Happy New Year. Here's today's question. Have the cadres done any good or are we just delaying the inevitable when it comes to laying off teachers, especially since the stimulus money that made them possible runs out in 18 months.
The Cadres are a total waste of stimulus money. When they were at my school building most of the time I saw them hanging out in the teacher's lounge(getting paid a teacher's salary to sit in the lounge to read a book). Can somebody please tell me why the cadre teachers work in pairs? It takes two of them to do the job of one experienced teacher? If they have youth on their side, then they should be able to handle a teaching position without the help of another less experienced buddy teacher. Most of the Cadre teachers tend to be young, inexperienced and they tend to pacify the students by not following the lesson plans that are left by the experienced classroom teacher. Instead these cadre teachers let the students color, listen to rap music and basically let them do whatever they want. These cadre teachers have no clue about maintaining classroom management.
The cadre's have helped when we have needed spot subs for workshops. I have more of an issue with the "weed checkers"/compliance people who write you up for having weeds in your flower garden yet no credit for even HAVING a flower garden. You also get a write up for having cobwebs near your fire extinguisher. These Nazi's patrol the hall complaining about things we have little or no control over. Surprised we didn't get a write-up for not having the air conditiong turned on in our school in the middle of August even though our school doesn't have it. Dumb logic to say the least
I get tired of the "Nazi" people on here who don't just look at content (subject) being spoken and want to knock people because of poor language skills. Especially when they have no clue.
This site does not provide a spell check or grammar check.
Yes, in a perfect world everyone who has knowledge would be able to write well on the spot, and not have typo's, and knowledge to write using proper English. Unfortuntely just like IKE, FDR, Patton, JFK, Einstein, and other powerful American and world leaders I have a learning disability. I cope (and NO I don't teach English rest assured, I know better) and give out the knowlegde in the area of my discipline that I mastered (You probably think that I should not have masters degree because of having LD and poor English. Once again, I probably have more knowledge in my discipline and other areas than you. Just as you are probably well versed in English and other areas I don't do as well.) We all contribute know matter our back ground. Even with out always having proper English and grammar.
Get over yourself. Not all teachers are English experts. Just as the world is not full of English experts. We have are areas of contribution and we do that.
Because we are not English experts does not mean we should not be allowed to contribute to discussions or be allowed to comment.
I know that more than a few times, cadre teachers have been assigned to my building, and NO ONE knew they were coming (they weren't there to relieve teachers for training). And I know this has happened at other buildings too. They had to spend a couple hours in the lounge, waiting for the principal to find something for them to do (while also dealing with students, phone calls, etc.) It's not fair to the cadre teachers, to the classroom teachers who are not prepared for people to come into their room...I don't understand why buildings can't be notified ahead of time! But, when the cadre are there, I find them helpful.
"weed checkers"/compliance people." +++++++++++++++ From what I discern, these compliance people are an utter waste of money, time. My impression is that they (as one person wrote here) "check weeds" etc., to validate their professional existences and paychecks.
I like the idea of having a principal and a vice principal in EVERY elementary school and let them provide "compliance" guidance to teachers.
The cadre teachers are a joke...they show up when no one expects them and have nothihg to do so they sit in the lounge and do nothing...in the meantime there are teachers absent without a sub.....they are worthless and cant control the students ...their main strategy seems to be to give them candy to keep them quiet......tkhey are clueless.
The cadre visits are planned well in advance to cover for teachers in PD. If you did not know they were coming, you must not be checking your email frequently.
Some cadre members are a joke and do nothing. But others are well-trained teachers who try and do their best. Anyone have a good "Cadre" experience?
I check my email frequently. The cadre teachers I have spoken to have said that on SEVERAL occasions at SEVERAL different schools, the principal was not notified that they were coming. They were not coming to the building to cover teachers for a planned PD. They were simply told to report to school x. The cadre teachers have complained that principals are not being notified, and have been told that "the issue is being worked on." I cold understand if it was just happening at my building, but it's happening at several schools.
There must be a communication issue at several schools then because the Cadre schedule is developed and sent, by email, to every school almost one month before-hand. Sounds like a problem with the buildings more than the Cadre.
I am a Cadre member, returning to the field after a maternity leave from another district. I enjoy the program, as it has been a great way for me to test the waters at each IPS school, and better equips me to decide if I'd like to accept a position at a particular school or not.
As far as classroom managment concerns, I would say it is hit or miss. Granted, several Cadres are inexperienced/Teaching Fellows, but you must remember, your students (and often yourselves) view us as "subs", and subsequently, we're treated as such. When a teacher clearly defines how a guest teacher (or Sub, for that matter!)should be treated in his/her classroom, and has clearly-defined behavior expectations/consequences, then we are much more successful in your absence.
