tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post383012693359650071..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: Five more school days or waiver?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-42415321154399856162012-10-27T06:38:16.280-04:002012-10-27T06:38:16.280-04:00I would like for you to find a teacher that works ...I would like for you to find a teacher that works 36.5 hours a week! I work 8 - 4 with no lunch break (I have 20 min. to eat with my kids and most of that time is spent opening ketchup packets and cleaning up spills). That doesn't count the numerous staff/IEP meetings before and afterschool, parent conferences, and paperwork/planning done on the weekends.Edwinhttp://mirandagriceq.tumblr.com/post/31234758375/get-your-weight-loss-plan-on-the-right-track-with-thesenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-72950771228891572162011-06-29T15:16:11.460-04:002011-06-29T15:16:11.460-04:00Larry,
Until - the bleeding heart progressive edu...Larry,<br /><br />Until - the bleeding heart progressive educrats and politicians take their collective heads out of the dirt and realize people live where they live, stop trying to gerrymander school lines to "spread the poverty", realize whites and blacks are fleeing CMS, the poverty level at CMS is 52% (we think but can't check it per the USDA yet another branch puts it at 29%) yet Mecklenburg County poverty rate is about the same stated by one government source at 29%, that Mecklenburg County is 60% white and CMS is 33% white, that more people are opting out of the county in favor of Union county and schools in Ft. Mill, private schools, etc, etc, etc. <br /><br />CMS will never get any better than it is, only worse.<br /><br />I could do two more run-on sentences worth but you get the idea.<br /><br />What we owe kids is that it doesn't matter what your household income is or what skin color you have, that you have the ability to learn and those two labels mentioned do not define you.<br /><br />If we have quality teachers, support and infrastructure in the schools, it shouldn't matter whether one school is 99% black or 99% white, 2+2 is still going to equal 4 yet bleeding hearts like Wendy Kopp will tell you different.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-75884723704515898212011-06-29T14:55:01.248-04:002011-06-29T14:55:01.248-04:00Before we recreate the Hatfields and McCoys lets c...Before we recreate the Hatfields and McCoys lets come together and focus on the real enemy which is change.<br /><br />We need to equipt children with something we did not find in great demand during our earlier lifetimes, the inate ability to jump, roll, or dig out of the changing landscape.<br /><br />We owe them at least that.Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07977808657926308272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-32058614859101804822011-06-29T14:38:36.909-04:002011-06-29T14:38:36.909-04:00My feet are firmly planted on the ground, and I ha...My feet are firmly planted on the ground, and I have no desire to be on a pedestal. No, I don't know what it is like to stand in your shoes, but I have held a job that required travel and worked 50+ hours a week. My private sector job was every bit as noble as my public sector one, and I didn't leave "Corporate America" because I couldn't "hack it." I left because I wanted to be an educator. <br /><br />The point is teachers have valid concerns about their working conditions. If someone in another profession voiced similar concerns, I doubt they would be bashed and belittled that way teachers are. (Go back and read 8:46.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-85724622604003562402011-06-29T13:55:51.440-04:002011-06-29T13:55:51.440-04:00Anon 1:05
You need to remove yourself from the se...Anon 1:05<br /><br />You need to remove yourself from the self-appointed pedestal you're standing on and realize that you nor your job is any different than mine or any one else out here raising a family, paying taxes and paying bills.<br /><br />This "I have a noble profession because I teach children" falls on deaf ears here.<br /><br />I do not know what it is like to stand in your shoes in a classroom anymore than you know what it's like to stand in mine or travel 60 to 70 days per year being away from my family.<br /><br />As far as "hearing it from my wife", I heard plenty when she was attacked by two parents and being in the middle of the district trying to cover it up as they didn't want the publicity.<br /><br />I heard plenty about sweeping "teaching to the test" guidelines under the rug so students could pass more easily.<br /><br />I heard plenty about failed programs that some Dr. of so and so implemented that did absolutely no good and actually was a detriment to the students being treated like guinea pigs under it.<br /><br />And as you, I am accountable to my boss, the Exec VP, the President and the Board of my company and also my clients and customers.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-10889542178066343102011-06-29T13:05:07.880-04:002011-06-29T13:05:07.880-04:00I have worked in the private sector for same amoun...I have worked in the private sector for same amount of time as I've worked for the state--30 years total, and I agree with 5:14. Most folks in the provate sector who had a contract with an employer who did not meet their contractual obligations would seek a legal remedy or find other employment.<br /><br />And those of us who "work for us, the taxpayers" pay taxes just like you do. In addition to working for the taxpayers, we are accountable to our stduents, their parents, our administrators,the superintendent, the local school board, the state school board, and the legislators. <br /><br />It's obvious you have not worked in a classroom (just heard about it from your wife doesn't even come close).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-77237015711625080072011-06-28T17:19:47.062-04:002011-06-28T17:19:47.062-04:00Anon 5:14...
