We are two weeks into the school year here in Philadelphia and morale is sinking quickly! That shouldn't be! Teachers are worn out and despondent. And it's no mystery why that's the case.
We are without essential services, personnel, and supplies. Many classes are beyond overcrowded around the district and teachers are finding themselves in communities and buildings they've never been in before. Even if in our particular classrooms things appear to be fine, we are one with our colleagues all around. Their pain is our pain! We also know that things can change for the worse quicker than we can blink!
On top of all that, the state, city, and district are insistent that teachers are the cause and solution of the financial debacle the district is in. They want us to take as much as a 13% cut in pay and contribute as much to our health benefits! They say that we need to share in the sacrifice and pain! Laughable! I already vented about that!
To turn the knife in our hearts, a new teacher evaluation system is in place which makes teachers "more accountable" for student achievement by attaching test scores to teachers! You have GOT to be kidding me!
The governor wants the PFT to buy $45 million at a price tag of more than $100 million. Seriously gov? Are you that thick-headed?
Philadelphia's teachers, counselors, nurses, and other school based staff, parent and student advocacy groups as well as national leaders and warriors in the fight for full and fair funding for public education are on the frontline, fighting back with all the strength we have to ensure that EVERY child, not just those in certain schools or from certain backgrounds, gets what s/he needs to have a chance at success too!!!!!
All of this, and we're just two weeks in! smh
A colleague of mine, sick of the nonsense is organizing a discussion/forum in her classroom for the faculty at our school next week. The purpose of the talk is to express concerns that are specific to our school and to come up with solutions that are real and attainable and to move unapologetically to make the teaching and learning environment in our building as stress free as possible. With a whole year ahead of us, and stress already real, something has to give!
Some call me "Flem"
- Dr. Stephen R. Flemming
- I'm an elementary school teacher turned high school English teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL), and adjunct professor here in Philly. These posts are the views, as I see them, from room 105, my first classroom number. Enjoy, engage, and share!
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