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Saturday, November 2, 2013
Are you working in a climate of fear?
Please tell us what's happening in your specific school.
29 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Yes.at.all.times
Dedicated teachers are being given low ratings on unannounced observations at a frequent clip. These are tallied for a report that goes to the superintendent. (At least that is what the principal claims)...There are new "Look Fors" at every turn. As we try to meet the demands of the many original expectations, new ones become just as critical to our evaluations. Teachers have told me they feel like they might have a heart attack at any moment. The unhealthy stress is not improving instruction, in fact the opposite is happening. The fear is turning to anger and this will trickle down to the learners.
So if the Pacheco teachers have the answers, why are they sitting back? Are they just sitting back to let the principal fail? Marcia's gone. It's your job to step up or shut up. Opinions are worthless. Act.
The Pacheco teachers DO have the answers for what works. Don't be intimidated or jealous of our success because we're willing to share. How are we "just sitting back and letting the principal fall"? We've expressed what's going on and told the principal what needs to change. We can't remove her from the building. We're not looking for a Marcia because there will never be anyone as good as her. And we will NEVER shut up!!!!
I commend the Pacheco teachers for standing up for what they believe in. Most teachers just complain among themselves and are afraid to expose the nasty working conditions they are in. Take a lesson from these teachers!
How are we sitting back? Its not my job to teach her how to "be a principal". Or should we add that to my job description, too? I didn't hire her so I can't fire her.
I think it's sad teachers don't speak up. That's why our lifetime certification was taken away, our retirement is always changing, why teachers can get beaten while breaking up a fight and end up in the hospital, and why teachers get killed by gunfire in school and the public doesn't care. We get no respect because we don't STAND TOGETHER and SUPPORT each other! Let's have a bother/sisterhood like the police and firemen have. Be united and strong!!
"jealous of our success." Good one. It makes my point. I am saying that 2 or 3 teachers there are obsessed with the past. "Level 1, Marcia, Level 1, Marcia." Move on.
Or are you seriously telling me that no kid hit a teacher at Mount Pleasant school before this fall? Ever? Because that's what you said on the radio.
And why did you lie on the radio about parent turnout? Standing room only at parent nights and events is the truth.
What's this feedback people talk about? Pacheco teachers haven't received anything. But how can we? She's locked in her office 24/7, how can she provide us with feedback? Wonder what goes on her superintendent report!?
We are doing our job, but it's hard to do it when there are fight breaking out like NEVER before and nothing is even being done about it! And the kids know that they can get away with whatever they want because, unlike before, the principal is unseen and unwilling to do anything. She wants us to fail! Whoever hired her should put her in their kids' school and see how they like her!
I think a serious games of cat and mouse is being played out at the expense of the stakeholders in the NBPS. The superintendent, mayor, sc, standard times, and dese overseers continue to side step the importance of parent and student involvement in the education process, and as long as that continues, teacher's blood and only teacher's blood will continue to flow. We all know the saying about what runs down hill, and the teachers are at the bottom, make no mistake. As the superintendent pressures principals and principals ratchet up the pressure on the teachers, many people will, and rightly so become exposed, and that is fine. Let's put it all on the table. I think the system is at that point, don't you. Let's expose those that need to be exposed. Those at PRAB, those on the sc, those in city hall, those that run our schools, and yes, those who teach. The only pass is to the standard times. They need to concentrate how to stay in business without continually bashing teachers, although teachers still read, and buy papers. I bet teachers are half of their subscription list. The standard can't afford to loose them. Teachers need to stop acting like lemmings and stand up for what is right and fair. Stop being passive and afraid of job loss. Big step, I know. Don't wait for someone to stand up for something we all should be standing up for. They can't fire everyone, and they can't fire good teachers without cause. Let your integrity be your compass, and don't let anyone take unfair advantage of it. You have worked too hard to attain it. Don't let anyone in the form of a 10 minute walk through tear it down. It is unfair, and in poor taste, to put it mildly.
The tension at PRAB is thick. We are working under similar conditions, and are always looking over our shoulders. We must keep everything on the down low. We know something shady is going on with the superintendent. We see her visitors although everything happens behind closed doors. Everything we do is censored. It is not fair to see what is happening in our schools and how we must stay silent. Something is about to go down as Durkin is up to no good, again. We are all in jeopardy. Teachers, do not come here to find answers. We are not allowed to support you. And, if you do, you risk losing your job. We can't even help ourselves because we can't trust anyone. All who are not on board will be dismissed. That is what we are being told. We must keep their secrets even if it deemed ethically wrong. Principals are not standing up for what is right. They are in on it, too. Strangers in suits leaving Durkin's office evoke unimaginable scenarios and fear because she is capable of anything. We are bodies, and easily dispensable, same as you. Her actions, the disrespect, commands, the secrecy and whispers, are just too much. There is no place to hide; to feel safe. She's watching us, and so are her spies. Somehow, everything gets back to her, and she's ready to pounce. Durkin is dangerous, and she has backup. A support system for us is nonexistent. The climate here is worse than hell, and our administrators are without moral compasses. None are exempt. Everyone is looking out for themselves and will use any means of protection. We've seen it before. We are seeing it again.