It is obvious you haven't worked...Anon 5:14...<br /><br />It is obvious you haven't worked in the private sector...<br /><br />You also fail to understand by working for the state, you work for us, the taxpayers.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-51325869653361973692011-06-28T17:14:10.799-04:002011-06-28T17:14:10.799-04:00(Anon 8:46) I have NEVER whined about my Professio...(Anon 8:46) I have NEVER whined about my Profession (not a job to me). I only seethe at people like you who did not pass reading comprehension in school. If you read ANY of the postings above you would conclude that WE are only concerned with the "BREACH of contract" with the State and CMS. Corporate America and MBA's would not "put up with" a company who signs an agreement for a salary and then is told, "Oh, we changed our minds. You will now work more days and hours and get paid less. In addition we will increase your management load, reduce your supplies and ask you to produce more." Any SUCCESSFUL Corporation knows that you cannot treat employees in this Fashion. So Please Stop comparing Teaching to YOUR "JOB"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-56311872804384229412011-06-28T08:46:25.599-04:002011-06-28T08:46:25.599-04:00Teachers really need to quit their whining. Oh, yo...Teachers really need to quit their whining. Oh, you have to work 8:30-4:30 with only a 30 min lunch? Poor baby, thats a 7.5 hour day. Plus you get a week or two at Christmas, plus a week at Spring Break, plus every holiday off, plus a good 8+ weeks in the summer- in addition to their paid vacation and sick time!! Why don't you try working in corporate america, where most people work 9-10 hours a day, don't eat lunch half of the time, and only get 2 weeks of vacation a YEAR?<br /><br />People might have more respect if teachers didn't constantly play the "woe is me" card. You get paid a very fair salary considering that you only work about 2/3's of the year if that. Most of the teachers are teachers b/c they couldn't hack it in corporate america.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-41297063190953982932011-06-28T01:20:25.322-04:002011-06-28T01:20:25.322-04:00Thanks for telling us and being so open. This is ...Thanks for telling us and being so open. This is going to help a lot of people understand.<br /><br />This will help us have a system that does more than just listens.<br /><br />I advocate for Teachers. I have helped with the Teachers Group and love what Teachers do. This is not trying to get votes, it is because I admire the profession. <br /><br />The first thing I would like to see in a new Super would be someone who said they would like see all the doors removed at the schools.<br /><br />This would show they want to get rid of the old tribes and alliances and open the whole thing to a new open and understanding where teams ran the schools from the bottom up.<br /><br />Second less from the book. The bright kids are leaving the system in droves. African Americans are the fastest growing group of Home Schoolers in the Country. <br /><br />So something is amiss and we know what it is. Teachers have lost the ability to be spontaneous and adapt to a dynamic learning environment.<br /><br />Now we can provide for those students who need special help. Why is it a school like www.AchievementFirst.org is able to take the urban kids NY and NJ, say will never learn and make them better students than their suburban counterparts? So we can take care of the students with smaller schools.<br /><br />So no matter what you might think, all people are listening and we all admire the work all of you do. <br /><br />But like the moans and wails of a very rough economy your plight is getting drowned out along with many others. So give us some time and all of us working together on the eduction of these future makers we have, we can make our futures secure. <br /><br />All the best.Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07977808657926308272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-33728833942318382172011-06-27T21:55:17.540-04:002011-06-27T21:55:17.540-04:00Larry, (from anon. 5:08)
Thank you for your openes...Larry, (from anon. 5:08)<br />Thank you for your openess and recognition of the passion. Excellent analogies. <br />Re: "Breach of Contract". I chose to stay in NC rather than "Go Union States" because there was a promise of a "progressive salary increase" per year of service. (MY service each year earned HIGH evaluations) There was also a promise of fiscal advancement from higher earned degrees. (so I spent my own money to pursue those degrees) There was the promise of "tenure/security" IF I continued as high quality teacher. (I NEVER expected to keep my position if I failed @ it)This enabled me to teach without looking over my shoulder and be willing to "take educational risks" to challenge my students. It allowed me to continue training professionally in the "off season" rather than wait tables or do construction. The State and CMS have violated each of these by changing the rules without the benefit of negotiation or due process. No increase in 5 years, at this rate when I retire @ 30 years I will be rated at the same salary as when I was at 21 years, reducing my pension drastically. Therefore the State who did not "invest" in our pension fund is now punishing us for their short fall. Our earned degrees will also not be valued also resulting in a "demotion" without due process. An increase in Days and hours will result in forced labor. While our benefits have been "altered" I can understand and accept inflation and cost of living adjustments. Why can't the STATE do the same? I hope this clears things up. Thank you BTW for "listening"!! That is mostly what we want!