demoralized in MCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well us white folks are singled out with borderline harrassment as well if we are the minority race at our schools too. Maybe it's not so much racism but a culture of disrespect and power tripping with racial bias undertones. Either way, accountability of admin would be helpful. If the climate sux how about treating admin like they treat teachers who have tough impulse crazy kids. Fire them. Bully them. Letem know the taste of their medicine. Teachers don't grow on trees.

Except we kinda do. Yes, we have a teacher shortage, but fresh bodies are also a renewable resource. Every year, state universities will unleash a flood of 22 year education majors. States will authorize alt-cert programs that bring on career-changers like myself. No one is really worried that the well will run dry.

Have you looked at the stats? I don't believe you have b/c your tone is too casual. The teacher shortage is an epidemic.

I, too, am a career-changer, but I've also put in over 20 years. I'm wiling to bet you haven't been in long enough to experience the destruction. And yes, destruction is an entirely appropriate word.

I was a student when Greenblatt and Ewing were on the BOE. At that time, Harry Pitt was the deputy superintendent. I've been "ruled" by three superintendents: Weast, Starr, and now this self-serving teacher-hater, Smith. In other words, I've seen a lot.

"Fresh bodies" - I've worked with my share - USED to stay. They were given practical support b/c there was time to actually plan with our colleagues for our own students.

Unhealthy environments are revolving doors. I have friends in central (I was there as well.) who cannot believe how many teachers are leaving NOW - before we even hit mid-year. Look up careers to see the number of LT sub positions advertised.

I'll end it with this analogy. A healthy relationship (married or not - platonic or friendly) has its ups and downs but it lasts. MCPS is abusive, and as such, "partners" come and go. The smart ones leave, or they try to find a niche in another school. Many soon learn, however, that every school is basically the same. You're either being beaten down by kids - who have more rights than you do - or by administrators who are too stupid (maybe too self-serving?) and fearful to stand up for what's right. I've coached a few young teachers out, and today, they're much better off. My own children know I won't pay for college if they study education.

I am NOT the only one who feels this way.

I’ve been a classroom teacher for 16 years. Of course teachers leave, so do nurses. And yet new ones are produced in both fields. Both professions see a shortage, but not enough that the hiring institutions are in panic mode and will undertake dramatic reforms. Your children might not be undergrad education majors, but they could decide to be career changers if they feel a vocation. Even if they don’t, someone else’s kids will. Even teacher strikes have a limited impact. Kids will always need to be taught. There will always be young people who are idealistic. And most people who have never taught will continue to think that teaching is a good fall back plan. Sorry, public school teachers are not yet on the endangered species list. You might want to look for a different job instead. If you have 20 years in and are this miserable, ten more is going to feel really long.

[Anonymous]

We're coming to the realization that education could be doing more harm than good in modern society in regard to career prospects, financial ruin, and teaching kids that they don't have to learn or read or write to get good grades. The fraud and demoralization that teachers are forced to deal with is draining education of all integrity. It's babysitting these days and grading on making everyone feel good before pushing everyone to massive debt.After college, surprise, no jobs for grads and debt slavery. All on the promise that years of study would do the opposite. This contradiction is demoralizing. I think they call this the educational industrial complex. Aren't all Ed institutions for profit these days anyway. Students are simply just sales to get someone raise and a bonus.

[Anonymous]

Mcea is not a union if it's working against teachers and getting them to pay for it. It's a faux union and offers less then zero support. Less then zero means they will give you extra work, bad advice that hurts you, lies inclined empower bullies in admin and in then discard teachers like garbage. And they charge thousands per year. Pretty raw deal. If you join you will regret it. They don't value the lives and well being of teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else see the proposed salary scale for 2021? Teacher salaries for teachers mid career and higher will decrease. We will be bullied into accepting it like the year we gave up our steps and we’re promised no new initiatives until our steps were restored. That was a bald faced lie. There is no way in hell we should accept that. Oh, and the administrators will get raises!

Pay attention and get involved. Don’t let MCEA scare you into believing that if we don’t accept this then we could end up with even less. This is MCPS culture at its worst. And it’s very clear that they view teachers as sheep. Even the people we pay a crapload of money to every month to “work in our best interests”. MCEA leadership should be ashamed of the way they “stand up” for teachers.

I’m sorry, is that a typo? Salary DECREASES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS?

Parents are begging for more senior teachers!!!!

Not a typo.

Where can we find the proposed 2021 salary schedule?

This is hard to believe so much so that I think it's not true.