Can you please tell me what is the difference between a sub, cadre team member and a guest teacher? Bottom line they are not the regular classroom teacher! Some cadre team members think they are a cut above a sub or a guest teacher.
Must say, the cadre teachers in my building have been great! They show up on time, do what they are asked, and are nice folks. Now, I am wondering what other administrators are doing because ours knows when the cadre folks are coming and always has a plan B if more than are expected arrive.
The schedule for the Cadre teachers is planned by semester and originates from Dr. Johnson's office. The Cadre is scheduled into a building during the In-School Professional Development days, and EVERY building administrator received an email containing that schedule at the beginning of the 1st semester and again with the upcoming beginning of the 2nd semester.
If the building administrator says he/she did not know the Cadre was coming to his/her school, then he's just admitted he did not read his email! (plain and simple) It is the responsibility of the building administrators and any building level coaches to plan for the In-School PD days. Some principals 'follow the guildelines' and other principals are either clueless, dumb, or oppositional. Take your pick!
The cadre teachers that I have had the opportunity to have in my classroom have been wonderful! There was a problem once, but it was not the cadre's fault. Our team was not notified by our principal that they the cadre would be there. We received no notice and had to have lesson plans ready for them in five minutes. Our principal had definitely not read his email and was not even prepared for what he was suppose to do with us for professional development for the day. Ultimately, it was the students who suffered.
re: Can you please tell me what is the difference between a sub, cadre team member and a guest teacher? Bottom line they are not the regular classroom teacher! Some cadre team members think they are a cut above a sub or a guest teacher.
They are a cut above. They are licensed and intensely trained teachers who know what they are doing. They are more than just a warm body. Is it their fault they are not the regular classroom teacher?
If the cadre teachers are a cut above a guest teacher and a sub plus they are licensed and intensely trained, then why does it take two of them to SUB in a classroom when the regular classroom teacher is away? I would think with all of their knowledge, training and being licensed they could just be SUPER TEACHER and get the job done alone. You don't see the regular classroom teachers having to work in pairs!
The Cadres are a joke...they either dont show up when expected or show up when no one knew they were coming and have nothing to do. I wish there was a way to total how many hours they spend sitting in teacher lounges talking, reaching newspapers or talking on their cell phones.....Get rid of them....what a waste.
The cadre members who I have seen have been great. They showed up in ties and acted professionally. They held their own with tough kids and I saw signs of their training through their techniques of classroom management. Those that I saw were workig solo so I do not know where the myth of working in teams is coming from. Also, I asked Judith Walls, who runs the cadre, and she assured me that all school are notified about the Cadre members being at their schools. They are there to cover for teachers in professional development which is planned far in advance. So, to say that they showed up when nobody knew they were coming shows that you are not checking emails or hitting the "delete" key in Groupwise too quickly or simply making it up! So, who is the joke now?
I think the people that are complaining about the Cadre's classroom management should be sent to a different school EVERY day for a couple of weeks and see how they are treated by the students, and in many cases the staff. The cadre are licensed teachers. Many of them have great classroom management in their area of licenser. BUT, the cadre are placed in Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms... that becomes difficult for teachers who are only certified to teach K-6 or departmentalized subjects in the upper grades. Many times the cadre is placed in pairs depending on the school. Pairing helps so that teaching can occur and then the other cadre member can perform "crowd control."
The same Judith Walls who was/is in charge of teacher mentor training? The same Judith Walls who has lost my training certificate FIVE TIMES (3 times faxed, twice handed to her in person)?
There are several points that need to be made. -As a cadre, I am GIVEN my schedule and told where to be and when to be there. I have no control over the principals who dont communicate with their staff. -Alot of times, we do sit in the lounge with nothing to do because the teachers complain about having us in their classrooms, so there for there is NOTHING for us to do. Its not our fault. -We are there to HELP and ASSIST teachers, not to spy on you, contrary to what many think. - CADRE members are LICENSED TEACHERS. SUBSTITUTE teachers are not required to have any educational background, except 60 or so credit hours. Now doesnt that put the Cadre a step up from substitutes? It sure does, even though its the same tye of work being done, WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING!!! Alot of the cadre have masters or even doctorate degrees, so please dont say that we are stupid or dont know anything. - The reason most of us are in the Cadre is because we havnt found a classroom job at any school. They are hard to come by, especially in this economy. Its not because we cant "handle" a classroom. - I was hired as an Elementary Cadre, told that I would only be placed in elementary schools, but I am put in high schools and middle schools (NOT my choice), and that is why we are paired up sometimes (often with someone who has a license in the area in which we are put for the day) - For all the people who complain about the Cadre, why dont you try it for a week, maybe two, and then talk to us about all the crap your dishing out.