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-11145764646116860922011-06-27T19:42:03.708-04:002011-06-27T19:42:03.708-04:00As an educator who has taught in 3 different state...As an educator who has taught in 3 different states, I must admit this the craziest state to teach in with the mandate that often do not have the best interest of students and those individuals who work with them. Even after this year in CMS with EOGs and EOCs - test and retests, formatives, and other tests that students have to take, the students were mentally done for the year. So with the addition 5 days what do you suppose it will do for our stressed out , test anxiety students? Will it be better or another point dissasterous to the education system?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-52996583612742663212011-06-27T18:55:01.716-04:002011-06-27T18:55:01.716-04:005:08 May we understand what is my ultimate goal o...5:08 May we understand what is my ultimate goal of teaching? <br /><br />It is to uncover the embers that exist inside and ignite a passion that will take that person on into a future where they will never do a days work but go each day looking for another challenge. <br /><br />That is also what I do as a Leader once they get under my team.<br /><br />It seems you have reached your dream job and are defending it very well. <br /><br />But think of a Lawyer protecting a person/group/organization from an evil situation, that also make a difference that we could never put a value on. <br /><br />A Scientist who creates a new treatment or process that allow millions to have clean water in areas where so many die, can we place a value on that?<br /><br />So while I admire Teachers I do have to ask again if you feel that a contract has been voided we know to know how?<br /><br />Yes I have volunteered in schools and have seen some Teachers who I can only describe as Living Dead. Now the system may have been the culprit and it is not in my ability to know.<br /><br />But I do know that I have seen these same Teachers over and over, year after year and even worse seen the students under their care.<br /><br />That is why we need to make the system a more open and get all the people involved. Teachers are a major part of the solution, but until we get past this no one is willing to believe each other, then nothing is going to change. <br /><br />So look forward to some great ideas. In fact we need more outspoken people who challenge just what we both have to say on here.Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07977808657926308272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-19345443923194071682011-06-27T17:08:32.269-04:002011-06-27T17:08:32.269-04:00See my POINT!?! It is INANE (yes inane) to compare...See my POINT!?! It is INANE (yes inane) to compare Education to ANY OTHER PROFESSION!!! We DON"T make money... Teachers make a difference!!! Put a value on that? Evaluate it yes, we must. Let the teachers (not the unions) police our own. We are our biggest critics. WE DON"T want unmotivated slobs in the same schools as us. We want the best for OUR children.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-6694997592101127992011-06-27T12:33:27.137-04:002011-06-27T12:33:27.137-04:00Comparing sports to education?
...(checks to see ...Comparing sports to education?<br /><br />...(checks to see what planet I am on).....Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-46668920357036711282011-06-27T12:01:34.205-04:002011-06-27T12:01:34.205-04:00Larry, No Disdain for any other profession. Just t...Larry, No Disdain for any other profession. Just the insanity of comparing business to education. Sports to education is a better comparison. There are some horible teachers in our profession. There is a misnomer that they cannot dismissed. UNTRUE. The school systme is just too lazy and fearful to do so. So those substandard teachers were kept as the result of poor leadership. Similar to the sports industry. The most successful teams are those with dedicated players who were hired by and work in SYNC with each other and the coaches. Give us the leadership that will Get results not THEORIZE and EXPERIMENT with OUR CHILDREN. Oh yes, I forgot the comparison collapses when we compare salaries. Perhaps pro athletes should only be paid per yard, goal, assist, rebound, run, outs etc. and dismissed if they have too many fumbles, turnovers, or batting averages. No pressure. Gotta run and do lesson plans for August. Gonna help with interviews for potential hires during my "time off".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-26203853817563452292011-06-27T11:37:48.759-04:002011-06-27T11:37:48.759-04:00Anon 11:25..