It was posted on the MCEA discussion board on outlook by someone who had attended one of the meetings at MCEA (I think). I don’t think it was meant to be publicized but the person who posted it wanted MCEA members to be aware since we have been receiving zero communication regarding the bargaining. I know I’ve given my personal email numerous times when I’ve contacted them about why we’ve been receiving zero communication regarding bargaining and they’ve assured me I’ll start receiving the emails but I never have. Numerous other people have had the same experience. I’ve checked junk and spam as well. Nothing has been sent. They’re going to try to pull this over on us and let people know at the last minute and then try to scare us into thinking this is the best possible option.

[Anonymous]

I am sure there are lots of things to balance in the negotiation. I do think salaries may be too low for new staff, subs, etc. As long as the overall package of pay, benefits, and retirement is moving up than we are in a good place. If we give up anything now though, we will never get it back later. Hold the line!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else see the proposed salary scale for 2021? Teacher salaries for teachers mid career and higher will decrease. We will be bullied into accepting it like the year we gave up our steps and we’re promised no new initiatives until our steps were restored. That was a bald faced lie. There is no way in hell we should accept that. Oh, and the administrators will get raises!

Pay attention and get involved. Don’t let MCEA scare you into believing that if we don’t accept this then we could end up with even less. This is MCPS culture at its worst. And it’s very clear that they view teachers as sheep. Even the people we pay a crapload of money to every month to “work in our best interests”. MCEA leadership should be ashamed of the way they “stand up” for teachers.

I’m sorry, is that a typo? Salary DECREASES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS?

Parents are begging for more senior teachers!!!!

Not a typo.

Where can we find the proposed 2021 salary schedule?

This is hard to believe so much so that I think it's not true.

It was posted on the MCEA discussion board on outlook by someone who had attended one of the meetings at MCEA (I think). I don’t think it was meant to be publicized but the person who posted it wanted MCEA members to be aware since we have been receiving zero communication regarding the bargaining. I know I’ve given my personal email numerous times when I’ve contacted them about why we’ve been receiving zero communication regarding bargaining and they’ve assured me I’ll start receiving the emails but I never have. Numerous other people have had the same experience. I’ve checked junk and spam as well. Nothing has been sent. They’re going to try to pull this over on us and let people know at the last minute and then try to scare us into thinking this is the best possible option.

Not sure why teachers complain so much. In MCPS you work no more than 180 days per year and can make over 6 figures. Not to mntion a generous pension for the rest of your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're coming to the realization that education could be doing more harm than good in modern society in regard to career prospects, financial ruin, and teaching kids that they don't have to learn or read or write to get good grades. The fraud and demoralization that teachers are forced to deal with is draining education of all integrity. It's babysitting these days and grading on making everyone feel good before pushing everyone to massive debt.After college, surprise, no jobs for grads and debt slavery. All on the promise that years of study would do the opposite. This contradiction is demoralizing. I think they call this the educational industrial complex. Aren't all Ed institutions for profit these days anyway. Students are simply just sales to get someone raise and a bonus.

All of our student teachers are from UM College Park or Towson. Those are not for profit institutions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else see the proposed salary scale for 2021? Teacher salaries for teachers mid career and higher will decrease. We will be bullied into accepting it like the year we gave up our steps and we’re promised no new initiatives until our steps were restored. That was a bald faced lie. There is no way in hell we should accept that. Oh, and the administrators will get raises!

Pay attention and get involved. Don’t let MCEA scare you into believing that if we don’t accept this then we could end up with even less. This is MCPS culture at its worst. And it’s very clear that they view teachers as sheep. Even the people we pay a crapload of money to every month to “work in our best interests”. MCEA leadership should be ashamed of the way they “stand up” for teachers.

I’m sorry, is that a typo? Salary DECREASES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS?

Parents are begging for more senior teachers!!!!

Not a typo.

Where can we find the proposed 2021 salary schedule?

This is hard to believe so much so that I think it's not true.

It was posted on the MCEA discussion board on outlook by someone who had attended one of the meetings at MCEA (I think). I don’t think it was meant to be publicized but the person who posted it wanted MCEA members to be aware since we have been receiving zero communication regarding the bargaining. I know I’ve given my personal email numerous times when I’ve contacted them about why we’ve been receiving zero communication regarding bargaining and they’ve assured me I’ll start receiving the emails but I never have. Numerous other people have had the same experience. I’ve checked junk and spam as well. Nothing has been sent. They’re going to try to pull this over on us and let people know at the last minute and then try to scare us into thinking this is the best possible option.

