demoralized in MCPS

[Anonymous]

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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.

There is no security in elementary schools. Interesting that central office has security while elementary school teachers are the security in elementary schools, in addition to all of our other responsibilities. When angry people come into our schools we don't have anyone besides ourselves to find them and escort them out.

[Anonymous]

CESC has security. You can't enter without a badge by most doors. The front entrance is open to the public, but it's guarded. You have to wait in the lobby to be picked up.

Safety aside, the culture is poison.
been there, no thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I think we need to stay positive and try to be part of the solution. Speaking up is important, but we need to offer our ideas and skills as well. I make a point of always offering possible solutions whenever I make a complaint about something. That’s not drinking Koolaide. It’s choosing to stay positive and professional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CESC has security. You can't enter without a badge by most doors. The front entrance is open to the public, but it's guarded. You have to wait in the lobby to be picked up.

Safety aside, the culture is poison.
been there, no thanks

People come in those back and side doors when employees exit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CESC has security. You can't enter without a badge by most doors. The front entrance is open to the public, but it's guarded. You have to wait in the lobby to be picked up.

Safety aside, the culture is poison.
been there, no thanks

Do you prefer your job as an AP? Do you think you could return to central if you wanted to? What made you leave?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CESC has security. You can't enter without a badge by most doors. The front entrance is open to the public, but it's guarded. You have to wait in the lobby to be picked up.

Safety aside, the culture is poison.
been there, no thanks

People come in those back and side doors when employees exit.

That's assuming they're closely following you. I've never had anyone slip in after me. If you don't have a badge, you shouldn't enter. Maybe it was loose in the past, but this isn't the case. In fact, I know some people who will go to the lobby to "do business" whenever necessary - basic paperwork, etc. - instead of allowing people to enter the offices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I think we need to stay positive and try to be part of the solution. Speaking up is important, but we need to offer our ideas and skills as well. I make a point of always offering possible solutions whenever I make a complaint about something. That’s not drinking Koolaide. It’s choosing to stay positive and professional.

After 20+ years, I believe I know what professionalism is. I wouldn't have lasted this long.

The system is done. Yes, there are newbies who may stay but they're not strong or savvy enough to keep the system afloat. I've seen it deteriorate over the past 10-15 years.

Once the "older" crew is gone, you'll see chaos ensue. Schools with young teachers are revolving doors. Tough schools often have these newbies b/c no one can keep up with the demands. So one leaves, and five more apply for the spot. Check out the stats of some of the more challenging middle schools. Regarding years of experience, most fall in the 15 and under range. I have a colleague 15 years in (HS) who may not make it past this year. These are the ones about whom I worry - vested, smart, hard-working. But the stress is killing them.

This is a REAL threat to the system - and a reason why people try to move farther out for their kids. Places where teachers have more autonomy are healthier. MCPS has many educated teachers, but their hands are tied. How is this healthy for teachers and students?

I wish teachers like you would wake up. To praise mediocrity (or worse) is demoralizing to those who want the best. I DON'T WANT my kids in classes where teachers are forced to conform in the name of "collaboration." We are in front of the kids; we are the experts. Most APs I know have about 5 years of experience in the classroom. They are NOT experts in the field. They moved up for an easier gig.

It's a sick system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I think we need to stay positive and try to be part of the solution. Speaking up is important, but we need to offer our ideas and skills as well. I make a point of always offering possible solutions whenever I make a complaint about something. That’s not drinking Koolaide. It’s choosing to stay positive and professional.

After 20+ years, I believe I know what professionalism is. I wouldn't have lasted this long.

The system is done. Yes, there are newbies who may stay but they're not strong or savvy enough to keep the system afloat. I've seen it deteriorate over the past 10-15 years.

Once the "older" crew is gone, you'll see chaos ensue. Schools with young teachers are revolving doors. Tough schools often have these newbies b/c no one can keep up with the demands. So one leaves, and five more apply for the spot. Check out the stats of some of the more challenging middle schools. Regarding years of experience, most fall in the 15 and under range. I have a colleague 15 years in (HS) who may not make it past this year. These are the ones about whom I worry - vested, smart, hard-working. But the stress is killing them.

