets worse and worse. The board of education needs to be voted out and McKnight replaced as soon as possible.

Because a school system is basically a monopoly it is very easy to get a career block once you miss out on a promotion. The only way to get around it is to change school systems. It is very, very common for administrators in central office to change school systems. Many will come back to MCPS for various reasons. Many of the current admin came back from other counties after getting started in MCPS.

Your "sinking ship" version of events doesn't match what I have observed as a teacher. FYI, I am not a McKnight fan, but the constant complaints against her seem unreasonable at times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-teacher-resignations-retirements-up-38-in-past-school-year

More than 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools teachers resigned or retired in the last year, a 38% increase from the year prior, according to district data.

Concerns about teacher burnout increased as stressors caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the past year, such as addressing missed learning during online classes and also a rise in behavior and mental health problems among students, as well as losing planning time to cover classes for absent teachers.

Madeline Hanington — an MCPS recruitment specialist, former MCPS Teacher of the Year and Milken Educator Award winner — said the district recently created an “internal referral program” for employees to recommend people who are interested in working for MCPS.

“I wish I could tell you guaranteed we’re going to fill this all up and it’s going to be great,” Hanington said. “But we’re working hard and we’re going to do our best.”

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy year.

Looks like they lost hope and are tired of incompetent leadership at the central office and lack of support for the teachers and students.

I've seen this pattern before. The people who are valuable and can get other jobs leave, and what's left gets worse and worse. The board of education needs to be voted out and McKnight replaced as soon as possible.

Because a school system is basically a monopoly it is very easy to get a career block once you miss out on a promotion. The only way to get around it is to change school systems. It is very, very common for administrators in central office to change school systems. Many will come back to MCPS for various reasons. Many of the current admin came back from other counties after getting started in MCPS.

Your "sinking ship" version of events doesn't match what I have observed as a teacher. FYI, I am not a McKnight fan, but the constant complaints against her seem unreasonable at times.

DP. You really don't track events closely, do you. If after 21 years of experience with MCPS and she's this much of a shipwreck, it's not going to get any better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcps-teacher-resignations-retirements-up-38-in-past-school-year

More than 1,000 Montgomery County Public Schools teachers resigned or retired in the last year, a 38% increase from the year prior, according to district data.

Concerns about teacher burnout increased as stressors caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the past year, such as addressing missed learning during online classes and also a rise in behavior and mental health problems among students, as well as losing planning time to cover classes for absent teachers.

Madeline Hanington — an MCPS recruitment specialist, former MCPS Teacher of the Year and Milken Educator Award winner — said the district recently created an “internal referral program” for employees to recommend people who are interested in working for MCPS.

“I wish I could tell you guaranteed we’re going to fill this all up and it’s going to be great,” Hanington said. “But we’re working hard and we’re going to do our best.”

I’m not surprised Dr Sirgo is leaving. There is no question MCPS lost some of their best this year, and I don’t think it’s because people’s promotions were blocked. No one expects to agree with everything their leadership feels or does, but generally people don’t stay places unless they work with people whose values are more or less compatible. I suspect there was a mismatch there for Dr Sirgo. Perhaps her hands were tied and she couldn’t see a way forward that was consistent with her priorities. I do see people in MCPS repeatedly get blocked for promotions, but generally those people not only have failings, like a poor work ethic or theyre a screamer, they also have a blind spot about their weaknesses. Those people tend to stick around and keep trying. Hey, if they stay long enough and enough people leave, this might be their big chance!

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy year.

Looks like they lost hope and are tired of incompetent leadership at the central office and lack of support for the teachers and students.

I've seen this pattern before. The people who are valuable and can get other jobs leave, and what's left gets worse and worse. The board of education needs to be voted out and McKnight replaced as soon as possible.

Because a school system is basically a monopoly it is very easy to get a career block once you miss out on a promotion. The only way to get around it is to change school systems. It is very, very common for administrators in central office to change school systems. Many will come back to MCPS for various reasons. Many of the current admin came back from other counties after getting started in MCPS.

Your "sinking ship" version of events doesn't match what I have observed as a teacher. FYI, I am not a McKnight fan, but the constant complaints against her seem unreasonable at times.

I’m not surprised Dr Sirgo is leaving. There is no question MCPS lost some of their best this year, and I don’t think it’s because people’s promotions were blocked. No one expects to agree with everything their leadership feels or does, but generally people don’t stay places unless they work with people whose values are more or less compatible. I suspect there was a mismatch there for Dr Sirgo. Perhaps her hands were tied too often and she couldn’t see a way forward that would be consistent with her priorities. I do see people in MCPS repeatedly get blocked for promotions, but generally those people not only have failings, like a poor work ethic or they're a screamer, but they also have a blind spot about their weaknesses. Those guys, and they’re usually men, tend to stick around and keep trying. Hey, if they stay long enough and enough people leave, this might be their big chance!

[Anonymous]

I knew resignations would be high when the BOE appointed Dr McKnight, because it confirmed to teachers and principals, whose unions both made a vote of no confidence in her, they they have no voice. Very disempowering for have such clarity that no one cares about your opinion. Those resignation numbers, by the way, don't include the many folks who are using long term leave options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I knew resignations would be high when the BOE appointed Dr McKnight, because it confirmed to teachers and principals, whose unions both made a vote of no confidence in her, they they have no voice. Very disempowering for have such clarity that no one cares about your opinion. Those resignation numbers, by the way, don't include the many folks who are using long term leave options.

We don't know who the other candidates for the superintendent position were. It's not certain that any of them would have been better.