Ask, and ye shall receive.
Here is a DCPS PSA for staff; please watch it and try not to cry, spit out your mile or smash your computer. Warning that will be a challenge.
Once again, no mention of the pandemic; you know it's like it's not happening. That is a problem, a big problem. Can you imagine the production meeting? Hey, there is a pandemic going on; should we mention it? How about those schools that have bullies masquerading as principals, bring that up? What about the district violating the contract? Should any of that get a mention?
You know, I guess they were heading in the right direction, but even that's a huge problem.
So the district knows teachers are working themselves to the bone, stressed about making gains, and about how teaching is super difficult, so what do they decide to do? Make a video, that's what. They aren't actually helping anyone, and in fact, they are making things worse.
It's almost like a big joke to them. Teachers are withering on the vine. What should we do, make things easier for them? Nah, let's just make a video.
With the video, I guess they can pretend they care, but the truth is their actions speak a lot louder than their words.
This gives me a new perspective, especially that last teacher who was concerned about his eval. Call EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is the advice, not "You know what? You're right. Do the best you can for your students and we'll give you a good eval regardless of test scores."
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the entire testing things/evaluation is not coming from the district. Lots of it is coming from the State and we have to show "due diligence" in attempting to adhere to state mandates.
DeleteWhat I find ironic about this particular video is it is under the idea of the You Matter movement, a movement designed for " youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness, created and administered by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline." (https://youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/about-you-matter-2/). I am all for mental health improvement. It just feels like this particutlar video could have been an afterthought at the meeting. Something like this:
Good intentions meeting participant #1: You movement - focus on the kids.
Participant #2: yes, we need to help the kids
Participant #3: But how can we help the kids if there is a need for adult mental health of our teachers and staff? You know that will come up.
Leading participant: I know, let's do one with a focus on the adults who are back in the schools, who are doing B&M as well as DHR!
Participants: Awesome idea!
Leading participant: Okay, let's get a timeline set up during our next Zoom/Teams meeting. It will be scheduled same time next week.