Over the last year there have been widespread reports that the administration at Seattle School District has used predatory tactics to force out senior teachers.
The Seattle Education Association refuses to acknowledge that there is an issue of discrimination. The SEA response has been to encourage these teachers to resign.
Our beloved teachers are disappearing one at a time.
It is time to stand together and push back.
We will not be victims.
Forcing out Senior Teachers is a problem in other Districts as well. In the Clover Park SD, Senior Special Education Teachers who serve extremely high needs students and previously had three paraprofessionals were restricted to one paraprofessional this year to serve the same type of population and same number of students.
ReplyDeleteTeachers are forced out with the CPEA facilitating resignations. The union is encouraging teachers to resign as the district will agree to not oppose unemployment benefits if teachers resign..... but if one goes through probation and does not make it ... then likely the district will oppose unemployment benefits.
This deal is often presented with a three hour time window or less for signing.
Remember the WEA was a big booster of Race to the Top and Common Core State Standards...... Are members actually still believing the union represents them?
I have heard similar stories from other districts as well including Lake Washington and Northshore.
ReplyDeleteWe must end the isolation of teachers and strike back.
Any ideas how to make this happen would be most welcome.
The teacher resignation paperwork includes non-disclosure.
DeleteIt was written:
ReplyDeleteWe will not be victims!
..... I think that is more easily written than made a reality.
The forced resignations have been happening for a while. CPSD and SPS are fine examples.
The WEA SEA etc. should be held accountable for "Failure to fairly represent members".
The WEA upper level leadership would rather play political games than represent members. .... The SEA is hardly any better.
So. Teachers and staff are forced to resign to end the pain. In order to resign they must agree not to tell anyone.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like abuse.
Greetings......
ReplyDeleteI'm a rarity in this District-being a male, and an Experienced Educator of Color. I'm currently a .05 Employee with the District. Yet since 2009 I've been trying to return to full time. In doing so, I have applied to over 55 positions, had 21 interviews, and have been rejected 21 times. And I'm going to say the latter again because it is unbelievable within itself, "I've had 12 interviews, and have been rejected 21 times"!
At a later date, I am going to post my ongoing situation leading up to why this happened, for all to see, because the "hidden agendas" and all other nonsense has to stop.
Though to make matters worse, I would discover employment opportunities within my credentialed areas were available, yet they were not listed on the District's on-line Job Board. For some reason, they were kept in secrecy only to farmed out to Substitutes-some of whom, aren't certificated in certain areas. This has not only created a sense of inconsistency amongst a child's Educational experience, but it would also shed a portion on how underhanded procedures continue to flourish within Seattle Public Schools
Hinting a sense of injustice, I've conferred with a couple of "attorney friends"-whom at one time, when we were students at the U of W, use to bother me continuously by telling me that "I got your back". Today they're telling me "you're lucky you have a job"! Since then, I have broken all communication efforts from them because they're only out for the "bling-bling" and most have forgotten what true friendship is all about.
As for my ongoing situation, I'm still struggling each day in my efforts to return full time employment within my credentialed areas but the games the District is playing is continual and it doesn't appear to let up. Whether or not, "people (like administrators) meet" and discuss those who "are trouble", remains to be seen. Though interestingly, I have discovered that there isn't anything negative in my Employment files; yet many are puzzled-in the way in which I've been treated and have asked "..what in the hell is really going on in this District"?
Yet each day, I'm seen by the innocent kids and supportive parents alike that I've come into contact with, as someone who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of their kids. While I'm sincerely grateful to hear responses like this, unfortunately, to a blind District, like Seattle, statements like these are non-existent.
P.S., Be on the look out for those additional attachments which describes everything I've had to endure since 2009.
In my first paragraph at the bottom, I indicated that I had 21 interviews and been rejected 21 times. This is the correct ratio as indicated.
DeleteLast year a former administration, informed a group of us that under Goodloe-Johnson, that in an administrators meeting principals across the board were instructed to get rid of at least one teacher at their school that was a veteran teacher. He became a former administrator and returned to the classroom as a teacher because ethically he didn't feel he could do that.
