"Educators
in all levels of New Bedford's school system are in a state of awe and
disbelief. Some of the best teachers this city has ever employed are leaving
work in tears and waking with a sense of nausea. They are fearing that they may
say the wrong thing, be caught sitting in their classrooms even if working with
children or drafting a note home to a parent, or not being in a continuous
state of "rigorous" teaching." - Submitted by a member
"We
are walking on eggshells." - Submitted by
a member
"We're
no longer allowed to take our students to the restrooms as a class.
As result, several students in my school have soiled themselves." - Submitted by a member
"I
have not slept a full night since school has begun, work every weekend day for
hours, arrived early before school begins and have stayed for hours after
school. Yet, still I cannot complete all that is required of me. Most of what I
am being asked to do does not even directly impact my teaching students. My
health has suffered and so has my soul. My students are overwhelmed, with only
a 10 minute break from rigor." - Submitted by
a member
“We have become a
system of abusers, who show no mercy for what is developmentally
appropriate.” - Submitted by a member
“Not only
do we have to continue with our "rigorous instruction" and all of the
fears and anxieties mentioned above, but specifically at NBHS we are getting
less and less support and more and more put on us.” - Submitted by a member
“I have
never seen NBHS morale so low. I am fearful for the health of my colleagues.
They have so much pressure on them right now.” - Submitted by
a member
“NO
CONFIDENCE, IN JON MITCHELL, PIA DURKIN, AND THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.” - Submitted by a member
“I have
never felt more anxiety like I do this year. I "m always seconding
guessing myself. I think I have been doing a good job all these past years, but
now I feel like is it enough?” - Submitted by
a member
“This is
not Russia. Czars have been exiled, or have expired. If you rule with an iron
fist, you will meet with resistance. Pia had an opportunity to put her best
foot forward, but she didn't! She could have treated us with dignity and
respect, but she didn't! She could have inspired us, but she didn't! She made a
lasting impression, and we saw her true character! Enough said!” - Submitted by a member
“We are
being told to turn a blind eye on certain discipline issues because our
administrators don't have time to deal with it. What happened to a safe work
environment?” - Submitted by a
member
“A kid in
my class had an accident on Friday....we have been told that grades 3-5 should
no longer take bathroom breaks. Our lunch time is 12:10....that would be their
first opportunity to use the restroom without asking during rigorous
instruction time. I guess the poor kid did not want to ask because she knows
the policy.” - Submitted by a
member
43 comments:
I am a parent of children in the Attleboro school district. While in Attleboro, all Dr. Durkin cared about is the MCAS scores and was known as a bully to both the teachers and parents. My daughter came home on the first day of school this year with a history book that was falling apart. I have no idea how some of the pages were intact. When I brought her book to a PTO meeting to show the principal and a school committee member, I was told the teachers had been asking for new books and our former superintendent refused to make it a priority. We had the same questions in terms of finding money for new positions but not the money for teachers and much needed school supplies. I can't believe she is already showing her true colors in your school district.
I am trying to put on a brave face but inside I am broken. I feel totally demoralized by what Dr. Durkin is doing. I can't even sleep at night.
There are many SPED violations in the district now because the superintendent has put a freeze on hiring. Not only it is illegal, but it is disheartening to see our students struggling with lack of supports and resources. Perhaps the DESE should be notified?
For those of you who are interested, here is the phone number to contact the DESE regarding SPED issues: Rob Pelescietti in the Program Quality Assurance Services Department. 781-338-3700. Email: compliance@doe.mass.edu
I went home with a panic attack today.... so upset that the discipline issue was not handled as I thought it should have. I have never felt so helpless in trying to do my job, especially for the kids who want to be there and really need me. I can't focus attention on them because I am constantly redirecting the others. ... paper trail, paper trail. I have talked to more parents and guidance counselors about the needs of my students in the last 25 days than I have in the last eighteen years. My goodness, this is overwhelming
I know that we can't do this for 3 years !!!! Someone help is and our students!!!
