IPS' traditional calender start next week. What are you doing to get ready for it? If you're at Arlington have you gotten fitted for your bulletproof vest?
The thing is, I agree with 7:09. These kinds of posts reinforce the idea that IPS teachers are hostile and defensive and would rather play the blame game than improve their ability to educate students.
The fact is there is a tenative agreement, but it's a secret. Why? Shouldn't the agreement be posted on IPS on-line so teachers can read it, and think about it before voting? It's no wonder many teachers are defensive when they do not trust their leadership. Trust and respect have to be earned and Dr White has not earned either.
Divide and conquer--that is the goal of this administration and some of you are playing right into their little hands. Focus on the facts and stop blaming each other. If you are not happy with what is being said here, it is your right to disagree, but realize, you are being used. Once again, if you feel this blog has zero credibility, then why are you on it?
9:19 AM - I agree that the goal of this administration is to divide and conquer. In fighting takes the focus off of downtown. Let us be respectful of each other and stop the name calling. It seems strange to me that a tenative agreement that diminishes the seniority system is being rushed to a vote after two years without a contract. Could it be because the District wants to justify hiring so many people outside of the RIF'ed staff? Why is there such a big rush? Did the IEA sell out the teachers?
First of all, advising the teachers of the contract is a function of the union and not of IPS. Posting it on the IPS on line would not be legal.........some people bitch because we get a contract and then others bitch because we get one and they have to wait a couple of days to get the specifics....it is called gettint the i's dotted, the t's crossed, 3000 copies proofread and printed.......patience.....
Anon, not only are you poor at spelling but you are also a sexist...why do you feel the need to address the person you responded to as SIR. Do you assume only a male would make that statement??????
It is gallows humor, don't take the comment so seriously. I used to teach at one of the grade schools (numbered in the teens) and there was a drive by shooting at the dismissal, the kids dove behind a nearby wall and had to yell at the teachers to get down behind the wall. If you don't laugh at stuff like this you wouldn't be able to face what we face every day. Sometimes we are in lala land about our kids lives. Face it and go on.
I disagree that the goal of the administration is to divide and conquer. Their jobs and lives would be easiest if we all got along splendly and all put as much energy into being the best teachers as we do into figthing them. (I'm a teacher, not an administrator so don't even start). I have countless issues with administration, but they involve micromanaging and making me accountable for someone else's program. But making central office out to be a bunch of bogeymen is silly. Many of them are greedy or ignorant or pushy but I don't think any of them really want to "divide and conquer" teachers. They want money and test scores not adversity.
10:24 you need to have an off the record talk with someone you know who is in administration. Try to find someone who has been in the system for a number of years, someone who is really caring, once you find this person talk to them and find out what is said downtown. I've been to those meetings and there has been a change, the attitude is that teachers are working against the best interest of students. I'm glad I've retired.
10:24a.m.-- I've talked to principals who tell me that in administrative council they talk about how to treat teachers. Some of my friends said they just don't have it in them, and they left IPS either through retirement or went to another district. Let me just share a story that shows the mindset: In April, a teacher I know very well went to speak before the board. As a long-time, highly effective teacher for many years, she shared her feelings about the lack of a contract, but even more she talked about having to teach in an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. The very next day when she got to school, there was a director waiting for her. She wanted to observe her, see her grade book. They nitpicked with this teacher for weeks and when they couldn't find anything...they changed her teaching assignment to something more difficult. Vindictive? You tell me.
What am I doing to prepare? Well, I am resting more and praying. I am planning get-acquainted activities for the first day. Since I have been moved around a lot, I am taking less stuff this year. I want to buy some new posters for my room, but I haven't decided what I want them to say yet.
I have many longtime friends who are administrators and they share some of the abusive, vindictive, mean spirited comments made in top level meetings by Eugene White and some of his close advisors. It makes even other administrators sick at the vendetta that White has against his teachers.
