Will the WTU illegally strike? Not return on 2/1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I wish teachers like you would understand that not all of us are in your situation. Just because you have it good with a "Safe" building doesn't mean we all do. Being in a Union means fighting so that every member is protected.

NP - I understand where you are coming from and respect that your school may not be as safe as mine, maybe your principal did not take planning for reopening seriously and the consequence is chaos. However, the union is acting unilaterally as if all of us are in the same situation and where we are headed is not good. The union is dividing us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I wish teachers like you would understand that not all of us are in your situation. Just because you have it good with a "Safe" building doesn't mean we all do. Being in a Union means fighting so that every member is protected.

NP - I understand where you are coming from and respect that your school may not be as safe as mine, maybe your principal did not take planning for reopening seriously and the consequence is chaos. However, the union is acting unilaterally as if all of us are in the same situation and where we are headed is not good. The union is dividing us.

Original PP here--I also agree that our schools might not be in the same condition, and I know that is not fair. But we are going back. I really don't think DCPS is going to back down this time. So my point is that the union should now be focusing all their energy towards putting policies and procedures in place that will keep all teachers safe! Instead, they are wasting time protesting something that is inevitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

Hi parent, I am a DCPS parent too and teacher. The sick-out was PERFORMATIVE. It did not result in schools not opening or teachers not returning - the PERB decision did. Nov. 9th did not happen because DCPS did not work with the WTU in good faith at all when it mattered. The only thing the sick-out did was result in anger like yours, at teachers. Other than that, it had no impact whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

The Union is not striking but I love how you all have time to think you know everything. Schools are back in person in some form starting 2/1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like a lot of parents on this board actually WANT WTU to strike so they have even more of a reason to demonize them. Very bizarre.

[phone]


If I vilified teachers the way they do I would never send my children to school.

[Anonymous]

Teacher here-

I asked to remain virtual on the survey. Received a call from
my principal saying I won the lottery to return. I’m returning on 2/1, that’s it. Schools are opening, why is the conversation still going on? What do you people want?

While I’m here, I’ll add that we actually have to return BEFORE that date to prep. I see no one is up in arms about that but I digress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

Hi parent, I am a DCPS parent too and teacher. The sick-out was PERFORMATIVE. It did not result in schools not opening or teachers not returning - the PERB decision did. Nov. 9th did not happen because DCPS did not work with the WTU in good faith at all when it mattered. The only thing the sick-out did was result in anger like yours, at teachers. Other than that, it had no impact whatsoever.

well your “performative” sick-out communicated the message that you’d rather go on strike than teach SN kids. And your false spin makes me trust and respect you even less. keep it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like a lot of parents on this board actually WANT WTU to strike so they have even more of a reason to demonize them. Very bizarre.

[phone]


If I vilified teachers the way they do I would never send my children to school.

well, I actually am keeping my kid away from school in part because of what this taught me about teachers and unions. So yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

I don’t know why you keep repeating this story on every thread. This story does not effect any teacher, let alone, your child’s teacher. I’m sorry you don’t trust any teachers. But guess what...June will be here before you know it. And then you will be on to a different teacher. In a couple years, you will be out of that school and into another. That’s the beauty of education. You aren’t stuck with a crappy teacher you don’t like forever. I’m a teacher and a special needs parent. If you continue to take things personally for the remainder of your daughter’s education, you are going to have a long road ahead of you. Teachers are not your friends and they really are not looking out for your daughter number one. There are 20 other kids in that room. You really need to lower your stress level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

I don’t know why you keep repeating this story on every thread. This story does not effect any teacher, let alone, your child’s teacher. I’m sorry you don’t trust any teachers. But guess what...June will be here before you know it. And then you will be on to a different teacher. In a couple years, you will be out of that school and into another. That’s the beauty of education. You aren’t stuck with a crappy teacher you don’t like forever. I’m a teacher and a special needs parent. If you continue to take things personally for the remainder of your daughter’s education, you are going to have a long road ahead of you. Teachers are not your friends and they really are not looking out for your daughter number one. There are 20 other kids in that room. You really need to lower your stress level.

um ok ... nothing you wrote makes me feel any differently. I’m sorry you can’t accept the consequences of your actions. But thanks for highlighting, yet again, that teachers can’t be counted on to care about my individual child, or even consider childrens’ interests in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like a lot of parents on this board actually WANT WTU to strike so they have even more of a reason to demonize them. Very bizarre.