Teachers as a group should not bear ...Anon 11:25..<br /><br />Teachers as a group should not bear the brunt of mismanagement by Federal, state and local governments, nor the educrat admin they work under.<br /><br />With the economy as bad as it is, unfortunately government employees must bear some brunt of the downturn as do private sector employees.<br /><br />Having said that, when the city and county plus some state government workers getting increases, teachers should also get some of their losses back.<br /><br />The state could have found a way to do that if they really wanted to.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-68117083633405705622011-06-27T11:25:10.679-04:002011-06-27T11:25:10.679-04:00Wiley,
Give teachers what they have lost since 200...Wiley,<br />Give teachers what they have lost since 2009? Wow! Wiley Coyote for State legislature! If that is a promise of support I can count on, then let me know where to send my campaign contribution.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-49531979334341759372011-06-27T07:56:48.441-04:002011-06-27T07:56:48.441-04:00What a crock! Anyone who thinks that the students...What a crock! Anyone who thinks that the students will benefit from five more instructional days is delusional. For the ones who didn't learn a d**m thing during the 180 days, do you think that five more will make a difference? If they couldn't have cared less in the first place, will does five more days do?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-41248975840964417152011-06-27T04:52:03.337-04:002011-06-27T04:52:03.337-04:008:41 I have never compared Teaching with as you sa...8:41 I have never compared Teaching with as you said paper pushing. And am shocked you have disdain for another profession. But let's put that aside.<br /><br />I understand you feel that after 25 years the State has voided a contract with you? <br /><br />How? Specifics please, we need to know the angst so we can see where the vehemency is coming from. <br /><br />Maybe we just do not understand? As you say some of the jobs outside the hallowed learning environment are not have some of the same issues?Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07977808657926308272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-67398555777158845622011-06-27T04:44:17.973-04:002011-06-27T04:44:17.973-04:00I am sorry if anyone felt I was trying to make the...I am sorry if anyone felt I was trying to make them uncomfortable. <br /><br />To be honest it might be better to let the entire system fall around them and then come in and rebuilt it with out them, especially if that would make them feel more at home and we are so close to that anyway.<br /><br />As far as Borg I have referred many people to his site but that is the extent of my relationship with him. I know he does a lot of research and it seems valid.<br /><br />And let me understand his motivation over the motivation of those who are getting paid by the system, he is getting paid nothing but the pleasure of knowing that no matter what happens he will be one person who can say they at least tried. <br /><br />So for everyone here I admire you for your work but mainly I extend an additional admiration to him for his tireless work for just the kids and their future.Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07977808657926308272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-40472912514639150742011-06-26T21:45:31.908-04:002011-06-26T21:45:31.908-04:00Anon 9:23
Posting comments online doesn't tak...Anon 9:23<br /><br />Posting comments online doesn't take a degree in rocket science nor does it take much time to do it.<br /><br />I follow all local government issues and CMS.<br /><br />My job allows me to be able to make comments virtually anytime I want during the day and at night and weekends, I periodically read updated blogs and news stories and make my comments accordingly.<br /><br />I don't know Larry and disagree with some of his positions but we both are passionate about our points of view.<br /><br />Too bad if you can't handle the fact I'm able to post, what I want, when I want.<br /><br />Have a great week!Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-86714332363376022292011-06-26T21:23:12.926-04:002011-06-26T21:23:12.926-04:00One poster wrote that “Larry” is exactly what the ...One poster wrote that “Larry” is exactly what the school board does not need. These narrow minded self absorbed so call business folk is exactly what the business community does not need! His partner in crime “Wiley” claims to be a business man as well, yet he spends all of his time posting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-87523298878505056102011-06-26T21:20:19.303-04:002011-06-26T21:20:19.303-04:00Anon 8:41...
I am certainly no paper pusher. My j...Anon 8:41...<br /><br />I am certainly no paper pusher. My job versus a teacher is totally different. Each have their good points and bad points, highs and lows, rewards and disappointments.<br /><br />I have stated many times that the vast majority of teachers my son had in his 13 years at CMS were good teachers, but he also had a couple that should have been terminated.<br /><br />It seems the city and county found money to give out raises, the state should find the money to give teachers back what they have lost since 2009.<br /><br />Given the mediocre test scores and graduation rates, I would say that overall, the "product" your company is pushing, public education, is sub-par.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-44708853697339914302011-06-26T20:41:17.244-04:002011-06-26T20:41:17.244-04:00Both of you are correct. The only difference is TH...Both of you are correct. The only difference is THE PRODUCT. Businesses make Money. Teachers make a difference in the LIVES of Children. Elementary class room size of 22-28children. Secondary classes up to 150 children. That would make teaching more of a managerial position. Even with that, trying to compare a "paper pushing postion" with those who change lives is impossible. Please STOP trying to do so. Trachers are vested emotionally each day (year round)stressing about HOW TO REACH students despite the difficulties in their lives. This is a calling for me. I don't want much but I was led to believe that I had a contract with the state and now 25 years later that contract is Broken. In the business world I can sue a company for breach of contract. In NC all I can do is focus on reaching my students. No MBA would work for less pay and reduced benefits. Therein lies the rub.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com