ReplyDeleteIt pained many of us at Broadview to watch what the principal at Broadview did to an effective teacher. Bottom line he was spineless. Now teachers are too afraid to stand up for what is right for students or voice their own rights for fear of retaliation. The principal sure was effective in silencing everyone who disagreed with him.
Additionally, adding salt to the wounds he continues to force a third administrator down the throats of the staff. The third administrator allows the principal to stay in his dark office, with a closed door policy, behind a computer most of the day. He is the first principal that many had worked with that said, "Make an appointment with my secretary if you want to talk to me." Though staff complained to his superiors about numerous issues and concerns to my knowledge nothing came of it.
In this district it seems if affluent, gifted, or white parents aren't the complainers, in effective administration remains in place regardless of what damage they do to a school and its staff.
Thank you for posting.Your story adds valuable evidence. There is an ever growing group of us veterans who have been harassed and forced out. We are standing together as we have no union to represent us.
DeletePlease encourage senior teachers you know to post here-especially those who have been offered a "settlement" to quit. Our careers are at stake. If the Human Rights Commission finds even evidence we will push for a class-action suit. Please help us help ourselves. ---Salander
Sorry about the following lengthy response but I'm replying to what was said over at Broadview-Thomson K-8, rather late. In fact, I just caught notice of this information regarding the administrator over @ Broadview-Thomson, K-8.
DeleteAnd the reason for this reply is because back in August 2008, the school was headed by a principal who told me that I would NEVER work at her school once she found out I was displaced-though for no negative reason (so in other words, whenever someone's displaced, it's not always for negative reasons, if that). But as ignorant as this principal was, she didn't see it that way.
Instead, she told me that I would never work at her school right in front of the current principal; who
in turn, has taken it upon himself to screen me out whenever I would apply for a position there.
So far, he's been successful with omitting me out of 5-opportunities within my credentialed areas between 2010 and December 2011. Now I would never suggest that I'm "the best candidate" or "better than anyone else", but I do know I'm qualified. I also know people-Teachers and especially Parents, who's children attend Broadview-Thomson. For it is they who would come to me and respond to me by telling me how disappointed they were once they found out that I wasn't considered. This was followed by "..you would have been a great fit there". This was said because of their knowledge with my years of experience in working with a lot of "at-risk" and troubled youth-Grades 5th thru 8th; which, Broadview-Thomson has a lot of.
But sadly, the principal there-as well other "outside" sources; especially a department manager from one of my credentialed areas, had a say over who should be brought on board versus who should not be brought on board. So in other words (and I might be incorrect in saying this, but I'm going to say it anyways), if you don't fit the current "culture" at the school, then its out the door for you!
As sad as this is, its just one element within the entire issue of harassment of beloved Educators throughout Seattle Public Schools. For me, it marked the beginning of what would follow afterwards-which within itself, is even more lengthier that this.
But with all of the harassment and intimidation (and even threats of termination) STILL going on, I wouldn't be surprised if this was one of the real reasons behind Superintendent Enfield/Deputy Superintendent Treat leaving. For one, having met both in person, what I do know is that they were both expressively shocked and disappointed over how I was treated, and it could be that they're both just sick and tired of all this unjust mess that's plaguing Seattle Public Schools.
The madness has to stop, NOW!
Anonymous
There is a group of us- The Teachers' Defense Committee- that has joined together to fight the same issues you have faced. BT has once of the worst offending administrative staff. The current principal has virtually no teaching experience. This is a common trait in principals who are forcing out senior teachers.
DeleteWould you consider joining us?
I'd be honored. In fact, you know me-though not face to face, just yet. But I've spoken with you over the phone, and have communicated to you via e-mail. I've had the pleasure of meeting a host of hardworking people you know who are sincere, up-front, supportive and progressive. They play a vital role within the Teachers' Defense Committee. In fact, they've already planned several meetings and get togethers in the past, which I've been a part of.