After hearing some of the recent posts about the vendetta Eugene has against teachers, I am thanking God that I can retire with full benefits at the end of this upcoming school year. I'd like to hope I won't have to, but with the current mindset against older, veteran teachers, I fear I'll have no recourse. I'm a bit of an oddity--I still like what I do, and I care about my students and being effective. I've survived many difficult administrators, and oh, the stories I could tell. :)
The kids are difficult but dealing with them is my job and my passion. I want to teach them, and I want them to want to learn. The problem is that instead of supporting what is suppose to be all our objective the administration spends its time abusing teachers. Wrong objective here folks.
Rumor last spring was that if Ann was elected we'd have a contract soon, because she was Dr. White's choice. I wonder what ed center job she will have when her term of office ends.
I am sad. This blog is piting teacher against teacher against administrators against Walnut Street. I was so excited when I thought that factual info would come from the sharing of info. I thought that maybe the press or anyone would help all of us in uncovering the truth about IPS, and those facts would facilitate change. Now, I think we're all sunk. Anyone who reads what has been written in the past weeks would agree that the staff at IPS is not only divided in our perceptions about district problems, but also would agree that we are attacking each other for our individual perceptions and experiences. This blog will be our downfall....
6:31 PM, I could not agree more!!! We NEED to unite!!! We all have had different experiences. But, that doesn't mean that one experience is more relevant than another. PLEASE, how can we come TOGETHER in order to serve our kids and each other??? I am so afraid that central office is laughing at our divisivness.
Our experiences are all different and each school has its own personality so I dont find it unusual that teachers would have different perceptions depending on where they teach and what they teach. There are many good building administrators out there but some bad ones as well. If nothing else, I think that there is pretty solid agreement that a big part of the problem is Eugene White and his treatment of teachers. We also need to be aware that there are administrators planting items on here to deliberately cause teacher to teacher problems.....
Are we allowed to have a small refrigerator or small microwave in our classrooms? Some teachers in some buildings have them, and then in some buildings they can't have them. I can't find anything written about this as a district policy. Anyone know?
IPS' traditional calender start next week. What are you doing to get ready for it? If you're at Arlington have you gotten fitted for your bulletproof vest?
Part of all of this is the nature of a blog, it you don't like this thread, read another, try the one on six step discipline, maybe you can post some hints or strategies that have worked for you. You can also e-mail the moderator and ask for that a topic of your choice be posted.
Perhaps you are at a school where the administration doesn't behave this way, there are still some quality administrators out there who resist this pressure to downgrade teachers.
It was Ripple where the loaded handgun was found. Now that the decent administrator is gone the only way theyll find a handgun is if it is in Davises fridge or oven.
Have you received a welcome back to school letter or e-mail? I haven't gotten anything and I'm going to a new school, therefore I have no idea what I'm suppose to do or where I'm suppose to go.
Linda Davis has sent her staff TWO letters and a couple of emails letting us know exactly what is going on at Broad Ripple our first two days back. She is awesome!!!!!!!
That is a tacky and taseless post. This blog has zero credibility because of posts like that. And you wonder why IPS gets zero respect.
ReplyDeleteYou, sir, are the problem.
IPS gets little respect because of test scores, and incompetent administrators. By the way you spelled tasteless incorrectly.
ReplyDelete7:09 a.m.--I think you are the same disgruntled poster from the previous blog yesterday and I think I know who you are!
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, I agree with 7:09. These kinds of posts reinforce the idea that IPS teachers are hostile and defensive and would rather play the blame game than improve their ability to educate students.
ReplyDeleteWatch out!!! IPS Central Office is trying to make us mad at each other. Remember, focus on the facts. Don't get frustrated
ReplyDeleteThe fact is there is a tenative agreement, but it's a secret. Why? Shouldn't the agreement be posted on IPS on-line so teachers can read it, and think about it before voting? It's no wonder many teachers are defensive when they do not trust their leadership. Trust and respect have to be earned and Dr White has not earned either.