Now why in the world would any experienced teacher who has been teaching for more than 20 years feel threatened by some inexperienced, overzealous, incompetent cadre member? The cadre members need to know that they are just as expendable as any other teacher working for IPS. Just because most of them have less than 5-10 yrs. of teaching experience makes IPS keep them (cheaper to pay them than an experienced teacher of 20 or more years).
because teachers with 20+ years experience, usually, are very old school with their techniques and teaching styles, and the newer college grads have ways of talking and teaching the students that gets them more excited or interested.
Ten bucks says the blogmaster replies that you're coddling them and throwing candy at them and you're sleeping with an administrator and that's why students learn for you and not for her. ;)
We have had cadre members in our school this week. Don't they have to follow the dress code? One man had jeans with a big hole in it and did nothing but talk about collecting unemployment in the summer while he was eating lunch. Another one made a fool out of him self by acting like he was in church giving a sermon on how he was going to have a heart attack because the students were so loud. Infact, he said he could go louder and louder. Where do they get these cadres from? They need to learn some manners and set good examples for children.
I understand it is a difficult to come into someone elses classroom and teach. I also understand that you were sent to me by my principal. My only complaint it when I leave plans. READ them and follow them. I am sick of coming back and finding that my plans were not followed and something else has taken place. This has happen more often than not. This week my chart was turned to the next story and that was NOT in my plans. I had one say "we have to do all that?" and then NOT do any of it. I am sure not every Cadre teacher is like this but out of 7 times I have had them 6 times my plans were not followed. I spent time doing them. At first we were told that they would have lessons planned and now we do double duty.
I have had several cadre members in my classroom over the last couple of months and found that they are more than competent and have followed my lesson plans, left detailed notes on the daily progress and completed my lunch/breakfast duties for the day. From my understanding, minus the Teaching Fellows, Cadre members are licensed teachers. Some have more experience than current classroom teachers. While everyone is complaining about these individuals, I have seen many classroom teachers treat the cadre members with utter disrespect. In my opinion, those who are complaining are simply jealous of the fact that they make the same salary as us and don't have to complete IEP's, grades, etc. Instead of complaining, focus on your classroom because your words only make you sound ignorant. You aren't setting a very good example for your school. Teachers are to be accepting, understanding and able to be flexible. Clearly, if you can't handle a Cadre member in your classroom, maybe you are the one with the problem. I expect the negative responses to occur, but from what I have experienced these people have only done what is asked of them and my experience has been pleasant.
I just want to say that I am a cadre member and all of my experiences have been pleasant with the staff. I did not realize that teachers felt this way! All I am going to say is that I love my job because I feel like I am making a difference even though I don't have my own classroom. My job is to relieve teachers to attend PD to better themselves in the classroom. I do everything that is asked of me and do it to the best of my ability.
Well Well, I love all these comments. I am a cardre member and all those comments bashing the cadre have no valid points and just go to show us some of the fools we have as ips teachers! lol Response to the person talking about the cardre and dress code, if she had any knowledge about her school district she would know that teachers do not have a dress code. Stupid! Think before you say something. I have just got done spending a wonderful friday in our cadre meeting, we played on computers and ate cookies all day. Thank you Obama for our stimulus money. Have a great day everyone. I love my job! :)
As a cadre member, the above post does not represent the opinions of all of us. As in any department, there are a few bad apples, and clearly this person is one of them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and with the negative treatment from teachers towards the cadre, there are teachers who equally respect us. It's life. I, for one, bust my ass everyday at work. I follow lesson plans to a "T" (when they are provided), adhere to the classroom behavior system and provide feedback to the teachers. I rarely get a thank you, but I at least know that I am earning my paycheck and provide the utmost care and education for the students each day. The above cadre member mentions playing on computers. The responsible members completed their assignment on Voyager training as we were assigned. Just from the post, I can almost guess who you are and know that you don't represent a majority of us....additionally, your points aren't valid either and you fall into the category of some of the "fools we have as IPS teachers" according to your attitude. I, too, love my job and regardless of what comments are posted on this blog, I go on each day as I should because in the end nobody else's opinion matters but mine and the person who supervises me.
Well I can probably guess who you are too! One of the suck asses that has nothing better to do with their life. lol. If you think you know who I am then approach me and and say what you think to my face. I would find it very amusing! I know their are great ips teachers out there, I myself was one last year. The kids, parents and staff loved me. My students received the highest scores on ISTEP from the entire school. Oh, and I also got teacher of the year! I just think some of these teachers that bash the cadre need to think before they speak and if you don't know what sarcasm is, it is me saying we play on computers all day. Don't take everything so seriously. That is one thing you need to work on! Keep going on each day with your opinions and pleasing your supervier, even though many of the practices that occure in cadre are unethical. You my friend are a follower, I am a leader. Do what you need to do to make you happy and I will do the same. :)If you feel the need to reply which I am sure you will, lol, I have more to say and evidence to back up my opinions. Have a great day!