DeleteSo hopefully, right before the beginning of the new Academic School year, I'm really hoping that we all can meet again and discuss how this continued trend -involving harassment against qualified Educators over 40, is a real issue that needs to end. I think you would agree that to sit and do nothing will bring about nothing.
And that's what they expect-but we ain't having it!
It ain't that kind of party!
Talk with you soon!
I am a new teacher who has been harassed and unsupported by administration all year. I have been physically ill from my work this year but have continued to work hard to improve my practice. I have no rights as a new teacher and I'm beyond frustrated and, honestly, pretty depressed about my prospects for next year and my ability to stay in the field. I'm not a veteran teacher...but the way things are going I won't be able to hang on in this field long enough to become veteran. Cue the dramatic music here.
ReplyDelete-Just Another Teacher
The Teachers' Defense Committee is planning to send representatives of our group to meet with Banda this month.
ReplyDeleteWe will let him know that SEA doesn't represent us. Also, that senior teachers are being subjected to harassment and bullying and forced out all over the district.
The Human Rights Commission investigation that I spurred in April is ongoing.
This dirty little secret is being exposed.
With regards to Seattle Public Schools trying to keep their "dirty little secret" ongoing, I am very happy to hear that their underhanded tactics will eventually be exposed. I will definitely keep an ear open for the outcome of this.
DeleteAnd just so you know (and I'm sure that you might have already heard about this), but I've filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the EEOC), and my case is currently under mediation. And get this, I was contacted on a Sunday morning once Seattle Public Schools discovered that I filed a claim with the EEOC.
***(And I think you're probably familiar with knowing that whenever the District contacts someone on a Sunday, its serious).
Well, as I spoke with the District's Labor Relations rep, she wanted me to sign some paper work for settling. I refused (that is, until I have a trustworthy individual or representative-possibly someone from the Teachers Defense Committee, and not somebody from SEA).
I went to the EEOC because not only am I over 40, but I also represent a rarity within this District, appearance-wise. So I (and a handful of other Teachers, who are different appearance-wise) are victims of a "double whammy" when it comes to defining the District and our union allowing the harassment agenda to continue.
I for one, know that the District's Labor Relations rep-with whom I spoke w/on a Sunday, wanted to settle quickly because they didn't want to "become another Tukwila".
Now ain't that nothin'?!! They (the District and the union) are always up for covering their assets.....
Greetings Salander!
ReplyDeleteHope that you are enjoying this Holiday Season!
I wanted to let you know that I'm going to do my part to continue letting you know of any incidents that involves the ongoing harassment of Teachers. As you know, there's just no way to escape this career-ending epidemic.
Therefore, my response is just an update; primarily because of the growing incidents with Teachers constantly being bullied and harassed. And that most importantly-someway or another, the public needs to be made notice that this isn't a dying issue. Its a real problem-one that's destroying the careers of hard-working Professionals throughout Seattle Public Schools.
As you know, recently, I've been assigned to a new school as a full time employee. This would be my first full time assignment since 2010 and so far, I'm really enjoying my role in helping the population of "at-risk" youth at my new school.
But now there's a familiar "shark fin" circling within these calm waters-with the iconic "duh-duh-duh-duh" background music. This "shark"-is an arrogant, and rigid assistant principal known for her constant bullying and harassment. Recall that last year, she's stalked, bullied, and harassed a veteran Teacher at her old Middle school in West Seattle. Now she's been let loose in South Seattle, and is seeking and stalking her next victims.
Since late November, there has already been 6 experienced Teachers at my new site, whose gotten negative remarks and have received letters detailing that they're about to be put on Improvement Plan(s). And sadly, that number is growing.
So far, this assistant principal has especially hunted down those who have had an additional Representative from OSPI present, and those Teachers, have received rave reviews (from the Representatives of OSPI). In comparison, the Vice Principal has given those same Teachers, opposite responses, and one can only imagine her so-called "academically-based" mundane crap, that she's come up with. And she even has the nerve to signify that everyone with whom she's evaluated so far, to have a "Happy Holiday Season". Really?