As if having little to no planning time is just the norm, elementary staff now must fill out an elaborate form for our Wed Common Planning days (after school--why the hell did we ever agree to that?) Insane demands put on us!
iI have sped students not being serviced as one in my room belongs in subseparate and we were not allowed to put her there....I am told by my administrator that hands on activities that include glue, color and cut are not rigorous enough as they should do that for homework...do people realize how many students don't have those items at home....I am thanking God that this is my last year...I love teaching....I love my students...but is it fir that I get all the sped student s and needs improvement students and the other teacher gets all the stars....In my 32 years, I have never felt so useless! Good Luck everyone...I have a light at the end of my tunnel....:)
Class here are your directions.
1. You will teach more periods.
2. You will have larger class sizes.
3. You must ignore all dangerous behavior due to the direction of Durkin because all suspensions are now forbidden.
4. You will work without a raise.
5. You will have more sped students than ever and less mandated support than ever.
6 You will attend mandatory assistant superintendent trainings each month.
7. You will be allowed to dismiss your students later and later each day.
8. You will obey.
9. You will realize there is no employer in Massachusetts that hires professionals other than New Bedford Public Schools.
10. Now please sign here acknowledging how very luck you are.
The TV show The Middle said it best tonight when the parents describe their child's school district, "It's one big bungling bureaucracy and someone needs to call 'em on it!" Could they have been describing PRAB?!!!
She is the Tin Man w/o a heart. You are not the Cowardly Lion. Stay upbeat! She comes with an expiration date!
This is unlawful, and resonates Union Buster!
Lou,
What are you doing about all of this? We pay a good price for Union backup. Where is it? This isn't a little thing and it's going away, anytime soon. The principals are cracking and so are we! When is the rally to hear us and help us??? I'm pretty sure, you will get a good turn-out. Try it!
^if you have to ask what Lou is doing about all of this, you clearly haven't been paying attention to what he has been doing.
What are we willing to do for ourselves? Are we willing to speak up at school committee meetings? Are we willing to attend meetings? Are we willing to take a vote of no confidence against this woman? Are we willing to picket city hall and school committee meetings? Are we willing to picket the mayor's fundraisers? Are we willing to write letters to the substandard newspaper and voice our opinions on Wbsm or will we just sit back and do nothing and blame the union, when we are the union?
Well, people aren't going to call the union to submit good news , are they?
^that's the perfect idiotic statement. You are the union.
MANY Sped violations, absolutely true...but at least they get SOME help. The super bright students "get it". The ones that are falling through the cracks are the average/below average kids. The pace is too fast for mastery, and the "best teaching practices" of the Common Core get away from the tried and true methods of teaching. Too much theory and not enough getting down to brass tacks. We are leaving many behind......
Should we be concerned a/b DESE knowing what we do a/b Commissioner of Ed? Are there any authentic educational leaders left? So sick of this blame-game!
It's time to call the national news to truly expose the characters and their horrific actions against teachers and students. This is our war, and we should use the media as a weapon to raise awareness and reclaim our district!
Hand over the mike and allow teachers, students, and parents to speak!
Watch out for the spies that have been placed in your schools look to the people who get to roam all day...
Retirement....and thank God, I might just be close enough. I feel so bad for the young teachers, and even worse for those with 10-15 years in....tough decisions to be made.
Let face it people, all the good and great teachers are teaching at our neighboring communities. Their MCAS scores prove it. All the bums are teaching in New Bedford. Our MCAS scores prove it. It is amazing that New Bedford can have such a concentration of poor and clueless teachers. It's a mecca for talent-less educators.
The solution I've been told for these clueless educators is rigorous completion of the new lesson plan, the new evaluation process, mega-learning walks, and flawless mastery objectives. Following these mandates will ensure amazing results.
It is that easy.
Dr. Durkin, you can do better. It's a spit in the wind off our dike. Where are the moves that are game-changing. Are they coming, or are they the one we are seeing. If they do not include parents and caretakers, you need to review your plans.