I'm another cadre member that thinks that saying we are eating cookies and playing on computers all day isn't appropriate. We are already disliked by many, so why fuel the fire?
Why would a cadre member do lesson plans for YOUR classroom? How is doing plans for a day you will be out double duty? Shouldn't you have plans prepared regardless?
I was a member of the cadre for awhile this year, and am now in my own classroom. I can attest that there are some (not many, but some) cadre members who do sit around and do nothing, complain about everything, etc. However, most cadre members are very capable teachers who do whatever they are asked (to the best of their ability) in the classrooms. ALL cadre members are licensed, even including the Teaching Fellows. The cadre wasn't always easy, and it's hard having no consistency from day to day--but I have to say that it was overall much less work than making lesson plans, grading papers, dealing with parents, etc
All of the Teach Fellows are out of the cadre in in classrooms. This is a good thing...they need to be in front of our kids. Has anyone worked with a Fellow before? They are amazing. IPS needs to commit to hiring twice as many each year as it will raise student achievement. This also goes for Teach for America folks too. Anyone got opinions?
You must be a Teaching Fellow since you posted that. What a joke. If this thread were frequently posted in and wasn't as old as it is, the majority of posters would disagree with you.
First of all, all of the fellows are not out of the cadre and in classrooms. Second, I have worked with them in the classroom and while many do know what they are doing, many do not. Why hire twice as many of something that is only half good? They have no teaching license. Your comments belittle the cadre members that do have a license and who lost their jobs not because of performance but due to other reasons. Why should the teaching fellows get a job over them?
Like is stated above.... the fellows ALL DO have their licenses. Many of the fellows are dually licensed (in elementary and special education, for example). Many IPS teachers are very uninformed about the teaching fellows program. All teaching fellows have to be licensed before they enter the classroom. They are not hired by IPS (or other districts) unless they are licensed. The teaching fellows are all also getting their master's degrees. I don't think fellows should get a job over anyone. I think the jobs should be given based on the best fit for the job. You said you have worked with fellows before, and that some know what they're doing, and some do not. As a teacher I think you could say the exact same thing about all teachers. Many of my fellow colleagues are great teachers, but some are not.
I'm sorry, but they DO NOT have their licenses. They have a "Transition to Teaching Permit". It clearly states this on the Indiana Teaching Fellows website. They will not obtain their Indiana Teaching License until they complete all coursework as any other teacher has done. Yes, they are getting their Masters degree, as they have a Bachelors degree in another field not related to teaching. Clearly you aren't as informed of the program as you claim to be either. Jobs should be given for the best fit. Everyone should be given the opportunity to interview. Unfortunately, that isn't how it works. The Teaching Fellows program has been contracted out by IPS, in other words they struck a deal. IPS is working with the program giving these UNLICENSED individuals the training they need (being IPS, they are getting something out of the deal), as they need a certain amount of classroom hours for their coursework. In return, the Fellows are given the upperhand on jobs. Call any HR person downtown and they will verify this information. You are correct that all teachers are not effective. The point I was getting across was to the poster saying that IPS should hire twice as many Fellows. Every department has uneffective people, however hiring twice as many Fellows puts many current teachers out of a job and many that are searching for a job on the backburner.
Yes, fellows DO have their licenses. Look up any of their names on the DOE website. They have an initial teaching license, just as any graduate of an education program will have. I can also assure you that the fellows do not get first dibs on jobs. Ask anyone in the cadre. There were fellows who interviewed for jobs and were chosen, and then there were fellows who were passed over for other cadre members.
As it states above, they have a TRANSITION TO TEACHING license. It is NOT the same as the license they will recieve AFTER they complete their full coursework. If you care to do some research, enter any of their names and it clearly states their license type is "transition". Look up any fully licensed teacher and it will state their licensure type.
If you are asking about you having a job in the cadre next year, I don't think anyone's jobs are safe at this point. Take a look at the proposed budget cuts and I think you can answer your own question.
The Cadres are a total waste of stimulus money. When they were at my school building most of the time I saw them hanging out in the teacher's lounge(getting paid a teacher's salary to sit in the lounge to read a book). Can somebody please tell me why the cadre teachers work in pairs? It takes two of them to do the job of one experienced teacher? If they have youth on their side, then they should be able to handle a teaching position without the help of another less experienced buddy teacher. Most of the Cadre teachers tend to be young, inexperienced and they tend to pacify the students by not following the lesson plans that are left by the experienced classroom teacher. Instead these cadre teachers let the students color, listen to rap music and basically let them do whatever they want. These cadre teachers have no clue about maintaining classroom management.
ReplyDeleteI believe with our governors plans. They have only delayed the inevitable.