ReplyDeleteDivide and conquer--that is the goal of this administration and some of you are playing right into their little hands. Focus on the facts and stop blaming each other. If you are not happy with what is being said here, it is your right to disagree, but realize, you are being used. Once again, if you feel this blog has zero credibility, then why are you on it?
ReplyDelete9:19 AM - I agree that the goal of this administration is to divide and conquer. In fighting takes the focus off of downtown. Let us be respectful of each other and stop the name calling.
ReplyDeleteIt seems strange to me that a tenative agreement that diminishes the seniority system is being rushed to a vote after two years without a contract. Could it be because the District wants to justify hiring so many people outside of the RIF'ed staff? Why is there such a big rush? Did the IEA sell out the teachers?
First of all, advising the teachers of the contract is a function of the union and not of IPS. Posting it on the IPS on line would not be legal.........some people bitch because we get a contract and then others bitch because we get one and they have to wait a couple of days to get the specifics....it is called gettint the i's dotted, the t's crossed, 3000 copies proofread and printed.......patience.....
ReplyDeleteAnon, not only are you poor at spelling but you are also a sexist...why do you feel the need to address the person you responded to as SIR. Do you assume only a male would make that statement??????
ReplyDeleteIt is gallows humor, don't take the comment so seriously. I used to teach at one of the grade schools (numbered in the teens) and there was a drive by shooting at the dismissal, the kids dove behind a nearby wall and had to yell at the teachers to get down behind the wall. If you don't laugh at stuff like this you wouldn't be able to face what we face every day. Sometimes we are in lala land about our kids lives. Face it and go on.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that the goal of the administration is to divide and conquer. Their jobs and lives would be easiest if we all got along splendly and all put as much energy into being the best teachers as we do into figthing them. (I'm a teacher, not an administrator so don't even start). I have countless issues with administration, but they involve micromanaging and making me accountable for someone else's program. But making central office out to be a bunch of bogeymen is silly. Many of them are greedy or ignorant or pushy but I don't think any of them really want to "divide and conquer" teachers. They want money and test scores not adversity.
ReplyDeleteyeah, yeah, I know, splendidly and fighting are spelled wrong. It bugs me too. :)
ReplyDelete10:24 you need to have an off the record talk with someone you know who is in administration. Try to find someone who has been in the system for a number of years, someone who is really caring, once you find this person talk to them and find out what is said downtown. I've been to those meetings and there has been a change, the attitude is that teachers are working against the best interest of students. I'm glad I've retired.
ReplyDeleteI'm offended by this post about Arlington. A totally false statement. Your blog is to open discussion, not give your opinion.
ReplyDelete10:24a.m.--
ReplyDeleteI've talked to principals who tell me that in administrative council they talk about how to treat teachers. Some of my friends said they just don't have it in them, and they left IPS either through retirement or went to another district. Let me just share a story that shows the mindset: In April, a teacher I know very well went to speak before the board. As a long-time, highly effective teacher for many years, she shared her feelings about the lack of a contract, but even more she talked about having to teach in an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. The very next day when she got to school, there was a director waiting for her. She wanted to observe her, see her grade book. They nitpicked with this teacher for weeks and when they couldn't find anything...they changed her teaching assignment to something more difficult. Vindictive? You tell me.
What am I doing to prepare? Well, I am resting more and praying. I am planning get-acquainted activities for the first day. Since I have been moved around a lot, I am taking less stuff this year. I want to buy some new posters for my room, but I haven't decided what I want them to say yet.
ReplyDeleteI have many longtime friends who are administrators and they share some of the abusive, vindictive, mean spirited comments made in top level meetings by Eugene White and some of his close advisors. It makes even other administrators sick at the vendetta that White has against his teachers.