Where is the plan to engage parents and students at your level? Where is the data? Tell us the level of their engagement. Show us the numbers.
This district is different, and you know it. The Mayor and SC know it too. The root of the issue lays directly with the students and the parents and caretakers. Where are the plans to engage them. What leads to proficiency?
You know teachers are working very hard to succeed, and to get their students to succeed. Stop having your minions berate teachers in various condescending ways. Let's not be so naive to the ways either.
The education model here in the city is not and will not work. Student behavior and effort is at an all-time low. A fresh approach is needed. From top to bottom, from elementary to middle to high school.
Time to take off the gloves and give them a punch where it hurts the most. The mayor of New Bedford, along with those beneath him, need to be held accountable for mismanagement of funds, etc. while teachers and students feel the impact. This is the perfect time for an exposé. Send informative letters out to all who need to be informed! Blow the frauds out of the water!
Last night's Open House was the perfect time to inform parents of the issues at hand. The parents have nothing to lose, and are some of the strongest voices for their children as they drum up an army. This administration is no different from the terrorists we are most familiar with, succeeding to destroy the infrastructure of the district. The teachers, along with parents and students, can rise up against using our teachers and students as experiments to serve their own sick needs!
Who is going to be accountable when this experiment fails? When they bail, who will be there to pick up the pieces? Lou is there to fight for the teachers, but we need parents to fight for the students Together, we become a stronger force!
A strategic committee should be put together to capture the harmful goings-on w/in district. Each and every morning, flyers should be passed out to the parents with information that makes an immediate impact. This is our constitutional right. Go for it until they run out of steam!
Here, here!
Horse enters a bar.
The bartender says no horses allowed.
I'm not a horse.
Clearly your kidding me. You have a long face, a mane, short pointed ears, and standing on all fours you're about six feet tall, plus you just took a crap without batting an eye.
Where is your data to prove it?
Okay, lets say your not a horse, but two men in a horse suit.
Do you have data to prove that?
Tell you what, just go over to that table and write down your name and telephone number and I'll get back to you with what you want.
Well I would but I don't have everything to write with, and can't you see I have hoofs.
A goat goes into a bar looking for the bartender.
Can I help you?
Yes. You were right, my friend is a horse, baaaut that was a lucky guess.
The bartender says you know I've been doing this a long time and have met lots of characters. I kinda know what I'm doing.
Give me a baaaaeer says the goat.
Sorry we don't serve goats.
Well how do you know I'm a goat? Where's your data?
I really don't have time for this as you can see a have a bar full of people, I need to help the cook, he's behind, I need to change the tap, and call a few suppliers. I need to shut off a few patrons, and deal with their displeasure without effecting my other customers, and I just ran out of quarters so I need to run to the bank. That's just for starters. I don't know if you know this but it's difficult to run a successful bar with everything required these days, but I'm not complaining, I do my best.
I know you're a goat because you have short horns, half moon shaped eyes, stand about three to four feet high, and what I would think would be a dead give away is that you say baah every now and again. The goatee doe not help your case either.
You did not say that I was a cud-chewing mammal. Your data is not complete. I suggest you be more thorough.
You're right, I guess, but would you please get down from my bar stool, you're going to rip the fabric.
The ADMIN Team enters a bar...they don't know how to pronounce the locals names... (please take it from here...)
Thank you for coming in today. I know you are concerned about your child's education. We all are.
We just don't know what else we can do! We have taken away:
the IPhone
the IPod
the tablet
the Playstation
the XBox
Wii
the internet
facebook
twitter
the triple lattes
the Kardashians
Punked
and believe it or not, Honey Boo Boo
I told him that if he didn't straighten things out I'd let him
walk the one block to school
stop him from having him dinner in his bedroom
have to go to bed before 1:00
stop the spending money for the movies and McDonald's
eliminate money for candy and gum
forget about any new video gaming software releases
Vision Warrior Rims
and maybe TV altogether
But tell me truthfully, is it so bad that I'll have to limit him to one pair of Nike's a month.