ReplyDeleteThough taking advantage and delaying in this economy. I don't blame them for doing what is necessary to keep there jobs.
IPS did what it could to keep employees. Though, I think they could condence administrative positions and keep these teachers in the classroom.
The governor though need has made sure there will be lay-offs of these cadre people.
That is how I see it.
The cadre's have helped when we have needed spot subs for workshops. I have more of an issue with the "weed checkers"/compliance people who write you up for having weeds in your flower garden yet no credit for even HAVING a flower garden. You also get a write up for having cobwebs near your fire extinguisher. These Nazi's patrol the hall complaining about things we have little or no control over. Surprised we didn't get a write-up for not having the air conditiong turned on in our school in the middle of August even though our school doesn't have it. Dumb logic to say the least
ReplyDeleteonce this year they came and listened to students read. That was wonderful. Need to do it more often...like once a week.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope poster number two, on this topic, isn't an English teacher.
ReplyDeleteTo the above poster.
ReplyDeleteI get tired of the "Nazi" people on here who don't just look at content (subject) being spoken and want to knock people because of poor language skills. Especially when they have no clue.
This site does not provide a spell check or grammar check.
Yes, in a perfect world everyone who has knowledge would be able to write well on the spot, and not have typo's, and knowledge to write using proper English. Unfortuntely just like IKE, FDR, Patton, JFK, Einstein, and other powerful American and world leaders I have a learning disability. I cope (and NO I don't teach English rest assured, I know better) and give out the knowlegde in the area of my discipline that I mastered (You probably think that I should not have masters degree because of having LD and poor English. Once again, I probably have more knowledge in my discipline and other areas than you. Just as you are probably well versed in English and other areas I don't do as well.) We all contribute know matter our back ground. Even with out always having proper English and grammar.
Get over yourself. Not all teachers are English experts. Just as the world is not full of English experts. We have are areas of contribution and we do that.
Because we are not English experts does not mean we should not be allowed to contribute to discussions or be allowed to comment.
I know that more than a few times, cadre teachers have been assigned to my building, and NO ONE knew they were coming (they weren't there to relieve teachers for training). And I know this has happened at other buildings too. They had to spend a couple hours in the lounge, waiting for the principal to find something for them to do (while also dealing with students, phone calls, etc.) It's not fair to the cadre teachers, to the classroom teachers who are not prepared for people to come into their room...I don't understand why buildings can't be notified ahead of time! But, when the cadre are there, I find them helpful.
ReplyDelete"weed checkers"/compliance people."
ReplyDelete+++++++++++++++
From what I discern, these compliance people are an utter waste of money, time. My impression is that they (as one person wrote here) "check weeds" etc., to validate their professional existences and paychecks.
I like the idea of having a principal and a vice principal in EVERY elementary school and let them provide "compliance" guidance to teachers.
The cadre teachers are a joke...they show up when no one expects them and have nothihg to do so they sit in the lounge and do nothing...in the meantime there are teachers absent without a sub.....they are worthless and cant control the students ...their main strategy seems to be to give them candy to keep them quiet......tkhey are clueless.
ReplyDeleteThe cadre visits are planned well in advance to cover for teachers in PD. If you did not know they were coming, you must not be checking your email frequently.
ReplyDeleteSome cadre members are a joke and do nothing. But others are well-trained teachers who try and do their best. Anyone have a good "Cadre" experience?
I check my email frequently. The cadre teachers I have spoken to have said that on SEVERAL occasions at SEVERAL different schools, the principal was not notified that they were coming. They were not coming to the building to cover teachers for a planned PD. They were simply told to report to school x. The cadre teachers have complained that principals are not being notified, and have been told that "the issue is being worked on." I cold understand if it was just happening at my building, but it's happening at several schools.
ReplyDeleteThere must be a communication issue at several schools then because the Cadre schedule is developed and sent, by email, to every school almost one month before-hand. Sounds like a problem with the buildings more than the Cadre.
ReplyDeleteI am a Cadre member, returning to the field after a maternity leave from another district. I enjoy the program, as it has been a great way for me to test the waters at each IPS school, and better equips me to decide if I'd like to accept a position at a particular school or not.
ReplyDeleteAs far as classroom managment concerns, I would say it is hit or miss. Granted, several Cadres are inexperienced/Teaching Fellows, but you must remember, your students (and often yourselves) view us as "subs", and subsequently, we're treated as such. When a teacher clearly defines how a guest teacher (or Sub, for that matter!)should be treated in his/her classroom, and has clearly-defined behavior expectations/consequences, then we are much more successful in your absence.
Can you please tell me what is the difference between a sub, cadre team member and a guest teacher? Bottom line they are not the regular classroom teacher! Some cadre team members think they are a cut above a sub or a guest teacher.