Not sure why teachers complain so much. In MCPS you work no more than 180 days per year and can make over 6 figures. Not to mntion a generous pension for the rest of your life.

If you are a teacher, you must report 192 days I think. Even paras work more than 180 days.

As for the pension, we actually contribute a big chunk of that ourselves. Our contribution has increased at least 3 times since I started as a classroom teacher in 2002.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else see the proposed salary scale for 2021? Teacher salaries for teachers mid career and higher will decrease. We will be bullied into accepting it like the year we gave up our steps and we’re promised no new initiatives until our steps were restored. That was a bald faced lie. There is no way in hell we should accept that. Oh, and the administrators will get raises!

Pay attention and get involved. Don’t let MCEA scare you into believing that if we don’t accept this then we could end up with even less. This is MCPS culture at its worst. And it’s very clear that they view teachers as sheep. Even the people we pay a crapload of money to every month to “work in our best interests”. MCEA leadership should be ashamed of the way they “stand up” for teachers.

I’m sorry, is that a typo? Salary DECREASES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS?

Parents are begging for more senior teachers!!!!

Not a typo.

Where can we find the proposed 2021 salary schedule?

This is hard to believe so much so that I think it's not true.

It was posted on the MCEA discussion board on outlook by someone who had attended one of the meetings at MCEA (I think). I don’t think it was meant to be publicized but the person who posted it wanted MCEA members to be aware since we have been receiving zero communication regarding the bargaining. I know I’ve given my personal email numerous times when I’ve contacted them about why we’ve been receiving zero communication regarding bargaining and they’ve assured me I’ll start receiving the emails but I never have. Numerous other people have had the same experience. I’ve checked junk and spam as well. Nothing has been sent. They’re going to try to pull this over on us and let people know at the last minute and then try to scare us into thinking this is the best possible option.

Not sure why teachers complain so much. In MCPS you work no more than 180 days per year and can make over 6 figures. Not to mntion a generous pension for the rest of your life.

If you are a teacher, you must report 192 days I think. Even paras work more than 180 days.

As for the pension, we actually contribute a big chunk of that ourselves. Our contribution has increased at least 3 times since I started as a classroom teacher in 2002.

Isn't the school year roughly 180 days, and my kids have never had a teacher who didn't take a week or two of sick leave so the PP seems pretty on the mark.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else see the proposed salary scale for 2021? Teacher salaries for teachers mid career and higher will decrease. We will be bullied into accepting it like the year we gave up our steps and we’re promised no new initiatives until our steps were restored. That was a bald faced lie. There is no way in hell we should accept that. Oh, and the administrators will get raises!

Pay attention and get involved. Don’t let MCEA scare you into believing that if we don’t accept this then we could end up with even less. This is MCPS culture at its worst. And it’s very clear that they view teachers as sheep. Even the people we pay a crapload of money to every month to “work in our best interests”. MCEA leadership should be ashamed of the way they “stand up” for teachers.

I’m sorry, is that a typo? Salary DECREASES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS?

Parents are begging for more senior teachers!!!!

Not a typo.

Where can we find the proposed 2021 salary schedule?

This is hard to believe so much so that I think it's not true.

It was posted on the MCEA discussion board on outlook by someone who had attended one of the meetings at MCEA (I think). I don’t think it was meant to be publicized but the person who posted it wanted MCEA members to be aware since we have been receiving zero communication regarding the bargaining. I know I’ve given my personal email numerous times when I’ve contacted them about why we’ve been receiving zero communication regarding bargaining and they’ve assured me I’ll start receiving the emails but I never have. Numerous other people have had the same experience. I’ve checked junk and spam as well. Nothing has been sent. They’re going to try to pull this over on us and let people know at the last minute and then try to scare us into thinking this is the best possible option.

Not sure why teachers complain so much. In MCPS you work no more than 180 days per year and can make over 6 figures. Not to mntion a generous pension for the rest of your life.

If you are a teacher, you must report 192 days I think. Even paras work more than 180 days.

As for the pension, we actually contribute a big chunk of that ourselves. Our contribution has increased at least 3 times since I started as a classroom teacher in 2002.

Isn't the school year roughly 180 days, and my kids have never had a teacher who didn't take a week or two of sick leave so the PP seems pretty on the mark.

At DC's elementary their reading teacher was out for nearly a month last year. I'm okay with that people get sick, but what blew my mind was they didn't even get a sub. The kid simply didn't have reading.