I am recently retired as a NBPS teacher. It breaks my heart when I hear and see what all the new requirements being imposed are doing to the teachers. I know there are a few teachers who do not do their jobs adequately, but the majority are dedicated to their students. Teachers are demoralized,stressed and trying to do all that is required. Most of which is not going to improve student learning--verbs used in lesson plans, daily five, learning objectives. Reducing suspensions is a wonderful goal but you have to give teachers some way to handle the misbehaviors that most of the public would be horrified to witness. Teaching is not what it was years ago. Parents often do not make sure their children do their homework or act in a respectful manner. Teachers are expected to teach under very difficult conditions. Putting them under this much stress is not going to raise test scores or have any other favorable results. The new supt. needs to respect the teachers and work WITH them instead of tearing them down at every opportunity sometimes in front of students!
Well said. Wally, "the Beav," and Miss Landers left the building decades ago!
The statement made in the Standard-Time's that 25 percent of eighth grade students repeat needs to be retracted. This isn't even close to being close, and implies that there is a unified method for determining retention within central administration and the middle schools. To my knowledge there is not one and if there is I would like someone to expound on it. I think it is important that if you are going to print the news that the news fairly close. I also think that pledging to reduce the number of students who do not score proficient of higher by 40 percent the year is unrealistic, and by a huge margin. If someone on her staff is not getting through to her or telling her that, then you have the wrong leader and supporting cast.
Their not going to tell her anything their all scared of her..
If the superintendent's staff is fearful of approaching her with ideas then she either needs to enroll in Managing for Success 101 or get a group of individuals with enough confidence to do so. Wouldn't it be great if the superintendent began meetings with staff by pointing to each one and saying "What are your ideas to better our school district, and what is the time table to see results?" Could the city and state be paying lots of people lots of money for rigorless functionality? With all the cuts that have happened, everyone needs to step up. Is that occurring? I hope so. Here is an idea for the superintendent. Have a scribe take minutes of your staff meetings and publish them to the general public on the NBPS website. This would make available realtime data and action items to help the public understand in a concrete way the level of focus your department is functioning.
I have 5 more years to go. God help us all. I tell the young people to not go into the teaching profession, we have become the scapegoats for everything that is wrong. Lousy parents=disruptive kids=our fault, homes that don't value education= our fault, no work ethic=our fault, poverty=our fault, .........etc.
It's not confidence they don't have,haven't you been reading the blogs.they don't want to lose their jobs and their retirements or give up their fancy cars and Gucci pocketbooks.
I want to hit that blogger with my no name pocketbook when I drive by with my 2005 Camry 100k miles.
Yes I have a fancy car and a Brahmin pocketbook ( bought at the tent sale). I didn't get them because I am a teacher! I got them because of my significant other who has a much better paycheck than mine. He works in private industry! I spend most of my money buying what I need to teach!
In my middle school, I am asked to be:
a listener
both parents
a mediator
a guard
a patrolman
an advisor
a brawl-breaker
a disciplinarian
a counselor
a special needs expert
a monitor
an administrator
an errand boy
expected to come earlier
leave later
participate more than staying later
use brand new teaching philosophies from last year
turn a blind eye to violence AFTER breaking it up
resolve home issues
raise the scores
motive the ones who will remain completely unmotivated from september to june
have my mastery objective more visible than the flag
never sit down for fear of a random visit
not use the bathroom because all halls must be manned at all passing times
and maybe if i can get that all done - teach a "rigorous" lesson...
that's not too much to ask? why would I complain? administrator/counselor/principals are really just titles. im one person, no sweat...........yeah like i wake up every day motivated to do alllll those things...and expected TO motivate while being treated like trash day in and day out. but i know i can do it if Pia shows me more videos of Milton school children like she did on day 1....not a care in the world over here...
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