Recently I received an email from teacher colleague- Mommillan who regularly posts comments here on my blog. A question that she posed to me was why don't I post more topics from another view point, other than my own. Well here goes. BTW, Mommilan supports the green tier as a DC Teacher. Here's her position. Feel free to weigh in ???
"I am talking for all of us... we are in some trouble now... We were presented a great opportunity. No Rhee did not do her best at giving alot of key information, but the WTU was split internally, both ends, GP and Rhee were being tormented and forced citywide after awhile this got so big...and now NOTHING...maybe a 2% raise that has to be drawn from the DC Treasurer which is in a deficit right now due to Fenty's screw ups this past summer!...Maybe you make 100k a year or more... but I am half of that, living in a more expensive time then where you came from in your 8th year of teaching and raising 3 kids at home... This IS about money but also about my own children and their futures within DCPS. I have 2 in DCPS and 1 will be in DCPS in 2 years. This is about me making sure they have all they need for school as well... clothing, supplies, lunch! Daycare, pampers... Money money money! Gas... you know...RECESSION! Its quite a stress to see an opportunity of a lifetime to just be presented and then taken away... Now we are still going to be working hard and watching our back because Rhee is highly upset now... and I do blame you and your leadership in pressing this matter and basically bamboozling others into thinking the worst.. This is depressing and sickening how so many can take away from other people's pockets selfishly and inconsiderately! As if telling us "you may want it, but you don't need it..." and then slapping us in the face!!! Horrible! I am almost in tears! This could have helped a lot more teachers rather than hurt them...please prove me wrong... Please tell me what was the secret that GP was supposedly hiding from us that Mr. Saunders was speaking of at the meeting?? You all have no cause... just being evil! I need answers...try to explain please..." (some personal portions were removed). Posted by The Washington Teacher.
24 comments:
gee thanks...lol!
Fo more details folks, you all can visit my blog and get the "juicy details" in my latest post... thanks Candi *trying to smile*! ;)
Candi, I find mommilan position to be very interesting. Her position is very personal and it is not critical in analyzing the pros and cons of the proposed pay scale. It is not just about tenure or more money. By reducing the discussion to this level have led to the failure of the WTU in providing effective leadership in helping the members to critically analyze the proposed pay plan.
Here are my issues with the plan:
I have yet to see a detail plan on how teachers would be evaluated; how external factors in the assessment will be handled such as community issues that will impact instructional time; professional and resource development to ensure that all schools and teachers have equal access to resources - update computer, library, case managers, extra-curricula activities, etc.,- to be effectives because there are disparity between schools; or strategies to ensure that students with challenges are equally distributed amongst all teachers.
Another issue - I have yet to see a pay scale which outlines how long it would take for teachers to make the $100K. Is it 3 years, 5 years , 10 years? How much are the bonuses?
And lastly but most importantly the funds to pay for this plan has yet to be acquired from the private organizations. In addition, they have not committed to fund the plan. DCPS is still in negotiations with the potential donors. So what happen if the plan is approved but DCPS is unable to raise the money? What about the sustainability of the plan after the donated funds are deleted? Is DC Government committed to take over the funding of the pay scale if Chancellor Rhee 's sustainability strategies fails. What happens if Mayor Fenty is not reelected and a new Chancellor is appointed?
These are the type of questions we as teachers should be asking. We should not allow our emotions over-ride our critical thinking in approving a contract or propose pay plan. We need to look at this from a short term and long term perspective.
Just my thoughts on the issues.
Thanks Candi, I truly appreciate your blog. It give another perspective on the issue. Keep up the good work.
@Dorsey - "Another issue - I have yet to see a pay scale which outlines how long it would take for teachers to make the $100K. Is it 3 years, 5 years , 10 years? How much are the bonuses?"
If your not aware of this you needed to go to the informational sessions Rhee held this summer. You could have gotten many of the answers you want answered direct from Rhee. Heck email Rhee now, I guarantee she will personally respond to you and your questions, and most likely within 24 hours, which seems to be more than the entire union can do now.
You can find all the proposed pay scales and thus all the information for this question here
Proposed Two-Tier Teacher Salary Scales
Mommilan et. al,
"Money, money, money, money, money,money....money
Some people, got to have it....
Some people, really need it"
(wasn't that the O'Jays back in the day..)
Someone said it before...the devil is in the details.