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing some of the recent posts about the vendetta Eugene has against teachers, I am thanking God that I can retire with full benefits at the end of this upcoming school year. I'd like to hope I won't have to, but with the current mindset against older, veteran teachers, I fear I'll have no recourse. I'm a bit of an oddity--I still like what I do, and I care about my students and being effective. I've survived many difficult administrators, and oh, the stories I could tell. :)
ReplyDeleteThe kids are difficult but dealing with them is my job and my passion. I want to teach them, and I want them to want to learn. The problem is that instead of supporting what is suppose to be all our objective the administration spends its time abusing teachers. Wrong objective here folks.
ReplyDeleteDoes it seem funny to anyone else that the entire time Al represented us we had no contract
ReplyDeleteRumor last spring was that if Ann was elected we'd have a contract soon, because she was Dr. White's choice. I wonder what ed center job she will have when her term of office ends.
ReplyDeleteAnn (now President) was bargaining chair when Al was President. It does make you wonder.
ReplyDeleteI thought Ann was stationed at the Ed. Center last year???
ReplyDeleteI am sad. This blog is piting teacher against teacher against administrators against Walnut Street. I was so excited when I thought that factual info would come from the sharing of info. I thought that maybe the press or anyone would help all of us in uncovering the truth about IPS, and those facts would facilitate change. Now, I think we're all sunk. Anyone who reads what has been written in the past weeks would agree that the staff at IPS is not only divided in our perceptions about district problems, but also would agree that we are attacking each other for our individual perceptions and experiences. This blog will be our downfall....
ReplyDelete6:31 PM, I could not agree more!!! We NEED to unite!!! We all have had different experiences. But, that doesn't mean that one experience is more relevant than another. PLEASE, how can we come TOGETHER in order to serve our kids and each other??? I am so afraid that central office is laughing at our divisivness.
ReplyDeleteWhat is sad is that anyone believes this blog is a positive process to air issues. One good aspect is teachers do share updates of information.
ReplyDeleteOur experiences are all different and each school has its own personality so I dont find it unusual that teachers would have different perceptions depending on where they teach and what they teach. There are many good building administrators out there but some bad ones as well. If nothing else, I think that there is pretty solid agreement that a big part of the problem is Eugene White and his treatment of teachers. We also need to be aware that there are administrators planting items on here to deliberately cause teacher to teacher problems.....
ReplyDeleteAre we allowed to have a small refrigerator or small microwave in our classrooms? Some teachers in some buildings have them, and then in some buildings they can't have them. I can't find anything written about this as a district policy. Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteI believe that small refrigerators/microwaves are a Fire Marshall issue. Appliance rated extension cords must be used to plug them into a wall socket.
ReplyDelete6:31, 6:57 and 7:09--I suspect you are all the same person.
ReplyDeleteIPS' traditional calender start next week. What are you doing to get ready for it? If you're at Arlington have you gotten fitted for your bulletproof vest?
ReplyDeleteDUMB ASS!!!!!
Part of all of this is the nature of a blog, it you don't like this thread, read another, try the one on six step discipline, maybe you can post some hints or strategies that have worked for you.
ReplyDeleteYou can also e-mail the moderator and ask for that a topic of your choice be posted.
Perhaps you are at a school where the administration doesn't behave this way, there are still some quality administrators out there who resist this pressure to downgrade teachers.
I love this blog! I also am very excited about the new school year!
ReplyDeleteIt was Ripple where the loaded handgun was found.
ReplyDeleteNow that the decent administrator is gone the only way theyll find a handgun is if it is in Davises fridge or oven.
Have you received a welcome back to school letter or e-mail? I haven't gotten anything and I'm going to a new school, therefore I have no idea what I'm suppose to do or where I'm suppose to go.
ReplyDeleteArlington High School
Linda Davis has sent her staff TWO letters and a couple of emails letting us know exactly what is going on at Broad Ripple our first two days back. She is awesome!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletebetter stop that drinking! 5:47
ReplyDeletenothing from Crispus Attucks.
ReplyDelete6:28 PM: What is that supposed to mean??? Huh?
ReplyDelete