tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post2833813669525483167..comments2024-01-06T06:09:29.140-05:00Comments on An Urban Teacher's Education: Checking Outjames boutinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625944306253098621noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-46127539120597487902016-07-07T10:12:15.305-04:002016-07-07T10:12:15.305-04:00Hello there,
I had a very similar experience in m...Hello there,<br /><br />I had a very similar experience in my first year of teaching full-time. I too decided to resign mid-year, my last day being at the end of March. I am now seeking a position in any other district and am having a hard time explaining to administrators why I left mid-year. I am trying very hard not to make myself look like I would run away from any "hard times" and I also do not want to come across as an admin hater. When asked, "why did you leave a permanent position in the middle of the school year?", how should I respond? Any input would be greatly appreciated. <br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12874275236389914260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-57133791484469430302012-12-08T06:58:54.800-05:002012-12-08T06:58:54.800-05:00This post seems a little dated, but I would like t...This post seems a little dated, but I would like to know where you are today, as this is the 2012-13 academic year. Things can change in a very short period of time; especially with the current economic climate of the country, I am certain that you have had many unusual opportunities come your way.<br /><br />I am currently working for a Chicago Charter School and going through similar processes. I spend less time teaching the subject matter and more time adjusting my personality and skills to fit the discipline needs of the students. In my case, I do hold the kids accountable because they are largely raising themselves and they are exposed to so much time alone and on their own that they do realize when they are behaving properly and when they are completely beside themselves.<br /><br />Needless to say, I spend less and less time working within my subject matter, so this is affecting my personal growth and my true "professional development". What the Admin calls "PD" are actually little coffee sessions about idealistic fantasies about interacting with students and gaining more control over the students. I am fully aware that these talks are merely theater to cosmetically be "in compliance" with the administration. <br /><br />I wish you well, wherever you went. I am committed to solidifying my foundation in Chicago, as I have only been here for 18 months.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-34959327442181617962010-01-10T21:25:18.255-05:002010-01-10T21:25:18.255-05:00Wow.I hope your next job will allow you to be happ...Wow.<br><br>I hope your next job will allow you to be happy in the classroom again!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13068000212401969602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-12317101246010652102010-01-10T21:55:36.121-05:002010-01-10T21:55:36.121-05:00I'm sorry to hear that, but I think you're...I'm sorry to hear that, but I think you're making the right decision.Dee Does DChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07412392619550107211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-90655824273316927972010-01-10T21:59:14.117-05:002010-01-10T21:59:14.117-05:00Congrats & good luck! I wish I could do the sa...Congrats & good luck! I wish I could do the same, but my departure will have to wait until the end of the school year. I'm sure there will be a mass of teachers leaving once again this year... We are all replaceable "human capital" afterall!<br><br>I doubt our admins will ever get a clue & I'm not going to stick around for another year to painfully see the same BS & abuse go on... It's going to be a long 5 months to get through!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-87972582311208413042010-01-10T23:19:46.234-05:002010-01-10T23:19:46.234-05:00Hi there,I don't know you, just read your blog...Hi there,<br><br>I don't know you, just read your blog, and I'm not a teacher. I just want to tell you CONGRATULATIONS and wish you the best for a fabulous rest of your life. I have toyed with the idea of teaching more than once over the past few years, and then things like this scare me off the whole plan. So I want to thank you for being the voice of realism that keeps me out of harm's way.<br><br>Life truly *is* too short to be miserable every day, and I know you have made the right decision. Get out of this bastard city and go someplace where you can be happy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-65064995134798952622010-01-11T00:03:12.977-05:002010-01-11T00:03:12.977-05:00I've written on your blog a couple of times, f...I've written on your blog a couple of times, first year teacher, and admire you for doing what I sooooooooooo want to do. It's 11:51 pm and should be time for bed, but alas I have studying, lesson planning, grading, etc to do, and I say to myself is all this worth it? I feel the same, it's not the kids it's the administration, no structure, no curriculum, no support. Did you see the link on the "Washington Teacher" blog about Rhee on Anderson Cooper and the Washington Post article about the story in the Atlantic about TFA, http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/201001/good-teaching. It is all so depressing, as people who have not been through this crazy thing called DCPS believe all the lies, so after awhile you realize that nothing will change, as you said we are all dispensable "Human Capital". Please keep writing we need a voice like yours in education. Reflective Educator, I'm sure you'll make more of a difference working outside the system than in it. Good Luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-90690854740892263042010-01-11T00:18:11.671-05:002010-01-11T00:18:11.671-05:00Anon at 12:03: Yes! I did see the Washington Teac...Anon at 12:03: Yes! I did see the Washington Teacher blog and the article in The Atlantic about TFA. I completely agree with you. Those are nice little lies to those stakeholders outside the classroom with the attempt to influence them to act according to the wishes of those who are benefitted by programs like TFA (i.e. the