Rhee's most recent threats don't bother me one bit. Not because I believe that I am the most effective teacher in DCPS (I am one among many). Its because the only "threat" Rhee is making is the one saying that she and her army (aka "newbie" principals) will finally focus on doing their job: to effectively monitor, evaluate and provide assistance(and this will be a first)to those educators who are in need of assistance. It took her fifteen months to figure that out????!!!??
The power she possesses today is the same power she has had (and she still has not done anything with it).
Don't talk me to death about ineffective workers.....you hired them, you fire them. You don't need the Union's help to get that done.
And btw, how about training the HR folks who don't know the difference between the hiree that could be a great career professional and the one that justn't doenn't add up.
Mommilan et.al, man up. Stop whining, do your job, and tighten up your home budget.
@tmoney:
I went to not one but two sessions. And if you believe Chancellor Rhee has this money thing figured out (except on paper)...I've got some land I want to sell you...it is near the great coastline of New Orleans (close to a beautiful enchanted area formerly known as the 9th Ward).
Pleeeze!
And btw, did you read that Prince George's County and other surrounding areas can't even pay the miserly percentage of 2% promised in their contracts? Do you think they are not still stuck with the consessions they made in the other portions of the contract.
They are....and we would be too!
Ane while we're talking about other portions of their contract....where are the other portions of the WTU contract......has anyone seen them lately???? did they get lost in the scuffle???? You should want to know what is in the other part of the contract..it could call for you to cut off your leg.
and other surrounding areas can't even pay the miserly percentage of 2% promised in their contracts? Do you think they are not still stuck with the concessions they made in the other portions of the contract.
This is 100% serious question that I am genuinely interested in and want to know. Allow me to set it up -
As it stands now plan B is going into effect, thus teachers are being paid the same amount as before aka will not get any more money than their 2004 old contract, yet face eventual termination through plan B if they are considered by Rhee and principles to be bad. Thus only good teachers will be left.
Other than the fact that under Rhee's plan you will make a lot of extra money and enjoy more benefits, how is it any different than what is currently in effect? Seniority and tenure don't seem to protect teachers from plan B so with the fact that seniority and tenure are already effectively gone, and the decision of whether you keep your job is already up to your principle and Rhee, what exactly are you opposed to that isn't already in effect thru plan B?
---------------
And while we're talking about other portions of their contract....where are the other portions of the WTU contract......has anyone seen them lately????
That is an excellent question. I think people on every side of this want to see the contract that the union says is unagreeable. If it is as bad as they say it is and they aren't concerned about Union members being tempted by it why don't they release the proposed contract as it currently stands to union members with the reasons the Union leadership found it so objectionable to not even release it let alone bring it to a vote - and thus costing teachers of DCPS millions in retro pay.
This seems like an obvious step considering the contract has stalled for the foreseeable future, leadership has been mum, and if the contract is as bad as the union says it is, it could reunite the membership.
So how about it Candi? Why hasn't the union released the contract as it stands and the unions reasoning? It would be more effective than people writing articles to labor magazines.
Good questions you are asking Tmoney. Certainly I have posed these same questions to our WTU President as well as your WTU Executive Board members at work. We like the WTU negotiating team (as reported in the paper) have been left in the dark despite many written requests, appeals to the American Federation of Teachers as well as motions to have all the critical information presented to the Executive Board as required. Despite this we have not received a tentative agreement in its entirety. Our WTU Executive Board even made the request to AFT and entered into an contract with them to provide oversight due to our concerns about the management of the WTU by our President and the lack of transparency and adherence to our WTU constitution.This document was presented to all WTU members who attended our April meeting during last school year.
I certainly invite you all to come out to our next Delegate Assembly meeting which should be scheduled for this month. Even if you cannot attend encourage your school building representatives to attend so that they can provide you with all of the critical information that gets discussed. Please stay tuned as these notices for these monthly meetings are sent to all local school building representatives and should be posted on your WTU bulletin boards at your school.If not speak to your WTU building rep.
Lindsey, I wish for you to write me at mrshaight@gmail.com so I don't disrespect Candi's blog here and get deleted...
I don't have to explain my whole entire life but I know my family's needs, and its not out of our means... you have no idea to what is going on and I think you are a ignorant person to even think that!
How about you get your "world" straight... budgeting isn't helping rising prices and healthcare, insurance, daycare...teacher please!!!
This is about as far as I can go with out really laying you out!!!
I am very clear on where I stand.