Principals are following direct orders from the superintendent. They know their jobs are on the line. Why would they risk standing up for their teachers? It is much easier to blame them for the all the failures. We are without power and administrators prey on this. We are experiencing a range of emotions and not one of them is positive. Our rights have been violated, but we are trying to stay strong and focused for the students. For how much longer, I just don't know.
Does anyone know if that is really what is happening with all the scores from our unannounced observations, by the principal?
Are they really being tallied for Pia to look at?
Enough is enough! I thought I was having a mini stroke or heart attack yesterday, in class! I can't take this constant pressure and horassment, anymore. I'm going to crack!
No one should have to work in fear! I know I do the best I can with what I have. I love teaching and I have some wonderful students, I'm also a human being with faults and weakness along with my strengths and the ability to try and learn something new everyday of my life. I believe in loving kindness and acceptance. If people continue to look for the bad in life than that's what they'll find. When are we going to start looking at the good in all the people who work and go to school at NBHS. If we treat each other with love than there will be love if we treat each other with anger and fear than that's what we will have.
Lou was on the radio talking about Durkin's climate of fear. The radio host asked him to get some teachers on the show to talk about what's going on first hand.
Excellent post by PRAB staffer. Confirms I think what we all believe. Truly a sorry state of affairs. Terrible working conditions in the NBPS, and who is to blame? Plenty, and they will continue their shadowy ways. Can we all agree that spies are the poorest tools to encourage and support any organization? Especially if success is the goal. Spies need to be exposed. Shame on anyone who acts as one, or supports and defends this practice. This city was not built on such practices, and letting an outsider dictate those unscrupulous practices is cowardly. Everyone needs to stand up for fairness, because without it, you might as well lay down in front of the bus now, because you're going to be thrown under it by someone who is afraid to lose their job or maximize their pension anyway. So very sad.
I find it odd that the post is about working in a climate of fear, but the second comment talks about Pacheco School. Could this possibly be an administrator speaking????
regarding the comment about fights occurring at Pacheco school; no they never occurred there before this year. Since you identified the school as Mt Pleasant, you may be of that era. It's quite possible there were fight back then. It was a Level 4 years ago.
it's true that there is standing room only at open house and events. There are different degrees of parent involvement. Do the kids come from homes where reading is a priority? Are parents volunteers in the building? Do they send their kids to kindergarten prepared and do homework with them? Some do, but its a minority not the majority. Speak about what you know. And the comment about Level 1 ? Isn't that the name of the game today? Aren't we supposed to be reaching for the gold ring? Sounds like you only want to talk MCAS score when it benefits you. Get real- it's a fact of life we're measured by every year.
The leadership at NBHS is terrible. They are looking for fault in everything we do. We ask them questions, they blow us off. We offer suggestions for improvement, and they get angry. They are the experts with all the answers, and they hold the pens to write up our terrible evaluations. It makes them feel good and look good. Blame the teachers.
all current problems are because of the states actions in the 70s when low income section eight was shipped down to New Bedford from Boston and Brocton to save money on the cost of housing. Since then these undereducated have had numerous children who in turn have had numerous children without parental guidance being left out on the streets all hours while these welfare parents go to bars and do drugs and in no way help in the learning process that is expected of parents and then they yell and scream and sue if their "wonderful child" fails and blame the teachers who are not given resources in the schools because the school requires the teachers to cover the expense of paper and ink copying at home of projects or face firing and the thugs in the classroom continue to disrupt teaching of those that actually do want to learn yet teachers are blamed for this behavior problem issue and poor test results
^^ people like that give educators a bad name. It has nothing to do with what happened in the 70s. There are many students from "poor" and "uneducated" families who can and do succeed. And who refers to children as "thugs"? I hope you are not a teacher in NB. We don't need people like you!
The principal at Kempton is smart to get out now. She brought her school up to a Level 1. Why would she need to put up with Durkin's nonsense? The principals who have turned on their teachers will be sorry in the end because Dr. Durkin will never be loyal to them. She will dispose of them when she's done using them. Remember that.