leaders inner-city school systems and ultimately, I believe, the unrealistic demands made on education by the public at large). I take such great issue with that, especially the article in The Atlantic. I've been meaning to post something about that article on here.The Reflective Educatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625944306253098621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-51116934066848932712010-01-11T08:11:52.130-05:002010-01-11T08:11:52.130-05:00I would really like to see an exposé of your schoo...I would really like to see an exposé of your school, where reality and its public face are two different things. In educational circles and in the literature, the school comes across as some kind of beacon of student achievement, where AP offerings are the norm, the graduation rate is high and many of its immigrant students get college scholarships though the school's efforts. There is quite an underside to what is going on there, the lowest point must have been last year with the firing of over 20 of its staff. Additionally, dedicated teachers leaving in the middle of the year is really indicative of some serious problems. Again, I can't wait til the press blows it wide open.Anonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-77044479810613176862010-01-11T08:56:30.971-05:002010-01-11T08:56:30.971-05:00I supported your original decision to leave, then ...I supported your original decision to leave, then said "good for you" when you decided to stay and now say "good for you" again.<br><br>Good for you especially for sharing your turmoil at school and your inner struggle. I have no doubt that you will ultimately accomplish something very positive for that school, the kids of DCPS in general and your teacher colleagues. <br><br>You have just begun to fight.Kingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-12358219283990795832010-01-11T09:59:20.687-05:002010-01-11T09:59:20.687-05:00One of the parents that reads your blog...If you c...One of the parents that reads your blog...<br><br>If you can't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else. I'm sorry you couldn't make it through the year - I'm sure it's a tough decission, because the culture of your profession is very much against it and I think its the kind of thing that makes people do a double take on your resume. So, kudos to you for having the courage to make the choice you needed to make. Be thankful you were in a position to be able to make it, dust yourself off and I'm sure you'll find the right next step.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-60254439175577205352010-01-11T14:45:29.114-05:002010-01-11T14:45:29.114-05:00I'm jealous. I wish I could just quit my job a...I'm jealous. I wish I could just quit my job and leave my school. Like when a teacher is absent and they make me cover the class. Of course, there's no work left and I have no idea what to do, but I'm just supposed to hold down the fort. Or when the principal makes ridiculous demands, expects something done immediately and yells at me. Or when colleagues undermine me and says that Johnny is just fine for them and not a discipline problem at all, it must be my fault. But I got bills, a spouse and kids counting on my health insurance, repairs to be made on my house, college loans to pay back not to mention the current economy. So I just grin and bear it. And hope for a raise, that my principal will leave, that Ms. So and So will go to PG County, that spring break will come... I'm a teacher.I wish...noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-49536615439549164902010-01-11T17:58:59.500-05:002010-01-11T17:58:59.500-05:00Congratulations, Reflective Teacher. You are putti...Congratulations, Reflective Teacher. You are putting your health first and that's always a wise thing to do.<br><br>As someone else said, don't give up on teaching because of this negative experience. Try a different age group in a different school district.<br><br>You are obviously a very intelligent and sensitive individual with excellent writing skills, so you might want to go back to grad school to prepare for college teaching. In this climate of teacher-bashing, I don't think I'd encourage anyone to go into K-12 teaching.<br><br>A good job for you right now would be to explore ways of helping the teachers who are left behind. I hope you find ways of making their lives easier. You are indeed very fortunate that you are able to resign.<br><br>Please continue writing this blog so we'll know how you're doing.Linda/RetiredTeacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613269510654597179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-588000996199099202010-01-11T19:44:27.007-05:002010-01-11T19:44:27.007-05:00I'm sorry to see you quit mid-year but it also...I'm sorry to see you quit mid-year but it also sounds completely untenable at your school. Part of me wishes you could have transferred but it also sounds like waiting for that to happen would have been equally unbearable. I am glad you are staying involved in DCPS, regardless of how. We need voices such as yours in the system as much as possible, voices that demonstrate true reflection, true consideration of what is being said and what is being done. I hope you will continue the blog.lodesterrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04875792642302052800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-50567456511789713482010-01-11T22:53:56.330-05:002010-01-11T22:53:56.330-05:00This is the first time I am reading your blog. I ...This is the first time I am reading your blog. I also work for DCPS and almost walked out myself in December. Even though my situation is bad, your situation sounds even worse which I did not think was possible.<br><br>Toxic is the right word that says it all. I have worked for DCPS for almost 10 years and this is the worse it has ever been. Rhee is toxic and encourages toxic behavior from her administrators.<br><br>I am pretty sure I know what school you worked at based on the tremendous turnover and description of the leadership. I am not sure if you know that Rhee likes to play tennis with your former principal and is well aware of the anti-student/child leadership style.