Where can I start?

[Unregistered]

I teach at a high school in CMS, and I really must say that I feel as though I am going down into the prison yard when I go to the cafeteria everyday for duty. I really hate to be negative, but I have never seen such a mess of a school system in my entire life.
I think that everything I have read on this website is how I feel about teaching at CMS.
I just want to let everyone in on a few items...
1. As most of you know, we teachers are responsible to the behavior problems and failing grades of all students. They are 0% responsible for any wrong doing.
2. For students who are failing because of whatever reason (Gee, haven't shown up for almost a month, didn't hand-in any work, failed every test and quiz even when I gave the exact same questions and the answers for the study guide, etc.) , it is the teacher's fault and responsibility. I actually had a parent conference where the guidance counselor asked me," Well, can't you just give him the highest "F" to allow him a chance to pass?"
3. You will hear most teachers say that they feel that most of the students in their advanced classes don't belong in the class. They are not asked if a student has the ability before the student signs up. Many teachers will also say that when they start to teach the class the way an advanced class would be taught, the students fail...Several teachers have mentioned that students in their advanced classes sleep the whole period away...
4. Because of NCLB, the guidance counselors will do whatever it takes to get the students in and out in four years.
5. The students are in charge, and everyone knows it.
6. Please read number five again. You must understand this to understand the fundamental problems inside of CMS.
7. No one is really concerned with what the students learn. They just want them to pass, no matter what the cost.
Well, I could ramble on, but I am burned out thanks to a long day of teaching...YEs, I actually went to school to be a teacher, and I actually teach the entire day as opposed to some individuals who disgrace the profession by claiming to teach...
A question for all of you: WHy is it that people who are not teachers by profession can become teachers?? How does that work? Can I decide that I don't want to be a teacher anymore and become a doctor?

[Publius]

You are so right. In this day and time of "accountablility" the only one really accountable is the classroom teacher. If a student tells you to "f" off and does no work it is your fault. If you try to do cooperative work or something new and different far to many students see it as a license to goof off, catch up on dating info or discuss anything except what you'd like them to. Work isn't fun....gee, I wonder how many people expect to have fun at work everyday. I really like to rule that requires us to take work regardless of how late it is....now that really teaches responsiblity doesn't it. I wonder how many people in business could turn a report or project plan into their boss a month or so late and still hold onto their job?

You're right about the CMS level system. Until they establish some kind of reasonable standards to get into each upper level class there is no way to get to much above the regular level or you loose too many kids (which of course gets you nailed for a high failure rate, but you know that). CMS needs to throw the eye wash away, dump the Stepford Teacher concept, set reasonable standards, live by those standards and get back to basics. Bravo on your post.

[Unregistered]

I was bleary eyed last night when I wrote that post,but I also agree with your post as well. Bravo to you also.
I heard today that next year all CMS schools are going to have uniforms. Doese anyone know anything about that? I have not been able to confirm this.
Also: We're not allowed to say no to late homework? I have not heard that one yet. I think I would have to just not follow that rule or be asked to leave. I expect that students will do the homework to master the objective not to just do it to do it!

[Boondocks]

I really like to rule that requires us to take work regardless of how late it is....now that really teaches responsiblity doesn't it. I wonder how many people in business could turn a report or project plan into their boss a month or so late and still hold onto their job?



I moved here in 2002 to teach at Phillip O. Berry. When my former principal told us that no matter what we were to always accept assignments without penalty even if it was due September 10 but turned in on November 1, I was horrified and angered. That not only tells the students that deadlines are not to be respected but that this is okay. When it's not!

I can guarantee you that if an administrator requested grades on November 8, he/she would not hesistate to contact the teacher if grades were not on said desk by the close of business on November 8.

There are a myriad of problems within CMS at all levels -- BOE, administration, teachers, students, security, etc.

[Publius]

I don't disagree with you about homework issues but I have a fat mortgage and can't just walk away from a job. I'd like to believe students would do homework to master the objective but far to many times that isn't the case with some students.