29 comments:
Yes.at.all.times
Dedicated teachers are being given low ratings on unannounced observations at a frequent clip. These are tallied for a report that goes to the superintendent. (At least that is what the principal claims)...There are new "Look Fors" at every turn. As we try to meet the demands of the many original expectations, new ones become just as critical to our evaluations. Teachers have told me they feel like they might have a heart attack at any moment. The unhealthy stress is not improving instruction, in fact the opposite is happening. The fear is turning to anger and this will trickle down to the learners.
So if the Pacheco teachers have the answers, why are they sitting back? Are they just sitting back to let the principal fail? Marcia's gone. It's your job to step up or shut up. Opinions are worthless. Act.
The Pacheco teachers DO have the answers for what works. Don't be intimidated or jealous of our success because we're willing to share. How are we "just sitting back and letting the principal fall"? We've expressed what's going on and told the principal what needs to change. We can't remove her from the building. We're not looking for a Marcia because there will never be anyone as good as her. And we will NEVER shut up!!!!
I commend the Pacheco teachers for standing up for what they believe in. Most teachers just complain among themselves and are afraid to expose the nasty working conditions they are in. Take a lesson from these teachers!
How are we sitting back? Its not my job to teach her how to "be a principal". Or should we add that to my job description, too? I didn't hire her so I can't fire her.
I commend the Pacheco School Teachers. Not many teachers have the guts to stand up for what they believe in. Hopefully someone will take notice.
I think it's sad teachers don't speak up. That's why our lifetime certification was taken away, our retirement is always changing, why teachers can get beaten while breaking up a fight and end up in the hospital, and why teachers get killed by gunfire in school and the public doesn't care. We get no respect because we don't STAND TOGETHER and SUPPORT each other! Let's have a bother/sisterhood like the police and firemen have. Be united and strong!!
"jealous of our success." Good one. It makes my point. I am saying that 2 or 3 teachers there are obsessed with the past. "Level 1, Marcia, Level 1, Marcia." Move on.
Or are you seriously telling me that no kid hit a teacher at Mount Pleasant school before this fall? Ever? Because that's what you said on the radio.
And why did you lie on the radio about parent turnout? Standing room only at parent nights and events is the truth.
What's this feedback people talk about? Pacheco teachers haven't received anything. But how can we? She's locked in her office 24/7, how can she provide us with feedback? Wonder what goes on her superintendent report!?
We are doing our job, but it's hard to do it when there are fight breaking out like NEVER before and nothing is even being done about it! And the kids know that they can get away with whatever they want because, unlike before, the principal is unseen and unwilling to do anything. She wants us to fail!
Whoever hired her should put her in their kids' school and see how they like her!
I think a serious games of cat and mouse is being played out at the expense of the stakeholders in the NBPS. The superintendent, mayor, sc, standard times, and dese overseers continue to side step the importance of parent and student involvement in the education process, and as long as that continues, teacher's blood and only teacher's blood will continue to flow.
We all know the saying about what runs down hill, and the teachers are at the bottom, make no mistake. As the superintendent pressures principals and principals ratchet up the pressure on the teachers, many people will, and rightly so become exposed, and that is fine.
Let's put it all on the table. I think the system is at that point, don't you.
Let's expose those that need to be exposed. Those at PRAB, those on the sc, those in city hall, those that run our schools, and yes, those who teach. The only pass is to the standard times. They need to concentrate how to stay in business without continually bashing teachers, although teachers still read, and buy papers. I bet teachers are half of their subscription list. The standard can't afford to loose them.
Teachers need to stop acting like lemmings and stand up for what is right and fair. Stop being passive and afraid of job loss. Big step, I know. Don't wait for someone to stand up for something we all should be standing up for. They can't fire everyone, and they can't fire good teachers without cause.
Let your integrity be your compass, and don't let anyone take unfair advantage of it. You have worked too hard to attain it. Don't let anyone in the form of a 10 minute walk through tear it down. It is unfair, and in poor taste, to put it mildly.
The tension at PRAB is thick. We are working under similar conditions, and are always looking over our shoulders. We must keep everything on the down low. We know something shady is going on with the superintendent. We see her visitors although everything happens behind closed doors. Everything we do is censored. It is not fair to see what is happening in our schools and how we must stay silent. Something is about to go down as Durkin is up to no good, again. We are all in jeopardy. Teachers, do not come here to find answers. We are not allowed to support you. And, if you do, you risk losing your job. We can't even help ourselves because we can't trust anyone. All who are not on board will be dismissed. That is what we are being told. We must keep their secrets even if it deemed ethically wrong. Principals are not standing up for what is right. They are in on it, too. Strangers in suits leaving Durkin's office evoke unimaginable scenarios and fear because she is capable of anything. We are bodies, and easily dispensable, same as you. Her actions, the disrespect, commands, the secrecy and whispers, are just too much. There is no place to hide; to feel safe. She's watching us, and so are her spies. Somehow, everything gets back to her, and she's ready to pounce. Durkin is dangerous, and she has backup. A support system for us is nonexistent. The climate here is worse than hell, and our administrators are without moral compasses. None are exempt. Everyone is looking out for themselves and will use any means of protection. We've seen it before. We are seeing it again.
