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Saturday, March 22, 2014
Teaching in NB is no longer a labor of love. They've sucked the joy
right out of us ... Submitted to NBEA
What's your point of view?
18 comments:
Anonymous
said...
We still labor with love. Most of us are still doing our best against all that is stacked up against us. I feel truly saddened for the kids. All the joy has been sucked out for them, as well. What do YOU remember from your school days? All the things that we remember fondly from our childhoods are gone, replaced with testing and drudgery. Sad for us, sadder for them.
I find it interesting that the low level administrative positions are now losing their jobs. These people spent so much time telling us that they wish we didn't have a union. That unions were the reason we were in the position we were in. But alas wait, now their in danger of losing their jobs, who do they call? THE UNION!
I will tell any young person going into the teaching profession to reconsider their choice. Especially in New Bedford where teachers are not supported, back up or respected by the administration . A administration that is manipulated and run by a psychopath. If you still want to teach go elsewhere, not all districts are like New Bedford.
How can low level administrators blame the union for the state of affairs at the high school when they are just as responsible? Do they mean that the union protects bad teachers? If this is true, they had recourse which could be documented on the original teacher evaluation forms. We know the new teacher evaluations were used unfairly with the intention to hurt and harm any and all. Low level administrators are the ones who protected their friends, chose to ignore, looked the other way, and did not show consistency. They were not well versed in some of the most important areas of learning taking place in their school. It is no secret that what goes around, comes around. To assist them now is just plain foolish.
I was speaking to my sister yesterday and I finally got around to telling her about the outcome of my reapplication. I was denied the ability to return to New Bedford High School, but might have an opportunity to bid on a different position. I have been high school teacher for twenty years, so for all intensive purposes, I have been fired. She asked about my having tenure and I proceeded to explaining the situation. She then asked, "What are you doing today?" "I'm writing lesson plans.", I replied. "If they fired you already, then why are you working so hard?", She asked. How do you respond to that sort of obvious logic? You dedicate a significant portion of your life to an institution (for me, it was a quarter of my time on Earth). Then, they send a form letter that gives no explanation as to your particular offense; but with no more effort than making a check next to a line, states we don't want you anymore. What possible answer could I give? My response was simple, "I'm still a teacher and I do it for my kids". I'm not doing this job for, Dr. Pia Durkin, the School Committee, Mayor Mitchell or Andrew Kulak ( who we forget is also unemployed). We do this for our students, whether they realize it at the time or not, and because it is who we are. We do it because somewhere in our wiring there is something that made us want to do this work to help kids become better people. We have been bullied, demoralized, and scapegoated by those in power, yet we still show up every day and practice our craft. By definition, teaching in New Bedford IS a labour of love". Despite the administrative stuff, my best times are those that are spent in the classroom with my students. That is something they can't take away from me. Now, I need to get back to creating my lesson plans. See you tomorrow,NBHS.
We have to realize that a child coming to school carries with her the sum of her life—good and bad—gifts, talents, struggles, needs, family strengths and issues, culture and economic status. In order for that student to be socially, emotionally and academically successful, we have to know and value who she is and what she is experiencing in life. The same is true for teachers. Valuing each person’s authentic life experiences is important in developing a caring and supportive educational environment where people can be at their best.
Thank God there are people that still care about the students' welfare. They do not deserve the turmoil. Hope the admin realize they sense and internalize this in unproductive ways.
All I know is that I'm sick...more sick than I've ever been in my life. I have ailments that have all manifested as a result of working for NBPS; have all developed as a result of stress, according to the numerous doctors I have seen in the last few years. I wish to feel whole again, but more importantly, to be happy in my job and to enjoy the work that I do working with children. Unfortunately, I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon or ever in New Bedford.
Who created this recommendation list to the new administration? I would think they would like to meet and greet the teachers for themselves and form their own opinions. Very perplexed by some of the choices to stay, leave and interview.... seems like someone is getting their last bit of revenge on some individuals....
For the Teacher above...please leave if you haven't already. This is not worth your health. I was having issues as well and decided to take what my body was telling me seriously. I left teaching in NBPS and I can honestly say I am feeling whole again. Trust me, you will find a job where you are respected for what you do. Life is too short...best wishes.
There are too many unforgiveable actions taking place this year. If our sick day accumulation is STOLEN from us that will be the final insult. Pure dedication to this school district has resulted in over 180 sick days to my credit. We do not receive ANY type of sick leave incentive DURING our career. I regret not using more of mine when I was raising my own children now. Obviously, it is not viewed as an honorable thing to do any longer. USE 'EM up people!!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree with the post regarding the 180 days of accumulated sick leave. During one of the School Committee meetings, the question of sick leave came up referencing retirements and the sick leave buy back. When I saw the expression on Mitchell's face, I could envision the wheels turning in his head as to how to get rid of that clause.
My suggestion, if you have a great many sick days on the books, begin using them as nothing is guaranteed with this administration, Mayor or School Committee. Do keep some of them as a safety net. Remember for the small amount of money you will receive when you leave, you are actually way behind compared to your daily rate of pay.
Sorry to say that this Superintendent, Mayor, and School Committee just doesn't care about how dedicated and hard working we all are.
18 comments:
We still labor with love. Most of us are still doing our best against all that is stacked up against us. I feel truly saddened for the kids. All the joy has been sucked out for them, as well. What do YOU remember from your school days? All the things that we remember fondly from our childhoods are gone, replaced with testing and drudgery. Sad for us, sadder for them.