It is time to do whatever it takes to better these children!!! And it has been time since 2005! to get a raise and a cost of living raise, and a career raise, because let me repeat with this as well...
you have no right to determine what my needs and wants are...so check yourself before you wreck yourself!!!
That is all I can say before I start using offensive words...
Peace!
Thanks Candi, I appreciate your insights into the matter and what is going on behind the scenes in the union.
I don't mean to press the issue but I am genuine in my desire to know the current objections to the contract in light of plan B. Preferably the objections held by board members, but this is open to anyone such as Dorsey and Lindsey who stand opposed to the contract. I was under the impression seniority and tenure rights were the issue with the contract but if those have gone out the window with Plan B what is the problem?
I will past my original question below the line
-----------------
This is 100% serious question that I am genuinely interested in and want to know. Allow me to set it up -
As it stands now plan B is going into effect, thus teachers are being paid the same amount as before aka will not get any more money than their 2004 old contract, yet face eventual termination through plan B if they are considered by Rhee and principles to be bad. Thus only good teachers will be left.
Other than the fact that under Rhee's plan you will make a lot of extra money and enjoy more benefits, how is it any different than what is currently in effect? Seniority and tenure don't seem to protect teachers from plan B so with the fact that seniority and tenure are already effectively gone, and the decision of whether you keep your job is already up to your principle and Rhee, what exactly are you opposed to that isn't already in effect thru plan B?
@ tmoney
Why is it assumed that I am against the plan just because I am asking critical questions about the fairness, equity, and the sustainability of the proposed pay plan? I believe these are the questions that need to be asked and answered before we accept the plan.
I thank you for the pay scale but what about the other issues? Or should we not worry about those issues until after we get the proposed pay scale approved?
mommilan
I find it interesting that you put your financial/personal business out there but when someone comments you take offense. So why put it out there?
We all can use extra money for whatever reason. Talking about one's financial situation does not strengthen one's argument for why others should support the proposed pay scale. There are pros and cons to the proposed pay scale. And it makes no different where you stand we should be aware of the issues to prevent the name calling and emotionalism surrounding the issue.
I took offense to her telling me what to do with my money... thanks Dorsey for trying...
Furthermore, Lindsey, and those like her/him did have a lot to do with this not coming to an agreement... I feel like I am repeatedly repeating myself!!!
IF SOME of us WOULDN'T HAD JUMPED ALL ON MR. PARKER'S BACK, THINGS WOULD HAVE WENT MORE SMOOTHER.MAYBE WE WOULD HAVE REACHED AN AGREEEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT EARLIER AND WE ALSO COULD HAVE CONSTRUCTED ANOTHER CONTRACT IN TIME TO GET OUR RETRO...
let me repeat again as well... NONE OF US WORK FOR FREE BECAUSE WE ENJOY OUR CAREERES...
I love being a teacher, but you will neveer catch me working for free...
So no matter what your issue or excuse...
We are getting ready to fee; the wrath of the economy now, AND work hard to keep our heads above water...
I hope you all can swim!
...and before you get me on my typos.. I know how to spell but type too fast and their is no spell check on here, thank you!
I know this isn't the appropriate blog to leave this comment but I couldn't find any other way to post it. Here it goes... My name is Erica and I'm actually a Social Worker for CFSA. I was trying to apply for a job with DCPS and inquired about the potential for advancement as a Social Worker. Well, it was my understanding, according to a friend of mine who works for DCPS, that there were three Social Workers that were promoted to what's called Lead Social Workers and was getting paid alot of money. It is also my understanding that you are very active with your Union. My question to you is, why didn't I see that job posted when I had been looking for a job with DCPS? I also have my teacher's certification and would have wanted the opportunity to apply being as though my background is in Social Work and Education. What ever happened to enforcing the employment regs set forth by the DCMR?
Mommilan,
I am really confused by your position. The same behavior you state which led to the proposed pay plan not being put up for a vote - disrespectful and unprofessional - is the same behavior you are engaging in now. I refuse to reduce this conversation to a arguing or name calling match.
Lets redirection our energy back to the issues and leave the emotions out of the discussion. Lets take the time to truly find out why some teachers are for or against the proposed pay scale. We can do this by listening and asking questions as oppose to attacking each other.
We can all agree that the union handling of the situation can have been better. But what are we as individuals going to do different ? It is so easy to point fingers at each other but what does that really solve? We must all take ownership of our behavior. It was individuals who supported and those who were against the plan who "jumped on Mr. Parker's back."