Principals are following direct orders from the superintendent. They know their jobs are on the line. Why would they risk standing up for their teachers? It is much easier to blame them for the all the failures. We are without power and administrators prey on this. We are experiencing a range of emotions and not one of them is positive. Our rights have been violated, but we are trying to stay strong and focused for the students. For how much longer, I just don't know.
Does anyone know if that is really what is happening with all the scores from our unannounced observations, by the principal?
Are they really being tallied for Pia to look at?
Enough is enough! I thought I was having a mini stroke or heart attack yesterday, in class! I can't take this constant pressure and horassment, anymore. I'm going to crack!
No one should have to work in fear! I know I do the best I can with what I have. I love teaching and I have some wonderful students, I'm also a human being with faults and weakness along with my strengths and the ability to try and learn something new everyday of my life. I believe in loving kindness and acceptance. If people continue to look for the bad in life than that's what they'll find. When are we going to start looking at the good in all the people who work and go to school at NBHS. If we treat each other with love than there will be love if we treat each other with anger and fear than that's what we will have.
I'm working in fear everyday.
I work in fear.
Lou was on the radio talking about Durkin's climate of fear. The radio host asked him to get some teachers on the show to talk about what's going on first hand.
Excellent post by PRAB staffer. Confirms I think what we all believe. Truly a sorry state of affairs. Terrible working conditions in the NBPS, and who is to blame? Plenty, and they will continue their shadowy ways.
Can we all agree that spies are the poorest tools to encourage and support any organization? Especially if success is the goal. Spies need to be exposed. Shame on anyone who acts as one, or supports and defends this practice. This city was not built on such practices, and letting an outsider dictate those unscrupulous practices is cowardly.
Everyone needs to stand up for fairness, because without it, you might as well lay down in front of the bus now, because you're going to be thrown under it by someone who is afraid to lose their job or maximize their pension anyway.
So very sad.
I find it odd that the post is about working in a climate of fear, but the second comment talks about Pacheco School. Could this possibly be an administrator speaking????
regarding the comment about fights occurring at Pacheco school; no they never occurred there before this year. Since you identified the school as Mt Pleasant, you may be of that era. It's quite possible there were fight back then. It was a Level 4 years ago.
it's true that there is standing room only at open house and events. There are different degrees of parent involvement. Do the kids come from homes where reading is a priority? Are parents volunteers in the building? Do they send their kids to kindergarten prepared and do homework with them? Some do, but its a minority not the majority. Speak about what you know. And the comment about Level 1 ? Isn't that the name of the game today? Aren't we supposed to be reaching for the gold ring? Sounds like you only want to talk MCAS score when it benefits you. Get real- it's a fact of life we're measured by every year.
No one at Pacheco is obsessed about the past. It's all about maintaining what we have and going further.
If I was the principal at Pacheco I don't think I would be able to show my face knowing that the whole staff hates me.
Is it true that the Kempton principal quit? If a Level 1 school leader can't take this place...who can?
The leadership at NBHS is terrible. They are looking for fault in everything we do. We ask them questions, they blow us off. We offer suggestions for improvement, and they get angry. They are the experts with all the answers, and they hold the pens to write up our terrible evaluations. It makes them feel good and look good. Blame the teachers.
all current problems are because of the states actions in the 70s when low income section eight was shipped down to New Bedford from Boston and Brocton to save money on the cost of housing. Since then these undereducated have had numerous children who in turn have had numerous children without parental guidance being left out on the streets all hours while these welfare parents go to bars and do drugs and in no way help in the learning process that is expected of parents and then they yell and scream and sue if their "wonderful child" fails and blame the teachers who are not given resources in the schools because the school requires the teachers to cover the expense of paper and ink copying at home of projects or face firing and the thugs in the classroom continue to disrupt teaching of those that actually do want to learn yet teachers are blamed for this behavior problem issue and poor test results
^^ people like that give educators a bad name. It has nothing to do with what happened in the 70s. There are many students from "poor" and "uneducated" families who can and do succeed. And who refers to children as "thugs"? I hope you are not a teacher in NB. We don't need people like you!
The principal at Kempton is smart to get out now. She brought her school up to a Level 1. Why would she need to put up with Durkin's nonsense? The principals who have turned on their teachers will be sorry in the end because Dr. Durkin will never be loyal to them. She will dispose of them when she's done using them. Remember that.
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