I find it interesting that the low level administrative positions are now losing their jobs. These people spent so much time telling us that they wish we didn't have a union. That unions were the reason we were in the position we were in. But alas wait, now their in danger of losing their jobs, who do they call? THE UNION!
I will tell any young person going into the teaching profession to reconsider their choice. Especially in New Bedford where teachers are not supported, back up or respected by the administration . A administration that is manipulated and run by a psychopath. If you still want to teach go elsewhere, not all districts are like New Bedford.
How can low level administrators blame the union for the state of affairs at the high school when they are just as responsible? Do they mean that the union protects bad teachers? If this is true, they had recourse which could be documented on the original teacher evaluation forms. We know the new teacher evaluations were used unfairly with the intention to hurt and harm any and all. Low level administrators are the ones who protected their friends, chose to ignore, looked the other way, and did not show consistency. They were not well versed in some of the most important areas of learning taking place in their school. It is no secret that what goes around, comes around. To assist them now is just plain foolish.
I was speaking to my sister yesterday and I finally got around to telling her about the outcome of my reapplication. I was denied the ability to return to New Bedford High School, but might have an opportunity to bid on a different position. I have been high school teacher for twenty years, so for all intensive purposes, I have been fired. She asked about my having tenure and I proceeded to explaining the situation. She then asked, "What are you doing today?"
"I'm writing lesson plans.", I replied.
"If they fired you already, then why are you working so hard?", She asked.
How do you respond to that sort of obvious logic? You dedicate a significant portion of your life to an institution (for me, it was a quarter of my time on Earth). Then, they send a form letter that gives no explanation as to your particular offense; but with no more effort than making a check next to a line, states we don't want you anymore. What possible answer could I give? My response was simple, "I'm still a teacher and I do it for my kids". I'm not doing this job for, Dr. Pia Durkin, the School Committee, Mayor Mitchell or Andrew Kulak ( who we forget is also unemployed). We do this for our students, whether they realize it at the time or not, and because it is who we are. We do it because somewhere in our wiring there is something that made us want to do this work to help kids become better people. We have been bullied, demoralized, and scapegoated by those in power, yet we still show up every day and practice our craft. By definition, teaching in New Bedford IS a labour of love". Despite the administrative stuff, my best times are those that are spent in the classroom with my students. That is something they can't take away from me.
Now, I need to get back to creating my lesson plans. See you tomorrow,NBHS.
School has become one gigantic prison for students and teachers.
At least administrators get to run around and fluff their hair....
We have to realize that a child coming to school carries with her the sum of her life—good and bad—gifts, talents, struggles, needs, family strengths and issues, culture and economic status. In order for that student to be socially, emotionally and academically successful, we have to know and value who she is and what she is experiencing in life. The same is true for teachers. Valuing each person’s authentic life experiences is important in developing a caring and supportive educational environment where people can be at their best.
Thank God there are people that still care about the students' welfare. They do not deserve the turmoil. Hope the admin realize they sense and internalize this in unproductive ways.
All I know is that I'm sick...more sick than I've ever been in my life. I have ailments that have all manifested as a result of working for NBPS; have all developed as a result of stress, according to the numerous doctors I have seen in the last few years. I wish to feel whole again, but more importantly, to be happy in my job and to enjoy the work that I do working with children. Unfortunately, I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon or ever in New Bedford.
Who created this recommendation list to the new administration? I would think they would like to meet and greet the teachers for themselves and form their own opinions. Very perplexed by some of the choices to stay, leave and interview.... seems like someone is getting their last bit of revenge on some individuals....
For the Teacher above...please leave if you haven't already. This is not worth your health. I was having issues as well and decided to take what my body was telling me seriously. I left teaching in NBPS and I can honestly say I am feeling whole again. Trust me, you will find a job where you are respected for what you do. Life is too short...best wishes.
Hope the people who caused you stress and bad health get it back to them threefold.
Prayers for you and good wishes.
I have used all my sick time for this year. I have never been so ill and stressed out.
I get sick watching SC meetings resembling scripted reality shows. What a bunch of frauds.
Everyone start using your sick time...they are going after that next...
No more than 75days to be kept?
Many teachers I've spoken with have been ill this year..
It's work overload of doing to much and having big brother watch you all the time...
Watch out for those sneaky people lurking in the corridor.
There are too many unforgiveable actions taking place this year. If our sick day accumulation is STOLEN from us that will be the final insult. Pure dedication to this school district has resulted in over 180 sick days to my credit. We do not receive ANY type of sick leave incentive DURING our career. I regret not using more of mine when I was raising my own children now. Obviously, it is not viewed as an honorable thing to do any longer. USE 'EM up people!!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree with the post regarding the 180 days of accumulated sick leave. During one of the School Committee meetings, the question of sick leave came up referencing retirements and the sick leave buy back. When I saw the expression on Mitchell's face, I could envision the wheels turning in his head as to how to get rid of that clause.
My suggestion, if you have a great many sick days on the books, begin using them as nothing is guaranteed with this administration, Mayor or School Committee. Do keep some of them as a safety net. Remember for the small amount of money you will receive when you leave, you are actually way behind compared to your daily rate of pay.
Sorry to say that this Superintendent, Mayor, and School Committee just doesn't care about how dedicated and hard working we all are.
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