ReplyDeleteMust say, the cadre teachers in my building have been great! They show up on time, do what they are asked, and are nice folks. Now, I am wondering what other administrators are doing because ours knows when the cadre folks are coming and always has a plan B if more than are expected arrive.
ReplyDeleteThe schedule for the Cadre teachers is planned by semester and originates from Dr. Johnson's office. The Cadre is scheduled into a building during the In-School Professional Development days, and EVERY building administrator received an email containing that schedule at the beginning of the 1st semester and again with the upcoming beginning of the 2nd semester.
ReplyDeleteIf the building administrator says he/she did not know the Cadre was coming to his/her school, then he's just admitted he did not read his email! (plain and simple) It is the responsibility of the building administrators and any building level coaches to plan for the In-School PD days. Some principals 'follow the guildelines' and other principals are either clueless, dumb, or oppositional. Take your pick!
The cadre teachers that I have had the opportunity to have in my classroom have been wonderful! There was a problem once, but it was not the cadre's fault. Our team was not notified by our principal that they the cadre would be there. We received no notice and had to have lesson plans ready for them in five minutes. Our principal had definitely not read his email and was not even prepared for what he was suppose to do with us for professional development for the day. Ultimately, it was the students who suffered.
ReplyDeletere: Can you please tell me what is the difference between a sub, cadre team member and a guest teacher? Bottom line they are not the regular classroom teacher! Some cadre team members think they are a cut above a sub or a guest teacher.
ReplyDeleteThey are a cut above. They are licensed and intensely trained teachers who know what they are doing. They are more than just a warm body. Is it their fault they are not the regular classroom teacher?
If the cadre teachers are a cut above a guest teacher and a sub plus they are licensed and intensely trained, then why does it take two of them to SUB in a classroom when the regular classroom teacher is away? I would think with all of their knowledge, training and being licensed they could just be SUPER TEACHER and get the job done alone. You don't see the regular classroom teachers having to work in pairs!
ReplyDeleteThe Cadres are a joke...they either dont show up when expected or show up when no one knew they were coming and have nothing to do. I wish there was a way to total how many hours they spend sitting in teacher lounges talking, reaching newspapers or talking on their cell phones.....Get rid of them....what a waste.
ReplyDeleteThe cadre members who I have seen have been great. They showed up in ties and acted professionally. They held their own with tough kids and I saw signs of their training through their techniques of classroom management. Those that I saw were workig solo so I do not know where the myth of working in teams is coming from. Also, I asked Judith Walls, who runs the cadre, and she assured me that all school are notified about the Cadre members being at their schools. They are there to cover for teachers in professional development which is planned far in advance. So, to say that they showed up when nobody knew they were coming shows that you are not checking emails or hitting the "delete" key in Groupwise too quickly or simply making it up! So, who is the joke now?
ReplyDeleteYes. I know. "working" and "schools". Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think the people that are complaining about the Cadre's classroom management should be sent to a different school EVERY day for a couple of weeks and see how they are treated by the students, and in many cases the staff. The cadre are licensed teachers. Many of them have great classroom management in their area of licenser. BUT, the cadre are placed in Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms... that becomes difficult for teachers who are only certified to teach K-6 or departmentalized subjects in the upper grades. Many times the cadre is placed in pairs depending on the school. Pairing helps so that teaching can occur and then the other cadre member can perform "crowd control."
ReplyDeleteThe same Judith Walls who was/is in charge of teacher mentor training? The same Judith Walls who has lost my training certificate FIVE TIMES (3 times faxed, twice handed to her in person)?
ReplyDeleteI think some IPS teachers feel threatened by the skills and knowledge that Cadre members have. Often we come in and do your job better than you can.
ReplyDeleteThere are several points that need to be made.
ReplyDelete-As a cadre, I am GIVEN my schedule and told where to be and when to be there. I have no control over the principals who dont communicate with their staff.
-Alot of times, we do sit in the lounge with nothing to do because the teachers complain about having us in their classrooms, so there for there is NOTHING for us to do. Its not our fault.
-We are there to HELP and ASSIST teachers, not to spy on you, contrary to what many think.
- CADRE members are LICENSED TEACHERS. SUBSTITUTE teachers are not required to have any educational background, except 60 or so credit hours. Now doesnt that put the Cadre a step up from substitutes? It sure does, even though its the same tye of work being done, WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING!!! Alot of the cadre have masters or even doctorate degrees, so please dont say that we are stupid or dont know anything.
- The reason most of us are in the Cadre is because we havnt found a classroom job at any school. They are hard to come by, especially in this economy. Its not because we cant "handle" a classroom.
- I was hired as an Elementary Cadre, told that I would only be placed in elementary schools, but I am put in high schools and middle schools (NOT my choice), and that is why we are paired up sometimes (often with someone who has a license in the area in which we are put for the day)
- For all the people who complain about the Cadre, why dont you try it for a week, maybe two, and then talk to us about all the crap your dishing out.
