demoralized in MCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://youtu.be/PVNC_R260pA

This is a good one. Feels like he was from my school. This type of thing is totally mcps. Teachers pay the price. I'm sure mcps teachers can relate.

I'm from a city very near to Paterson, NJ and am familiar with that area. I have friends who teach in similar schools in Jersey City, NJ. His description is very accurate, and I agree that it could describe many MCPS high schools.

There was recently an article about the truancy problem. And, the behavior issues are pretty well reported.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

The BOE truly doesn’t care. I have been to BOE meetings and the BOE is a complete joke. Not sure what they are worried about, but they do NOT care about the teachers’ work environment and student performance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can understand where some of these personal complaints are coming from but as a current MCPS teacher I can say these situations are not the norm. Some people wash out. Some staff face personality conflicts or admin have favorites. Coming from the private sector, I have to say this stuff happens anywhere you have people working together is stressful situations. Lots of people double down emotionally in times of stress and this can increase conflicts. My biggest gripe right now is the increasing discipline problems in school. Kids are are seeing a lot of behaviors go unpunished and are emulating it.

How long have you been teaching?

I work with someone 5 years in. He's our team leader who is high on the kool aid. I've been teaching over 4 times longer than he has. We are a dying breed.

We've seen it all. I've worn many hats: teacher (high and low students), SDT, administrator (short-lived, TERRIBLE), and specialist. No position is more important than classroom teacher. So while I've tried to find my happy spot, classroom teacher isn't it b/c the system makes it impossible to do what's best for kids.

I doubt you've been around long enough to see how sick the system has become. Autonomy is dead.

So yes, we have the right to complain.

This is what is demoralizing to the teachers that I know.

To answer your question. I have taught in three countries for over 20 years. Middle school. High School. In a variety of teaching roles. I have seen a lot. If you think MCPS is poorly run, you should really talk to teachers from other states or countries for comparison. You will get some eye openers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

What does this mean, exactly? If they don’t feel safe in their nice building, then how do they think teachers feel dealing with violent students every day as well as the thought in the back of their minds of what they would do in the event of a school shooter? Central office staff’s biggest fear is whether the new acronym they came up with had already been used. Or whether their office chair will give them a backache.

It’s disrespectful to teachers and staff members who work in school buildings to hear that central office staff don’t feel “safe” when our physical, mental and emotional safety is actually at risk every single day. Come on over to a school based position and gain some much needed perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

What does this mean, exactly? If they don’t feel safe in their nice building, then how do they think teachers feel dealing with violent students every day as well as the thought in the back of their minds of what they would do in the event of a school shooter? Central office staff’s biggest fear is whether the new acronym they came up with had already been used. Or whether their office chair will give them a backache.

It’s disrespectful to teachers and staff members who work in school buildings to hear that central office staff don’t feel “safe” when our physical, mental and emotional safety is actually at risk every single day. Come on over to a school based position and gain some much needed perspective.

+1000. And whoever came up with *CPS* meetings should have been fired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can understand where some of these personal complaints are coming from but as a current MCPS teacher I can say these situations are not the norm. Some people wash out. Some staff face personality conflicts or admin have favorites. Coming from the private sector, I have to say this stuff happens anywhere you have people working together is stressful situations. Lots of people double down emotionally in times of stress and this can increase conflicts. My biggest gripe right now is the increasing discipline problems in school. Kids are are seeing a lot of behaviors go unpunished and are emulating it.

How long have you been teaching?

I work with someone 5 years in. He's our team leader who is high on the kool aid. I've been teaching over 4 times longer than he has. We are a dying breed.

We've seen it all. I've worn many hats: teacher (high and low students), SDT, administrator (short-lived, TERRIBLE), and specialist. No position is more important than classroom teacher. So while I've tried to find my happy spot, classroom teacher isn't it b/c the system makes it impossible to do what's best for kids.

I doubt you've been around long enough to see how sick the system has become. Autonomy is dead.

So yes, we have the right to complain.

This is what is demoralizing to the teachers that I know.

To answer your question. I have taught in three countries for over 20 years. Middle school. High School. In a variety of teaching roles. I have seen a lot. If you think MCPS is poorly run, you should really talk to teachers from other states or countries for comparison. You will get some eye openers.

I have, sweetie. I have friends all over the country - and in other countries as well. NYC, IL, Texas, New Mexico, VA, and Italy - You want more?

But you're pathetic b/c you're making excuses. Just b/c other areas are worse, WE should set the bar even lower? What kind of attitude is that? You're part of the problem. Instead of demanding change, you cave.

So yes, I will continue to complain until I can no longer take it. Once I step out, they'll be others to replace but. But guess what? They won't last either. The ones who do last are mediocre at best.

You need a reality check.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

What does this mean, exactly? If they don’t feel safe in their nice building, then how do they think teachers feel dealing with violent students every day as well as the thought in the back of their minds of what they would do in the event of a school shooter? Central office staff’s biggest fear is whether the new acronym they came up with had already been used. Or whether their office chair will give them a backache.

It’s disrespectful to teachers and staff members who work in school buildings to hear that central office staff don’t feel “safe” when our physical, mental and emotional safety is actually at risk every single day. Come on over to a school based position and gain some much needed perspective.

Central office is not a nice building. And mentally ill or hyped up parents target it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

What does this mean, exactly? If they don’t feel safe in their nice building, then how do they think teachers feel dealing with violent students every day as well as the thought in the back of their minds of what they would do in the event of a school shooter? Central office staff’s biggest fear is whether the new acronym they came up with had already been used. Or whether their office chair will give them a backache.

It’s disrespectful to teachers and staff members who work in school buildings to hear that central office staff don’t feel “safe” when our physical, mental and emotional safety is actually at risk every single day. Come on over to a school based position and gain some much needed perspective.

