The amount of meetings Morty has so gracious made available to the citizens is being done in an effort to seem transparent and open. However, it is having the effect he desires, it is wearing everyone down and that is how he will count this as a victory.
Parents and teachers, while the meetings with school board members go on at your school, remind them often and repeatedly that this is an elective office and you will speak with your vote.
It is unfathomable that you blame more public hearings as the reason why teachers are not speaking out. They are given the soapbox and offer nothing but silence. No one was ever worked up enough to wear down. It is not only this meeting, it is all meetings. The 30 minute student proposal was struck down, not because of a power showing by teachers, but because parents said "hell no." That was their fight. This is the teachers' fight. Don't rely on parents to do your bidding this time around. Don't spout out excuses and then offer only false cry to take action through an election which is over a year away. You either stand and deliver or live on your knees.
So you were there! I was at the meeting until late, not sure you were still there when I left. (Considering you posted at 9:04pm and I was still at the meeting sitting and listening.) I agree that more teachers need to attend and make their voices heard. However, I don't think you insulting us or them is going to make it happen. How about your organize your staff, your colleagues who will physically spread the word and get a commitment from people to attend?
I've been following this blog with interest, as many angry, disempowered teachers have. While you raise serious issues, you have to realize that you also post Sherman and Peabody cartoons and refer to Mort as Lex Luthor. Funny stuff, but not something I've been able to get many of my friends at school to take seriously. You are asking people who normally think things through very carefully and cautiously to risk the wrath of Mort on a group endeavor with people we've never met face to face before. And did you really think you'd get a huge turn out tonight, right after parent teacher conferences when people are exhausted from 12 hour days?
Why isn't the Education Association of Alexandria asking teachers to come out? Teachers want to be a part of something that is sanctioned by them. We all know that jobs are not safe under the current administration. The Association needs to come out with a "no confidence" vote against the superintendent and the school board. When that happens more in the community will begin to speak up. The Association needs to be there to help the teachers speak out about what is going on the system. I remember the days that teachers would pack school board meetings, picket school board meetings, work to contract hours, etc. Why is this not happening? Because of fear of retribution. This blog is a great way to make people aware and allow those who have something to say to put it out there. But the Association needs to be their voice in public and, I believe, teachers will begin to speak out then.
At the risk of being made to feel like a low life, to the blog leader, you are precariously close to becoming the thing you loathe the most, Mort Sherman. Leading by intimidation is his bag, it should not be yours. This is a place of truth, a place for us to come and speak freely, to build strength and have our voices heard. Yes, action is needed by all of us, but if you start to beat on and berate those who contribute you will defeat yourself and your cause, which is ending Sherman's March through ACPS with less carnage and destruction than his predecessor and namesake left in Atlanta.
"This is a place of truth, a place for us to come and speak freely, to build strength and have our voices heard."
Last night's Board meeting could have been that place, too. It's not "leading by intimidation" to point out to people that they blew a golden opportunity to be taken seriously. It's not intimidation to point out that cowardice earns contempt. It's an exhortation to grow a metaphorical pair and go fight for what you think you deserve. People had a chance to speak freely and be heard (or at least seen) last night and they chickened out.
Voltaire, I wish you had not deleted your post from 9:04 last night. It was the only time I've ever agreed with you 100%. Anyone who is so racked by timidity that they can't stand up to defend their livelihood deserves everything they DON'T get when it comes to compensation and respect.
Where is the EAA and aren't we paying for them to help organize against this proposal? Each school should have a rep who rallies the teachers to be at the meetings and someone to speak from every school.
Great idea!! Get one rep from each school with a statement about that school's teachers view. Rally the troops to attend then all go down with the speaker and stand behind him/her as the statement is read. Do this each week until the point is made. Power in numbers. Stop Sherman's March before scorched earth is all that is left in ACPS.
I know I promised you an update yesterday! I am sorry! We have now met with Dr. Sherman and senior staff two days in a row. We are working to find a way to get paid for our time and to respect the budget. We are meeting next week and hopefully soon after we will have great news. I know it has been difficult and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and dedication to preserving our professional respect. It is with honor I serve our membership.
To the teacher who has the idea to have EAA reps speak at each meeting with teachers standing in support behind them...brilliant. That is action. That is what we need. That will get the message out. That has to happen. Best have this plan of attack ready for next week. Spread this to the teachers at your schools.
To Mort: There is going to be an uprising soon. We are tired and we are angry that we are forced to work many hours over our contract. When you treat us in the manner that you do understand that it will come back to you. It's called Karma or in the biblical terms...you reap what you sow...and you are sowing destruction within our school system! Stop the madness now!
I'm not sure that I am comfortable with EAA making a deal with the devil, one in which I don't know what is being pitched and may not agree with. Do they really have the power to speak for all teachers (even those who are not members) and hammer out a deal that all have to live by?
Yvonne Folkerts said in her editorial " the School Board and the Superintendent have made a concerted effort to meet with teachers, our PTAs, committees, community groups, and all key stakeholders. These conversations are helpful and are giving us more opportunities to address concerns."
What teachers have they met with? When and where? No one has come to my school.
@Anonymous 2/13/11 10:14AM Dr. Sherman has set up a working group called the "Total Compensation Review (TCR) Committee". Invitations were emailed several times, and membership was open to all ACPS staff. The committee has met twice already, with the sole focus for the moment being the extended calendar/day questions. Members of the committee were asked to gather feedback from their colleagues to share--anonymously--with District staff. It's been an interesting discussion so far.
The amount of meetings Morty has so gracious made available to the citizens is being done in an effort to seem transparent and open. However, it is having the effect he desires, it is wearing everyone down and that is how he will count this as a victory.