This is a REAL threat to the system - and a reason why people try to move farther out for their kids. Places where teachers have more autonomy are healthier. MCPS has many educated teachers, but their hands are tied. How is this healthy for teachers and students?

I wish teachers like you would wake up. To praise mediocrity (or worse) is demoralizing to those who want the best. I DON'T WANT my kids in classes where teachers are forced to conform in the name of "collaboration." We are in front of the kids; we are the experts. Most APs I know have about 5 years of experience in the classroom. They are NOT experts in the field. They moved up for an easier gig.

It's a sick system.

I agree. I felt bad leaving and leaving money on the table too, but I'm 1000 times happier in the private school where I now teach. I can do what's right for kids and am respected as the expert.

[Anonymous]

https://youtu.be/-3Z9K-s0KUM

This is the same in MCPS. No student accountability and teachers will be fired due to this epidemic in education and apathetic admin. The one difference is it is nearly impossible to fail anyone or give natural consequences when teachers are pressured to fraud grades

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://youtu.be/-3Z9K-s0KUM

This is the same in MCPS. No student accountability and teachers will be fired due to this epidemic in education and apathetic admin. The one difference is it is nearly impossible to fail anyone or give natural consequences when teachers are pressured to fraud grades

100% this! I watched the video and it scared me how much her speech reminded me of my MCPS 3rd grade classroom. I LOVE teaching but these last five years have been a rapid decline and I just don't know how much longer I can do it. I feel terrible for the majority of my class who are sweet, caring and curious to learn. I have a few who make it a war zone for them. Restorative justice and the Code of Conduct are both jokes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://youtu.be/-3Z9K-s0KUM

This is the same in MCPS. No student accountability and teachers will be fired due to this epidemic in education and apathetic admin. The one difference is it is nearly impossible to fail anyone or give natural consequences when teachers are pressured to fraud grades

I just watched this.

Made me ill

I shared it with other teacher pals. How sad!

[Anonymous]

Www.outschool.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://youtu.be/-3Z9K-s0KUM

This is the same in MCPS. No student accountability and teachers will be fired due to this epidemic in education and apathetic admin. The one difference is it is nearly impossible to fail anyone or give natural consequences when teachers are pressured to fraud grades

100% this! I watched the video and it scared me how much her speech reminded me of my MCPS 3rd grade classroom. I LOVE teaching but these last five years have been a rapid decline and I just don't know how much longer I can do it. I feel terrible for the majority of my class who are sweet, caring and curious to learn. I have a few who make it a war zone for them. Restorative justice and the Code of Conduct are both jokes.

+1000.

[Anonymous]

It’s sad that McDonald employees go to court to report harassment but MCPS teachers have to suffer daily abuse and mistreatment from school administration, if they want to continue keeping their job.

[Anonymous]

The irony is that if mcps spent some time training teachers to know their options and how to report problems to compliance, and made it OKAY to do so, they'd probably have higher retention, nip problems in the bud and avoid lawsuits and bad publicity. I don't think many teachers know they can seek advice from HR without having to make an official report. More people would ask for help before it got really bad if the avenues to do so were clearer, and if there were more ways to get help without inviting retaliation. The county spends a lot of time training us to report on child abuse and neglect, which is critical, but they should invest more time in helping us teachers understand our options when we're targeted. In my time in MCPS I've had to deal with everything from sexual harassment to bullying from adults I work with, but as someone who has never held any power or influence in a school, it's taken me a long time to learn that there are things I can do to help myself short of quitting or suing. They're not ideal, but they're a start at least. I consulted an outside lawyer because I thought that was my only option. Not that that's ever a bad idea, but from an organizational perspective, wouldn't you want teachers/staff to feel they could start internally? Trust is a huge problem.