Central office is not a nice building. And mentally ill or hyped up parents target it.

Please. If it sucks so badly in central office, why don’t you look for a school based position? Oh, right, because you know how good you have it in central office. I have friends in central office. They all say it’s a cakewalk compared to working in a school. When there were cuts to central office positions people brutally fought to stay in central office because they knew that the alternative was much worse. You are exactly what’s wrong with our central office staff. No perspective on the reality of working in schools and only working in their own self interest to protect their cushy jobs. Sorry you don’t feel “safe” in central office, but consider how safe you would feel being in a school everyday. Get some perspective.

[Anonymous]

To the op asking why don’t teachers feel safe, the answer is simple. We are taught to believe that working hard, preparing well thought lesson plans and doing what’s best for students is essential for our job security. It’s not. Teachers get targeted or harassed for any reason. We are at the mercy of the current principal, who can have his/her inner circle people spy on our every move. Do you think these people will always tell the truth? This practice which apparently is not too unusual is enough to cause a teacher or any human being anxiety and illness. There are great teachers who have worked in the system for numerous years who fear they will be forced to transfer or put on PAR for any reason.

[Anonymous]

Par is a way to to legitimize systematic bullying to indoctrinate teachers to accept abuse and disrespect as the status quo. They formalize the bullying in order for teachers to submit and do the bidding of higher ups no matter how unethical. It is a way to wash your brain of the theory and ideals you learned in college and when MD was certifying you for methods created by lackluster overlords that crace power and divide and conquer methodology among teachers based on fear harrassment and authoritarianism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

What does this mean, exactly? If they don’t feel safe in their nice building, then how do they think teachers feel dealing with violent students every day as well as the thought in the back of their minds of what they would do in the event of a school shooter? Central office staff’s biggest fear is whether the new acronym they came up with had already been used. Or whether their office chair will give them a backache.

It’s disrespectful to teachers and staff members who work in school buildings to hear that central office staff don’t feel “safe” when our physical, mental and emotional safety is actually at risk every single day. Come on over to a school based position and gain some much needed perspective.

Central office is not a nice building. And mentally ill or hyped up parents target it.

Please. If it sucks so badly in central office, why don’t you look for a school based position? Oh, right, because you know how good you have it in central office. I have friends in central office. They all say it’s a cakewalk compared to working in a school. When there were cuts to central office positions people brutally fought to stay in central office because they knew that the alternative was much worse. You are exactly what’s wrong with our central office staff. No perspective on the reality of working in schools and only working in their own self interest to protect their cushy jobs. Sorry you don’t feel “safe” in central office, but consider how safe you would feel being in a school everyday. Get some perspective.

Well look at it like this— if the people with the cushiest jobs in central office don’t like their work and feel psychologically unsafe and micromanaged, then perhaps it’s no surprise that they take it out on the principals they supervise, who take it out on the teachers THEY oversee. Bad leadership trickles down to everyone and ultimately it’s the students who suffer. You don’t have to feel bad for central office staff or care about their discomfort to understand that this is a major leadership problem. But the BOE likes Dr. Smith, so he’s probably safe in his position if he wants it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish I knew how to take my credentials and experiences as a teacher, former SDT and current administrator into something in the private sector. I can't take the BS that MCPS is throwing our way and expecting to deliver back at school to staff and families with a forced smile. I really used to think we were doing the best for kids. That went out the window when Smith arrived.

I would love you to be my administrator, pp. Are you in downcountry by any chance?

Thanks but I'm not downcounty. I do my best to lead with a positive spin on things and don't speak poorly of higher ups but it's getting harder by the day!

Your higher-ups and colleagues in central office feel the same way. They made their feelings known during a meeting. They all publicly said they don't feel safe working for MCPS. This wasn't principals and APs. It was the hundred-plus people in central office administration. Hey, is the BOE listening?

What does this mean, exactly? If they don’t feel safe in their nice building, then how do they think teachers feel dealing with violent students every day as well as the thought in the back of their minds of what they would do in the event of a school shooter? Central office staff’s biggest fear is whether the new acronym they came up with had already been used. Or whether their office chair will give them a backache.

It’s disrespectful to teachers and staff members who work in school buildings to hear that central office staff don’t feel “safe” when our physical, mental and emotional safety is actually at risk every single day. Come on over to a school based position and gain some much needed perspective.

Central office is not a nice building. And mentally ill or hyped up parents target it.

Please. If it sucks so badly in central office, why don’t you look for a school based position? Oh, right, because you know how good you have it in central office. I have friends in central office. They all say it’s a cakewalk compared to working in a school. When there were cuts to central office positions people brutally fought to stay in central office because they knew that the alternative was much worse. You are exactly what’s wrong with our central office staff. No perspective on the reality of working in schools and only working in their own self interest to protect their cushy jobs. Sorry you don’t feel “safe” in central office, but consider how safe you would feel being in a school everyday. Get some perspective.

I wrote that and I don’t work in Central Office. I just happened to be there once when an angry man was looking for an office. Security eventually found him and escorted him out, but the people in the office we locked in said it happens all the time. I have no idea if a Central Office job is cushy, but it’s not a nice building and it’s not safe either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Par is a way to to legitimize systematic bullying to indoctrinate teachers to accept abuse and disrespect as the status quo. They formalize the bullying in order for teachers to submit and do the bidding of higher ups no matter how unethical. It is a way to wash your brain of the theory and ideals you learned in college and when MD was certifying you for methods created by lackluster overlords that crace power and divide and conquer methodology among teachers based on fear harrassment and authoritarianism.

I’m worried that you are decompensating.