ReplyDeleteParents and teachers, while the meetings with school board members go on at your school, remind them often and repeatedly that this is an elective office and you will speak with your vote.
It is unfathomable that you blame more public hearings as the reason why teachers are not speaking out. They are given the soapbox and offer nothing but silence. No one was ever worked up enough to wear down. It is not only this meeting, it is all meetings. The 30 minute student proposal was struck down, not because of a power showing by teachers, but because parents said "hell no." That was their fight. This is the teachers' fight. Don't rely on parents to do your bidding this time around. Don't spout out excuses and then offer only false cry to take action through an election which is over a year away. You either stand and deliver or live on your knees.
ReplyDeleteSo you were there! I was at the meeting until late, not sure you were still there when I left. (Considering you posted at 9:04pm and I was still at the meeting sitting and listening.) I agree that more teachers need to attend and make their voices heard. However, I don't think you insulting us or them is going to make it happen. How about your organize your staff, your colleagues who will physically spread the word and get a commitment from people to attend?
ReplyDeleteI've been following this blog with interest, as many angry, disempowered teachers have. While you raise serious issues, you have to realize that you also post Sherman and Peabody cartoons and refer to Mort as Lex Luthor. Funny stuff, but not something I've been able to get many of my friends at school to take seriously. You are asking people who normally think things through very carefully and cautiously to risk the wrath of Mort on a group endeavor with people we've never met face to face before. And did you really think you'd get a huge turn out tonight, right after parent teacher conferences when people are exhausted from 12 hour days?
ReplyDeleteexcuses #2 and #3.
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't the Education Association of Alexandria asking teachers to come out? Teachers want to be a part of something that is sanctioned by them. We all know that jobs are not safe under the current administration. The Association needs to come out with a "no confidence" vote against the superintendent and the school board. When that happens more in the community will begin to speak up. The Association needs to be there to help the teachers speak out about what is going on the system. I remember the days that teachers would pack school board meetings, picket school board meetings, work to contract hours, etc. Why is this not happening? Because of fear of retribution. This blog is a great way to make people aware and allow those who have something to say to put it out there. But the Association needs to be their voice in public and, I believe, teachers will begin to speak out then.
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of being made to feel like a low life, to the blog leader, you are precariously close to becoming the thing you loathe the most, Mort Sherman. Leading by intimidation is his bag, it should not be yours. This is a place of truth, a place for us to come and speak freely, to build strength and have our voices heard. Yes, action is needed by all of us, but if you start to beat on and berate those who contribute you will defeat yourself and your cause, which is ending Sherman's March through ACPS with less carnage and destruction than his predecessor and namesake left in Atlanta.
ReplyDelete"This is a place of truth, a place for us to come and speak freely, to build strength and have our voices heard."
ReplyDeleteLast night's Board meeting could have been that place, too. It's not "leading by intimidation" to point out to people that they blew a golden opportunity to be taken seriously. It's not intimidation to point out that cowardice earns contempt. It's an exhortation to grow a metaphorical pair and go fight for what you think you deserve. People had a chance to speak freely and be heard (or at least seen) last night and they chickened out.
Voltaire, I wish you had not deleted your post from 9:04 last night. It was the only time I've ever agreed with you 100%. Anyone who is so racked by timidity that they can't stand up to defend their livelihood deserves everything they DON'T get when it comes to compensation and respect.
Where is the EAA and aren't we paying for them to help organize against this proposal? Each school should have a rep who rallies the teachers to be at the meetings and someone to speak from every school.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!! Get one rep from each school with a statement about that school's teachers view. Rally the troops to attend then all go down with the speaker and stand behind him/her as the statement is read. Do this each week until the point is made. Power in numbers. Stop Sherman's March before scorched earth is all that is left in ACPS.
ReplyDeleteFrom the EAA blog:
ReplyDeleteDear Membership,
I know I promised you an update yesterday! I am sorry! We have now met with Dr. Sherman and senior staff two days in a row. We are working to find a way to get paid for our time and to respect the budget. We are meeting next week and hopefully soon after we will have great news. I know it has been difficult and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and dedication to preserving our professional respect. It is with honor I serve our membership.
To the teacher who has the idea to have EAA reps speak at each meeting with teachers standing in support behind them...brilliant. That is action. That is what we need. That will get the message out. That has to happen. Best have this plan of attack ready for next week. Spread this to the teachers at your schools.
ReplyDeleteTo Mort:
ReplyDeleteThere is going to be an uprising soon. We are tired and we are angry that we are forced to work many hours over our contract. When you treat us in the manner that you do understand that it will come back to you. It's called Karma or in the biblical terms...you reap what you sow...and you are sowing destruction within our school system! Stop the madness now!
A thought about EAA negotiations---
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that I am comfortable with EAA making a deal with the devil, one in which I don't know what is being pitched and may not agree with. Do they really have the power to speak for all teachers (even those who are not members) and hammer out a deal that all have to live by?
Yvonne Folkerts said in her editorial " the School Board and the Superintendent have made a concerted effort to meet with teachers, our PTAs, committees, community groups, and all key stakeholders. These conversations are helpful and are giving us more opportunities to address concerns."
ReplyDeleteWhat teachers have they met with? When and where? No one has come to my school.
@Anonymous 2/13/11 10:14AM
ReplyDeleteDr. Sherman has set up a working group called the "Total Compensation Review (TCR) Committee". Invitations were emailed several times, and membership was open to all ACPS staff. The committee has met twice already, with the sole focus for the moment being the extended calendar/day questions. Members of the committee were asked to gather feedback from their colleagues to share--anonymously--with District staff. It's been an interesting discussion so far.