I posted my reservations about the proposed pay plan. I would love to hear your thoughts about my reservations as well as why you support the plan.
Dorsey I was very clear and calm on my subject at hand...I really and truly believe that you just refuse totake in consideration...period.
Erica: Hi As a Building Rep for service providers I have along withour field rep have asked that the position for program managers be advertised and open to competition for all to apply. This is a requirement under the DCMR and DC personnel regulations. To date, those staff you mentioned are not currently in these jobs however it looks like they will certainly be given these jobs once the position is opened up as management has implied such by allowing them to act in this role even though they are not managers. I suggest that you apply if you are interested. Feel free to contact me offline @ saveourcounselors@gmail.com and I can answer any other questions that you have. Thanks.
I'm worried you and don't even know ya ! American Teacher's March on Washington !We're looking for that re-authorization team and want the White House front yard and a fire truck. Girl's, sounds like a mess of blues ! Are you torn down almost level with the ground ? Looks like a jambalaya fish fry and let the young rookie whippie,snapper's sign on up and they'll learn !Hold the line and shake,rattle and roll! When you walk in the building tomorrow, put a good CD in and when that school bell rings, find your own lawyer to look at your contract! Welcome to corporate America and do more with less !You hang in there and we're going to have a fuss on this NCLB and 10 % ! Good folks are losing their life savings all over this country and you've worked hard for your tenure."When you hear the hounds keep going !" That contract looks like a bridge to know where ! Thanks but no thanks!Selling snow to a polar bear on a melting slice of ice ? How operationally solid are those school buildings to make 132,000 a year under NCLB at 10 % and please get real with me! Every survival kit needs a sense of humor ! Those new teacher's won't make it without the pro's experienced in the building ! We're losing up to 50 % of our teacher's within five years!Do the copy machines work today? God bless Amy Totenberg.Sundram and Judge Paul Friedman on GS 94-142 and IDEA !Feel better after reading they're in there and but we still might march on Washington anyway ! Laugh! Stay in the saddle and lean with the trees !We'll all take a train to get there! What's the date you need us on go ?What's that Mr. Parker's number ? Who's fooling who ? There is nothing wrong with positive change but it's to top down and have basic needs been met in all school buildings ? Give those teacher's choice with no penality in their contract ! It's a three legged stool and no doctor of education at the top ? Stay cool and go watch the Orginal Hampster Dance !Cheer up ! The first year teacher's won't make it without the pro's with experience!
Hello Candi,
I saw the job for Program Manager posted and am very disappointed to see that whoever wrote up the qualifications did so with the intent to exclude a lot of people including myself. Well, I guess I'll go try to work for another system. Thanks for the heads up though.
Just checking in to make sure you're okay !Go to the legal channel and get your law book !We're on the, "The Man Stepped Up To Bat Channel !" It's the, I love Love Lucy show and grab Ethal !"Shake,Rattle and Roll !"God bless !
Who wrote what up ? Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,20 U.S.C.&1681 et seq.
peace.. I just hope you are not an english teacher! Then your metaphoric writing is confusing!!!
I am in my right mind, I have lawyers in my family as well as veteran teacher's. They all understand the contract very well, and said it seems to be about time to make teachers more accountable and also that the contract is fair, thanks! :)
What happened at the show down meeting you all went to and what's that Mr. Parker doing now ? Excellent and happy to hear in this rodeo there are real lawyers !Don't send this Rhee Twilight Zone reform to our state ! Just in case they decide to get any ideas, we will be researching and putting our dogs into this fight too. Metaphorically speaking!"Get up off a that thing and dance,you'll feel better." That's the new song dedication for ya !They try to reinforce Rhee's contract in the US , the parents will be teaching in school buildings, cause the teacher's and principle's will walk out.We are losing 50% of our teacher's in the US within five years ? NCLB and 10 % isn't working !Dial 911 and someones pants are on fire ! Have you read that ?
We've got all the teacher's in the country and principle's checking this out !We're going to get our superintendents and they need to sit down and help Mrs. Rhee.You see a chicken,he's on the Orginal Hampster Dance !"I ain't got no," english teacher and she saw Rhee's contract and quit!Lau how mercy,we'll be lucky if the next generation can read at all losing these teacher's and principle's.Get a mouse cut loose in Rhee's office to chew up that contract."Get up off of that thing..." James Brown !Uh oh !Put that song in tomorrow for the kids !
Post a Comment