<br><br>These kinds of things show me without a doubt the DCPS is definitely heading in the wrong direction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-83863121221847308742010-01-12T08:43:07.638-05:002010-01-12T08:43:07.638-05:00Keep the blog up and alive. I wish you the best in...Keep the blog up and alive. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-14204024900153023272010-01-12T10:08:48.180-05:002010-01-12T10:08:48.180-05:00While I am sad to see you go, I hope you don't...While I am sad to see you go, I hope you don't mind the advice I give the young and/or new teachers with whom I work: this is a tough place, perhaps the most difficult in the nation. It's okay if you decide this is not the right venue for you. Find one that fits you, that honors your talents and respects you as a professional. They do exist.<br><br>But don't ever think you're a bad teacher because DCPS makes you feel that way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-14290789861617510062010-01-12T18:53:54.144-05:002010-01-12T18:53:54.144-05:00Congratulations and Best of Luck to you in your ne...Congratulations and Best of Luck to you in your next adventure.<br><br>I am a new reader of your blog, I just happened to come across it as I am currently considering employment with DCPS. As a relatively new teacher who is committed to urban education, my heart and brain takes a double take when I think of things that are going on in schools right now. I want to make a difference, but is administration really worth losing my career over? my creativity? I've dealt with some difficult administration but I have a feeling this is a whole new ballpark from all I'm hearing.<br><br>Anyhow- Best of luck to you! Whatever you do, you are and will be an inspiration to all of us out here.teachernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-37838684188878371232010-01-12T19:18:20.039-05:002010-01-12T19:18:20.039-05:00I taught in a SE DC middle school for 3 years. My ...I taught in a SE DC middle school for 3 years. My decision to leave came after one of my students was shot in the back of the head by an off duty police officer. My principal, in effect, said we should consider ourselves lucky that we no longer had to deal with that trouble maker. <br>I didn't leave until I ensured that my principal got fired, however. With enough rope, they will hang themselves; you just have to be around to take the pictures. <br><br>To anyone wishing to teach in DC, I beg you to just say no. Thanks to the new Chancellor, they basically rely upon a revolving door of "teach for America" type teachers only planning to stay for 2 years or less. They are cheap, and they are too scared to stand up for what is right. If teachers refuse the job en mass, then change will have to take place. I see no other options for improving such a broken system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-24419008459108600622010-01-12T20:45:49.555-05:002010-01-12T20:45:49.555-05:00teacher at 6:53: E-MAIL ME!!!! I know exactly whe...teacher at 6:53: E-MAIL ME!!!! I know exactly where you're at because I was there myself a year ago. This is my fourth year teaching and I always knew I wanted to be in a place like DCPS because I had that yearning to see what it was like and how effective I could be. We should talk. I'd love to share some experiences with you that I really can't put up on this blog.The Reflective Educatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625944306253098621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-29539010799377153472010-01-13T08:28:31.195-05:002010-01-13T08:28:31.195-05:00I know of one DCPS school where the administration...I know of one DCPS school where the administration is supportive. There may be others, but I've only heard teachers talk about one and I won't describe it in any detail because I'm so afraid central administration will find out and go over there to shake things up. The principal does what's right by the teachers instead of what central dictates. I suspect that principal has plans to move on, so doesn't care about riling Rhee and just wants to be a decent person. I suspect and hope that there are other principals like that who just need their jobs too much to be defiant.<br><br>This is no model school - it has all the typical problems and limitations of urban schools, but its non-hostile administration makes it a bearable place to work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-7462257671885532362010-01-14T17:42:17.430-05:002010-01-14T17:42:17.430-05:00I suggest that you find a candidate you like and v...I suggest that you find a candidate you like and volunteer to support their campaign to oust Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-21823142219802547242010-01-14T22:30:45.000-05:002010-01-14T22:30:45.000-05:00You need to find another profession. Teaching chil...You need to find another profession. Teaching children is not for you.Beverly F.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-16649680616689707282010-01-14T22:37:23.383-05:002010-01-14T22:37:23.383-05:00not a bad idea - you could demand that Rhee explai...not a bad idea - you could demand that Rhee explain her support for the poisonous work environment at your school and its role in facilitating learning. Point out the huge annual turnover and demand that she explain how that is beneficial for the students.<br><br>Ask for the heads of your adminstrators and if she doesn't offer them up, ask why not and if she does, ask why not sooner.Kingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113479300897983388.post-81468320067633710292010-01-15T10:16:46.338-05:002010-01-15T10:16:46.338-05:00I must admit I'm a bit disheartened by all the...I must admit I'm a bit disheartened by all the "congratulatory" messages I'm seeing posted. As a former teacher, I wholeheartedly understand (though of course every school and situation is different, so I suppose I cannot fully understand what its like to be in your shoes) your frustrations and disillusionment with your school's leadership and management. <br><br>But at the same time, you're just another teacher giving up on the kids - its not their fault that they have a sub-par principal and its not their fault they are being educated in a far from perfect system. <br><br>Your departure is right for you it sounds, but is only adding to the list of people failing our students...sad to see you leave.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com