tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516000.post115646234678546922..comments2023-10-19T08:18:37.317-07:00Comments on Mildly Melancholy: Summer Fall FolliesNacho Loverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11370735026568009605noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516000.post-1156711192786931412006-08-27T13:39:00.000-07:002006-08-27T13:39:00.000-07:00I do not think the actual issue of this post was p...I do not think the actual issue of this post was planning during the summer as much as using the last week in August to set up on our own time. <BR/><BR/>The teachers in my school used B/Q Day to do planning for the year in all major subjects. Most "master" teachers know how to adjust or alter plans as well as make more adjustments during the school year to meet the needs of the students. In fact,planning changes after you meet your class and get to know their abilities because test scores are not the most acurate measure.<BR/><BR/>Setting up our rooms would not be a problem if both the DoE and UFT recognized the fact that we need this time. In fact, when I told Randi that I already give up a day in August, she used that as an excuse to vote for this contract stating that teachers already come in during the last week of August. The fact that there is a big difference between a few hours rather than 2 days in an overheated classroom did not seem to register with her. She also lied and told the teachers in my school that these 2 days were for setting up and preparing, that we had total control over our rooms and B-boards and will not be micromanaged. However we now know that meetings by the DoE have already been planned for Thursday and Friday and that the rest of her statements were spinned all to sell a contract ridden with givebacks that could have been improved under different leadership.<BR/><BR/>So, to say that the contract is over and move on is only true if you have no background in our union's history or give a damn about union rule violations.<BR/><BR/>If teachers decide to go in and set up before Thursday, that is their right. But if teachers who used to do it now take a stand against it, they should be supported too because their points are valid.<BR/> <BR/>The question now is, how are we supposed to get a strong contract if we ourselves are split? Solidarity is not defined as having no interest in our students (unless you work for a charter school).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516000.post-1156704964314097442006-08-27T11:56:00.000-07:002006-08-27T11:56:00.000-07:00nani- Please don't misunderstand me- I know all to...nani- Please don't misunderstand me- I know all too well the insanity that goes with this job. I never said that I haven't spent a good portion of the summer planning for the upcoming year. BUT- that was my choice- and something I did in the privacy of my own home. I wasn't paid one red cent for that work. What I WON'T do, however, is step inside that building one second before August 31st. Schoolgal made a good point- a lot of traditional family vacations were ruined because of this new contract. And I resented the implication of the posting that being against this contract makes me a terrible teacher. I suppose it never occured to some that because we do work so hard, our down time is particularly precious.17 (really 15) more yearshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05136846071554141284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516000.post-1156624495951678192006-08-26T13:34:00.000-07:002006-08-26T13:34:00.000-07:00I really believe that teachers who voted against t...I really believe that teachers who voted against the contract will give up their time to set up their classrooms as they done in the past.<BR/><BR/>I have spent all my August Mondays doing so, but will only go in this Monday because my car trunk is overflowing with things I purchased. However, I plan only to leave these things in my room rather than spend the hours I did in the past setting up. But, I also understand why teachers need to do so. Many, many years ago we had extra days to set up our rooms without having to attend numerous meetings. <BR/><BR/>I also don't mind staying after school to work on things because it's quiet and I get more accomplished. I am however upset over the fact my Tuesday-Monday vacation plans that I have had with my family for so many years has come to an end. (Many non-teachers use that week as vacation because they get the extra day off.) I also feel bad for teachers who invested so much money on timeshares during the last week of August and now have to find a buyer. No one was warned about August until the details of the contract came out.<BR/><BR/>There unfortunately seems to be, at least on many blogs, a great divide between those who voted for and against this contract. The perception being that those who voted against it are not dedicated. That notion is not at all true because I know some very lazy teachers who voted YES just for the money. <BR/><BR/>I am proud to have voted against this contract.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516000.post-1156516478982518582006-08-25T07:34:00.000-07:002006-08-25T07:34:00.000-07:00That was rather a long, intolerant tirade for some...That was rather a long, intolerant tirade for someone who claims to be so liberal. I can only attribute it to your youth and naïveté. <BR/><BR/>“Yes, parts of the new contract suck, I agree. But that fight is way over and done with.”<BR/>No, the fight is NOT over and done with. Our current contract runs out in a year’s time. There is already talk of contract negotiations beginning shortly. What a clever idea it is to show Bloomberg and Klein that we are willing to give up even more of our time for free. Perhaps you have nothing better to do with your time- but I do, and most educators do, as well. I truly have no desire to give up the entire last week of August- and make no mistake, that could very well be a giveback in our next contract if we all show a willingness to give, and give, and give some more. Sorry- I’m not as philanthropic as you claim to be.<BR/><BR/>“The issue about going into school on one's own time is NOT political. It is personal. Simple as that.” Believe that if you must, but most teachers do not agree. Teachers who willingly give up their free time send a powerful message to administration and the chancellor that our time doesn’t matter to us.<BR/><BR/>“What kind of teacher puts their irritation about the system above their actual job? What teacher ends up caring more about an abstract statement than their peace of mind and, oh, I don't know, actual students?”<BR/><BR/>Please don’t profess to know anything about me, the kind of teacher I am, or my dedication to my students. Wanting a contract that is fair and just does not mean I am cold and uncaring, and that I only went into teaching because of the time off. Don’t assume because I am angered about the time we sacrificed that I haven’t shopped, and planned, and concerned myself with how I can best serve my students this year. <BR/><BR/>You, and Ms. M, and all the other teachers like you can fool yourself into thinking that you don’t care about administration and their opinion of you. You can say to yourself over and over again, “I’m doing this for myself, and for the kids.” But somewhere, in the back of your mind, I bet you’re secretly hoping, whether you have admitted it to yourself, or not, that administration is looking at you and thinking, “Wow- what a fabulous, dedicated teacher she is.” <BR/><BR/>I suspect that I will be teaching long after you have left the profession. Teacher burnout is a big reason behind why the attrition rate is so high. Striking a balance in your life is just as important to your success as a teacher as is planning, and attending workshops, and reading books on pedagogy. It will, in the long run, make you a happier, less stressed teacher.17 (really 15) more yearshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05136846071554141284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516000.post-1156464066059536712006-08-24T17:01:00.000-07:002006-08-24T17:01:00.000-07:00Wow! Thanks for the support Julie. I couldn't have...Wow! Thanks for the support Julie. I couldn't have said it better myself. And you're right. The VERY LAST thing on my mind was what the administration might think about me coming in a few days early. In fact, that never even crossed my mind.Ms. Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07155034683547876756noreply@blogger.com