[herodan]

I spent eight years in CMS. Three were at Ranson Middle School from 1993 - 1996. It was a mess and the worst Middle School in Charlotte. I spent five years at Olympic High School. I served under three separate principals. The current principal was the best of the three and she was always fair and just with me. She simply had to operate in the system that was created by those downtown. My point is that I was able to escape. I have lived in South Carolina and was able to get a position teaching at a great school, Northwestern. I saw many potentially good and great teachers get frustrated and give up their dreams while I was in CMS. My advice to anyone who reads this is to be strong and seek employment elsewhere. While all schools and districts have their own peculiar problems, I have experienced the kind of attention and help all teachers should get.

Even though I don't teach in CMS anylonger, I am excited about the wave of change building up across your county. I urge you to keep it up!!

[TheMan]

I moved here in 2002 to teach at Phillip O. Berry. When my former principal told us that no matter what we were to always accept assignments without penalty even if it was due September 10 but turned in on November 1, I was horrified and angered. That not only tells the students that deadlines are not to be respected but that this is okay. When it's not!

I can guarantee you that if an administrator requested grades on November 8, he/she would not hesistate to contact the teacher if grades were not on said desk by the close of business on November 8.

There are a myriad of problems within CMS at all levels -- BOE, administration, teachers, students, security, etc.

Note to Boondocks:
I feel your pain.
I am out on Medical Leave from your location caused by many of the scenarios described in this communication thread.
Reprimands are the order of the day from the top two members of the administration at Phillip O. Berry. They even come by certified mail during the middle of the summer and while a person is out on medical leave.
Turnover is rampant there because just like in a cult, new "converts" are easier to control than those who have been around and know the difference between functional and dysfunctional operation of an organization.

[Boondocks]

Note to Boondocks:
I feel your pain.
I am out on Medical Leave from your location caused by many of the scenarios described in this communication thread.
Reprimands are the order of the day from the top two members of the administration at Phillip O. Berry. They even come by certified mail during the middle of the summer and while a person is out on medical leave.
Turnover is rampant there because just like in a cult, new "converts" are easier to control than those who have been around and know the difference between functional and dysfunctional operation of an organization.


WOW!!! @ the certified mail. I have not talked to 2 of my former comrades who started at Berry with me in a while. I'll PM you. Maybe you were there when I was.

[Unregistered]

I am a first year teacher with CMS and I can tell you right now, I'm looking into another profession. I could have never imagined having so much paperwork to fill out. Teacher accountability DOES NOT equal more teacher paperwork/documentation. My day is micromanaged-I dont even plan my own lessons. AND if you aren't following that schedule to a T, you will be reprimanded. Most of my kids are left in the dark, because there is no preplanned time in my day to turn around and reteach the ones that need help. If the school district got rid of one of their useless office positions on 2nd St (where they are probably making three times as much as us teachers) they may be able to hire enough assistants and support staff to benefit these poor kids.
After less than a year in CMS, I am appauled that any person would send their kids to one of these schools. I teach here and would not send my children there if it were my last option. YES, the district really is THAT bad.

[jongolden]

I am a first year teacher with CMS and I can tell you right now, I'm looking into another profession. I could have never imagined having so much paperwork to fill out. Teacher accountability DOES NOT equal more teacher paperwork/documentation. My day is micromanaged-I dont even plan my own lessons. AND if you aren't following that schedule to a T, you will be reprimanded. Most of my kids are left in the dark, because there is no preplanned time in my day to turn around and reteach the ones that need help. If the school district got rid of one of their useless office positions on 2nd St (where they are probably making three times as much as us teachers) they may be able to hire enough assistants and support staff to benefit these poor kids.
After less than a year in CMS, I am appauled that any person would send their kids to one of these schools. I teach here and would not send my children there if it were my last option. YES, the district really is THAT bad.

CMS does not resemble the rest of the teaching profession! Look to Iredell-Statesville, Union, Cabarrus, Lincoln, or any one of the nearby districts. You just graduated college; you wanted to teach, but CMS doesn't allow you to teach. Do Not Give Up! :) When I left CMS (Hopewell), I was thinking the same as you; however, I found that not all school systems are the same. Why throw away 4 years of college (and dreaming of being a teacher) simply because you took a position in CMS. Leave. Run! Do something...just don't quit teaching if that is your passion!