Now why in the world would any experienced teacher who has been teaching for more than 20 years feel threatened by some inexperienced, overzealous, incompetent cadre member? The cadre members need to know that they are just as expendable as any other teacher working for IPS. Just because most of them have less than 5-10 yrs. of teaching experience makes IPS keep them (cheaper to pay them than an experienced teacher of 20 or more years).
ReplyDeletebecause teachers with 20+ years experience, usually, are very old school with their techniques and teaching styles, and the newer college grads have ways of talking and teaching the students that gets them more excited or interested.
ReplyDeleteTen bucks says the blogmaster replies that you're coddling them and throwing candy at them and you're sleeping with an administrator and that's why students learn for you and not for her. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe have had cadre members in our school this week. Don't they have to follow the dress code? One man had jeans with a big hole in it and did nothing but talk about collecting unemployment in the summer while he was eating lunch. Another one made a fool out of him self by acting like he was in church giving a sermon on how he was going to have a heart attack because the students were so loud. Infact, he said he could go louder and louder. Where do they get these cadres from? They need to learn some manners and set good examples for children.
ReplyDeleteI understand it is a difficult to come into someone elses classroom and teach. I also understand that you were sent to me by my principal. My only complaint it when I leave plans. READ them and follow them. I am sick of coming back and finding that my plans were not followed and something else has taken place. This has happen more often than not. This week my chart was turned to the next story and that was NOT in my plans. I had one say "we have to do all that?" and then NOT do any of it. I am sure not every Cadre teacher is like this but out of 7 times I have had them 6 times my plans were not followed. I spent time doing them. At first we were told that they would have lessons planned and now we do double duty.
ReplyDeleteI have had several cadre members in my classroom over the last couple of months and found that they are more than competent and have followed my lesson plans, left detailed notes on the daily progress and completed my lunch/breakfast duties for the day. From my understanding, minus the Teaching Fellows, Cadre members are licensed teachers. Some have more experience than current classroom teachers. While everyone is complaining about these individuals, I have seen many classroom teachers treat the cadre members with utter disrespect. In my opinion, those who are complaining are simply jealous of the fact that they make the same salary as us and don't have to complete IEP's, grades, etc. Instead of complaining, focus on your classroom because your words only make you sound ignorant. You aren't setting a very good example for your school. Teachers are to be accepting, understanding and able to be flexible. Clearly, if you can't handle a Cadre member in your classroom, maybe you are the one with the problem. I expect the negative responses to occur, but from what I have experienced these people have only done what is asked of them and my experience has been pleasant.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad but...we teachers are our own worst enemies, this has always been true.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that I am a cadre member and all of my experiences have been pleasant with the staff. I did not realize that teachers felt this way! All I am going to say is that I love my job because I feel like I am making a difference even though I don't have my own classroom. My job is to relieve teachers to attend PD to better themselves in the classroom. I do everything that is asked of me and do it to the best of my ability.
ReplyDeleteWell Well, I love all these comments. I am a cardre member and all those comments bashing the cadre have no valid points and just go to show us some of the fools we have as ips teachers! lol Response to the person talking about the cardre and dress code, if she had any knowledge about her school district she would know that teachers do not have a dress code. Stupid! Think before you say something. I have just got done spending a wonderful friday in our cadre meeting, we played on computers and ate cookies all day. Thank you Obama for our stimulus money. Have a great day everyone. I love my job! :)
ReplyDeleteAs a cadre member, the above post does not represent the opinions of all of us. As in any department, there are a few bad apples, and clearly this person is one of them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and with the negative treatment from teachers towards the cadre, there are teachers who equally respect us. It's life.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, bust my ass everyday at work. I follow lesson plans to a "T" (when they are provided), adhere to the classroom behavior system and provide feedback to the teachers. I rarely get a thank you, but I at least know that I am earning my paycheck and provide the utmost care and education for the students each day.
The above cadre member mentions playing on computers. The responsible members completed their assignment on Voyager training as we were assigned. Just from the post, I can almost guess who you are and know that you don't represent a majority of us....additionally, your points aren't valid either and you fall into the category of some of the "fools we have as IPS teachers" according to your attitude. I, too, love my job and regardless of what comments are posted on this blog, I go on each day as I should because in the end nobody else's opinion matters but mine and the person who supervises me.