Thankfully-because of my past experience with several insecure under-handed administrative snakes, I've asked the Principal himself, to evaluate me early on, because I told him that "he's a visually familiar individual with whom I had the pleasure of meeting when I was brought on board". He said, "No problem".
So I'm "safe"; but still on guard.
But there might be a bright light of hope penetrating through these storm clouds.
This source of hope and support is coming from the newly elected Vice President of the School Board, who has already told me face to face (and those who have been evaluated by the attacking assistant principal), that she will NOT TOLERATE any further incidents of Teacher bullying and harassment at her school. This school that I'm assigned to is really dear to the heart of the newly elect Vice President of the School Board, and I don't think that she's going to allow it to flourish-and she's made that clear!
I'll continue to provide you with a continuing update on this ongoing issue in the hopes that someday in the far future, there will be "peace in the valley"; 'cause it ain't happening anytime soon.
**Also a note to "Salander", I and several others whom you know and have spoken with, want you to communicate/respond to us. It will be nice to hear from you and I-have already left you an email describing the above story as it reflects the continuing issue of Teacher Harassment.
Hope to hear from you real soon!
Hello Bear-
DeleteThank you for your message. My heart soars to know that at least one member of the school board is sympathetic to our plight.
A quick update on my situation:
At this writing I have been on a PIP for 60 weeks. The various iterations of the PIP have included such things as turning on the lights when I am finished using the projector and having sticks to call on students. It was cited that I took 16 minutes to call on 11 students.
As you are aware complying with all the petty administration demands of the PIP is very time consuming. As of this writing I have logged about 900 hours of extra time for all the meetings, emails and paperwork demanded of the process. Sadly this is 900 hours I could have used in service to the diverse needs of my students.
Earlier this term I attended a meeting with my principal and a district attorney discussing items such as my failure to retrieve mail in my front office mailbox by 3 pm every day.
The district hired an outside attorney to "investigate" my claims of bullying and harassment. Of course the final report was very one-sided and biased and, as with all "investigations", found my principal totally innocent. I believe that subjecting any teacher to 60 weeks of micro scrutiny is abuse of not only the teacher but of public funds. My last observation report ran 11 pages. It took me nearly seven hours on a Sunday just to respond to this one piece of "evidence" against me, which included several blatant false claims.
Over the last three months I have paid a private attorney nearly $10,000 just to shield me from the constant torment and abuse.
I have had to file two ethics complaints with the City of Seattle for administrative actions that are against federal law.
Perhaps you might send Ms. Patu a link to this blog so that she is aware that abuse of teachers is wide spread throughout the district. I know this blog represents just a tiny fraction of what has been happening of the past three years. However, it might serve as an introduction to further bring to light this sad state of affairs.
Greetings, "Salander"! It's sure a great joy to see your response.
DeleteBut dang! You've been going through some serious drama. And yes, time commitment to our students is at a virtual zero these days; especially when someone-like a insecure/power-hungry administrator is constantly hovering over you. You seriously must be going through hell and living a nightmare.
A while back, I once told somebody that being a Teacher within Seattle Public Schools is literally like "walking on eggshells". He replied that "..maybe the District should be poached"!
As for getting this info out to our newly elect School Board President, I know that I'm not about to send it via District e-mail. For "vultures" are constantly hovering over there. But since she do make routine visits to the school, I will definitely connect her to this blog, in person.
Another thing I'm wondering is what is SEE/Teacher's
Defense Committee doing about your (or anyone else) current situation? As you know, they've been very serious & quite vocal about "moving forward on this issue". Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything as of late (yet the only thing I heard from them recently was an announcement about a meeting that will eventually take place). But nothing more.
Again, I'll continue to do what I can to link my co-workers who are "new victims" at my new site, to this blog, OK?
Until then, you take care and hang in there!