[Anonymous]

pp, your child’s elementary school teacher has to do reading in the classroom. The reading teacher was probably a Focus teacher. They make their own schedule and do not have to see students unless the principal requires them to do so.
Many schools have a culture of disrespect and mistrust. Twelve years ago my school was an awesome place. The principal expected the same from everyone and did not give power to anyone to gossip or harass fellow teachers. Nowadays it’s a completely different place. I constantly need to watch my back and make sure no one is tricking me into doing something wrong. The principal is out quite frequently and those who report to her get all kinds of perks. It’a tough to work in a toxic environment for all. However when we’ve contributed so much for our pension and our take home salary now (before 403 contribution) is less than what it used to be 5 years ago, it’s no secret we feel demoralized.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else see the proposed salary scale for 2021? Teacher salaries for teachers mid career and higher will decrease. We will be bullied into accepting it like the year we gave up our steps and we’re promised no new initiatives until our steps were restored. That was a bald faced lie. There is no way in hell we should accept that. Oh, and the administrators will get raises!

Pay attention and get involved. Don’t let MCEA scare you into believing that if we don’t accept this then we could end up with even less. This is MCPS culture at its worst. And it’s very clear that they view teachers as sheep. Even the people we pay a crapload of money to every month to “work in our best interests”. MCEA leadership should be ashamed of the way they “stand up” for teachers.

I’m sorry, is that a typo? Salary DECREASES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS?

Parents are begging for more senior teachers!!!!

Not a typo.

Where can we find the proposed 2021 salary schedule?

This is hard to believe so much so that I think it's not true.

It was posted on the MCEA discussion board on outlook by someone who had attended one of the meetings at MCEA (I think). I don’t think it was meant to be publicized but the person who posted it wanted MCEA members to be aware since we have been receiving zero communication regarding the bargaining. I know I’ve given my personal email numerous times when I’ve contacted them about why we’ve been receiving zero communication regarding bargaining and they’ve assured me I’ll start receiving the emails but I never have. Numerous other people have had the same experience. I’ve checked junk and spam as well. Nothing has been sent. They’re going to try to pull this over on us and let people know at the last minute and then try to scare us into thinking this is the best possible option.

Not sure why teachers complain so much. In MCPS you work no more than 180 days per year and can make over 6 figures. Not to mntion a generous pension for the rest of your life.

If you are a teacher, you must report 192 days I think. Even paras work more than 180 days.

As for the pension, we actually contribute a big chunk of that ourselves. Our contribution has increased at least 3 times since I started as a classroom teacher in 2002.

Isn't the school year roughly 180 days, and my kids have never had a teacher who didn't take a week or two of sick leave so the PP seems pretty on the mark.

At DC's elementary their reading teacher was out for nearly a month last year. I'm okay with that people get sick, but what blew my mind was they didn't even get a sub. The kid simply didn't have reading.

Most MCPS teachers never hit 6 figures.

Something is wrong with your kids’ teachers if they are sick that often. Other than pregnancy and serious illnesses, most teachers don’t take sick leave because sub plans are more work than just being there. If a teacher is out for a month, it is not her responsibility to secure a sub. That’s on the admin.

[Anonymous]

Being out sick is a ton of work. Most teachers I know have to be really sick in order to stay home. Not only is it a lot of prep but students often misbehave for subs. Many subs leave the classroom a mess so it is even more work to clean it up the next day. The only people in education I know who make six figures are administrators. In our district, teachers top out at the higher end of $80K.

[Anonymous]

to bring this to the surface . . .

The salary schedule is indeed correct. My husband scrutinized it, and there were many complaints on the forum. My husband said it's probably a way to drive out senior teachers b/c newbies (who never last) are much cheaper.

No one cares about continuity, nor do they care about expertise, especially once online formats become the norm.

MCPS is done, people. Keep your eyes open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Being out sick is a ton of work. Most teachers I know have to be really sick in order to stay home. Not only is it a lot of prep but students often misbehave for subs. Many subs leave the classroom a mess so it is even more work to clean it up the next day. The only people in education I know who make six figures are administrators. In our district, teachers top out at the higher end of $80K.

My husband and I make six figures, but that's b/c we've been in the system over 20 years. He can retire b/c he hit 30. Both of us have had advanced degrees for a very long time.

agree about sub plans - not worth it . . . I was on maternity leave for 6 weeks (end of the school year b/c my first was late May). I planned diligently - daily lessons that a moron could follow. He did nothing close to what I planned. People were in there cleaning up his mess.

C'est la vie, I suppose! not my problem, as I did my part