Well I can probably guess who you are too! One of the suck asses that has nothing better to do with their life. lol. If you think you know who I am then approach me and and say what you think to my face. I would find it very amusing! I know their are great ips teachers out there, I myself was one last year. The kids, parents and staff loved me. My students received the highest scores on ISTEP from the entire school. Oh, and I also got teacher of the year! I just think some of these teachers that bash the cadre need to think before they speak and if you don't know what sarcasm is, it is me saying we play on computers all day. Don't take everything so seriously. That is one thing you need to work on! Keep going on each day with your opinions and pleasing your supervier, even though many of the practices that occure in cadre are unethical. You my friend are a follower, I am a leader. Do what you need to do to make you happy and I will do the same. :)If you feel the need to reply which I am sure you will, lol, I have more to say and evidence to back up my opinions. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI'm another cadre member that thinks that saying we are eating cookies and playing on computers all day isn't appropriate. We are already disliked by many, so why fuel the fire?
ReplyDeleteWhy would a cadre member do lesson plans for YOUR classroom? How is doing plans for a day you will be out double duty? Shouldn't you have plans prepared regardless?
ReplyDeleteI was a member of the cadre for awhile this year, and am now in my own classroom. I can attest that there are some (not many, but some) cadre members who do sit around and do nothing, complain about everything, etc. However, most cadre members are very capable teachers who do whatever they are asked (to the best of their ability) in the classrooms. ALL cadre members are licensed, even including the Teaching Fellows. The cadre wasn't always easy, and it's hard having no consistency from day to day--but I have to say that it was overall much less work than making lesson plans, grading papers, dealing with parents, etc
ReplyDeleteAll of the Teach Fellows are out of the cadre in in classrooms. This is a good thing...they need to be in front of our kids. Has anyone worked with a Fellow before? They are amazing. IPS needs to commit to hiring twice as many each year as it will raise student achievement. This also goes for Teach for America folks too. Anyone got opinions?
ReplyDeleteYou must be a Teaching Fellow since you posted that. What a joke. If this thread were frequently posted in and wasn't as old as it is, the majority of posters would disagree with you.
ReplyDeleteI posted the comment and I am not a fellow but a teacher. Why do you think it is a joke?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, all of the fellows are not out of the cadre and in classrooms. Second, I have worked with them in the classroom and while many do know what they are doing, many do not. Why hire twice as many of something that is only half good? They have no teaching license. Your comments belittle the cadre members that do have a license and who lost their jobs not because of performance but due to other reasons. Why should the teaching fellows get a job over them?
ReplyDeleteLike is stated above.... the fellows ALL DO have their licenses. Many of the fellows are dually licensed (in elementary and special education, for example). Many IPS teachers are very uninformed about the teaching fellows program. All teaching fellows have to be licensed before they enter the classroom. They are not hired by IPS (or other districts) unless they are licensed. The teaching fellows are all also getting their master's degrees. I don't think fellows should get a job over anyone. I think the jobs should be given based on the best fit for the job. You said you have worked with fellows before, and that some know what they're doing, and some do not. As a teacher I think you could say the exact same thing about all teachers. Many of my fellow colleagues are great teachers, but some are not.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but they DO NOT have their licenses. They have a "Transition to Teaching Permit". It clearly states this on the Indiana Teaching Fellows website. They will not obtain their Indiana Teaching License until they complete all coursework as any other teacher has done. Yes, they are getting their Masters degree, as they have a Bachelors degree in another field not related to teaching. Clearly you aren't as informed of the program as you claim to be either.
ReplyDeleteJobs should be given for the best fit. Everyone should be given the opportunity to interview. Unfortunately, that isn't how it works. The Teaching Fellows program has been contracted out by IPS, in other words they struck a deal. IPS is working with the program giving these UNLICENSED individuals the training they need (being IPS, they are getting something out of the deal), as they need a certain amount of classroom hours for their coursework. In return, the Fellows are given the upperhand on jobs. Call any HR person downtown and they will verify this information.
You are correct that all teachers are not effective. The point I was getting across was to the poster saying that IPS should hire twice as many Fellows. Every department has uneffective people, however hiring twice as many Fellows puts many current teachers out of a job and many that are searching for a job on the backburner.
If someone is in the cadre now, do they have a position in the cadre next year? How does that work, when will they know?
ReplyDeleteYes, fellows DO have their licenses. Look up any of their names on the DOE website. They have an initial teaching license, just as any graduate of an education program will have. I can also assure you that the fellows do not get first dibs on jobs. Ask anyone in the cadre. There were fellows who interviewed for jobs and were chosen, and then there were fellows who were passed over for other cadre members.
ReplyDeleteAs it states above, they have a TRANSITION TO TEACHING license. It is NOT the same as the license they will recieve AFTER they complete their full coursework. If you care to do some research, enter any of their names and it clearly states their license type is "transition". Look up any fully licensed teacher and it will state their licensure type.
ReplyDeleteIf you are asking about you having a job in the cadre next year, I don't think anyone's jobs are safe at this point. Take a look at the proposed budget cuts and I think you can answer your own question.
ReplyDeleteThe information was overall very useful for me, thanks a lot.
ReplyDelete