[Unregistered]

I have to agree with you about "going down to the prison yard". That is exactly how I feel each morning. I am fed up with all of the violence in CMS schools. The community has turned a blind eye to it but CMS teachers don't get that choice. I went in to teaching to get kids excited about learning, not to have to raise them or babysit them for someone else. I absolutely do not understand why all of the concern is being put on the bottom 10% while we absolutely neglect the middle 80%.
Judge Manning wants to know why test scores drop off in CMS at the high-school level. It is because our kids who had average test scores in middle school are surrounded by bullies and thugs in high-schools and NO ONE is sending disruptive kids out! The chaos in classrooms isn't allowing anyone to learn. If you took the 2 or 3 students out and held them accountable for their behavior (this applies to both administration and parents) then the other 27 might be able to learn something. The teacher would then be able to feel good about their job and not spending evenings searching the internet looking for a new one.
I am seeing a lot of people complaining about their kids being in IB programs (I am fully aware that the work is excruciating in IB classes) but at N. Meck I know kids who are begging to be in it. They don't care that their grades may drop dramatically. They know this is the only way they will be able to sit in a classroom that isn't absolutely chaotic and they may actually learn something!
There is no support for teachers. You are considered a poor teacher if you send discipline referrals to the office. They don't want to deal with these kids at all. NCLB has given them just the excuse they need to not have to. BTW, I will not be returning to CMS next year. I can find other jobs where I can pay my bills and won't stay awake at night wondering if I will be attacked the next day at school. I can't imagine how students feel. At least I have the option of going somewhere else.

[TheMan]

I feel your pain.

I received a 35 day extension to my medical leave on Monday.

Last night I sent my 30 day notice in by e-mail.

How many of the innocent will continue to suffer because CMS Administrators and many of the School Board lack the political will to stand up and "do the right thing"?

How many teachers need to desert the "sinking ship" before the captain and senior management will admit that there is a problem?

How long will they continue to "arrange deck chairs while the hold is flooding beneath them"?

Status quo will be the order of the day until the issue is FORCED by the community, Judge Manning, or by PARENTS of students who have to put up with the drama.

Current teachers don't matter....

They can be replaced by outsiders lured into the system from elsewhere by "signing bonuses", and "promises of future bonuses".

[Unregistered]

My first year at the above-mentioned High School.... I don't know how anyone does it. I'm already thinking about going to another job, I don't understand how people could actually want to stay at that HS, much less CMS in general. I wake up every morning with this feeling in my chest that won't go away. I wonder if it ever does.

THEMAN, I am glad that you are taking the path you need to take to get better. You definitely made the right choice.

[TheMan]

I am feeling stronger every day, probably in a position to help you through your struggle.
Do you know how to contact me? You can send me a message through this forum, and it's not traceable.
My CMS E-mail account has been deactivated today.
Probably because I submitted my notice through an e-mail sent to everyone on the staff.

[Unregistered]

Sort of off-topic...
We HAVE to take late work, but no one ever told us how many points it has to be worth. I take work all year long, but only give 1% credit if it's turned in after the due date.

And back on topic...
It's horrendous that I need to think like this to stay sane as a teacher in CMS. Imagine how much more time I could spend TEACHING if I didn't have to bend around so many ludicrous rules.

[Unregistered]

ITA with the unregistered guest about getting the 3-5 students out of every class who cause the disruption. Every day I pray that some kids aren't at school so I can have a good class. I tell everyone that 80%-85% of the kids in HS are really good and want to learn...it's the 15%-20% who keep it from happening! I guarantee that if a school roster were given to each teacher and we were told to check off the students who are class problems...it would be limited to the same 200-300 kids!!

It makes me mad that I have to worry about the troublemakers instead of working with the good kids...the ones I come to school everyday for. I want to give all of my attn. to my good kids, the kids I love. That's why I teach!