[phone]


If I vilified teachers the way they do I would never send my children to school.

well, I actually am keeping my kid away from school in part because of what this taught me about teachers and unions. So yes.

Okay! None of us care if you announce your departure. Some of us are happy at our schools despite the circumstances and support our teachers regardless. Bye!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

I don’t know why you keep repeating this story on every thread. This story does not effect any teacher, let alone, your child’s teacher. I’m sorry you don’t trust any teachers. But guess what...June will be here before you know it. And then you will be on to a different teacher. In a couple years, you will be out of that school and into another. That’s the beauty of education. You aren’t stuck with a crappy teacher you don’t like forever. I’m a teacher and a special needs parent. If you continue to take things personally for the remainder of your daughter’s education, you are going to have a long road ahead of you. Teachers are not your friends and they really are not looking out for your daughter number one. There are 20 other kids in that room. You really need to lower your stress level.

um ok ... nothing you wrote makes me feel any differently. I’m sorry you can’t accept the consequences of your actions. But thanks for highlighting, yet again, that teachers can’t be counted on to care about my individual child, or even consider childrens’ interests in general.

I don’t care about the consequences. There were none. Nothing happened to me. Parents don’t like me know? Ok. I have never cared what parents think of me. I don’t participate in HSA things and don’t accept money or gifts at at holidays or the end of the year. This has zero effect on me.

As I’ve said I’m a special needs parent as well. Maybe because I work in a school, I have long known many teachers do not want kids with IEPs in their rooms and very rarely actually provide the accommodation and modifications correctly. I have taught both EOTP and WOTP and it’s far worse in other schools in WOTP. I currently work in Ward 8 because I feel that is where I can do the most good. The sooner you realize schools DO NOT have your best interest the easier the educational road will be for both you and your daughter. You really need to look at things with eyes wide open. I’m sorry it took you this long to realize that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I am a parent, and I appreciate your perspective — both back in November and now. The November plan was crap and served very few students. The new, school-based plans will work better and schools seem more prepared.

Thank you for teaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS teacher here. I took part in the original sick out because I didn't believe DCPS had a good plan or had made the buildings safe enough. I requested to stay virtual, but I always said I would go back in person if I had to.I just didn't want to volunteer for it if I had a chance to keep myself and my family safer. I have been called to go back in person and I have no problem doing so, especially now that in person teachers have been prioritized for the vaccine. I have heard about the safety precautions at my school in detail and I think it will be as safe as they can make it. The students who are coming back really need in person learning. If WTU calls for a sick out on Feb 1, I will not be participating. I think they should be focusing more on the actual logistics of school opening now and getting some protections in place around that, like with issues of teachers covering classes for other teachers, lunch and recess duty, planning time for teachers who are teaching both in person and virtual, etc. It's quite frustrating. We are going back. They are beating a dead horse and they need to focus on protecting teachers who must be there in person.

I’m glad you’re committed to going back now, but your actions in November really destroyed my trust in the school and my child’s teacher. And of course covid rates are much higher now. You thoughtlessly rejected going back when it was *actually* safer, and seriously damanges relationships with special needs parents like me. I really wanted my child to go back in November, but now I don’t trust or respect the teacher, so I’ll probably keep him home.

Love your sense of distrust for your kid's teacher and school, rather than the very district that made them feel unheard, unsafe, unprepared, etc. Your lack of understanding that teachers are not obligated to care about you and yours first is odd. I'm certain your child recovered from that ONE day the teacher missed. The sickout did not change DCPSs decision and any idiot knows they were not going to open, especially since there was MORE parent support then, especially in ward 7 & 8, most of whom are suffering way more than your child.

I took leave that day, however I did show up to my class that day too because I know how it would make some of my parents feel. However if I didn't show and they were to say on some random forum they lost respect and trust for me because of that day, I'd certainly lose respect and trust in them as well. You only care about your well being, this is a job. You don't even know if your teacher did want to come back with precautions.

PS. Many principals BLOCKED teachers from coming back term 1, saying it would be 'unfair' and DCPS itself said no. I know of at least 12 DCPS elementary schools that admin did this at.