The Mirror received this note in the mail, and we totally agree with it. We did try and meet with some teachers for the article, but we could not work out the timing. Also, the article was running over at around 2000 words, so we decided to treat teacher’s views and perspective in a separate article. That said, please contact the Mirror at capecharlesmirror@gmail.com. As always, all conversations are kept confidential and no names will ever be used. We understand how it is.
I am just curious…Why no feedback from teachers in the comment sections? Why the silence from parents as well? Perhaps, as Wayne suggested, folks are sending in anonymous comments. Which leads me to ask, is there a culture of fear perpetrated within the school system from management to employee? If so, really? These teachers are your children’s future, citizens of the Eastern Shore. Your future and your children’s future are in their hands, as well as in the hands of the school board and their decision-making policies. Something to think about…while you still can. I suggest each of you (parents of school aged children) say something, anything to get their attention. The system is broken, morale is at an all time low. And we all know that. Send in comments to Wayne and this publication. Thank you.
I am a parent of a student at Kiptopeke Elementary, I was very sad to read this note from a teacher/ staff member. I had no idea they are so unhappy! The teachers and staff I have interacted with have all been so wonderful and professional and you can tell they really care about the students. My child and I have only been in the area about a year but I am active with the PTA and try to attend all the family nights and events the school has, I emailed or met with her teachers several times. Also, my child had a chance to meet and work with some of the teachers and staff at Occahanock Elementary during the free summer arts program she was able to attend and they were so great too! Our teachers in this county are really wonderful, giving people and we should do more to try to retain them for sure! The other thing we have to do is find out what/ who makes them feel punished for speaking up about issues! That should NOT happen , ever. They should be allowed to question things that affect their jobs and schedules without feeling afraid or punished! I will definatly be looking into how I can get active in trying to fix this problem this school year and hopefully bringing some other parents with me!
From a current teacher in this district… thank you!! Because we are professionals and put students first we go above and beyond to not let our feelings distrupt our relationships with students and our teaching. Hopefully the articles that are being published will begin to shed light on what we as teachers are too afraid to say. The punishmen t, demeaning attitude and shunning are mainly coming from one elementary school from the north end of the county. However, the problems mentioned in the article are throughout all the schools in the district as well as Central Office who have called the teachers whiny brats. There is no greater voice than that of teachers. If parents can get behind us perhaps we can make changes for the better for the children as well as those who teach them. Please take note that all the teachers interviewed have refused to have their names mentioned. In addition, meetings and interviews take place in very private settings so as not to risk anyone being seen talking to the press. This is because the schools have perpetuated a culture of fear. As parents, is that the culture you want your children taught in?? Children are taught to stand up for themselves and their beliefs… to have a voice. It is ironic that what we are teaching children, we must hide within ourselves for fear of recrimination.