What kind of school is this? What you are describing actually sounds illegal. Are there no fire codes in that district? What is the occupancy allotment for the "room?"
It's a charter school with no union representation.
I'm not so concerned about a union. I want to know if they follow basic fire codes. How is it legal to cram 25 children into some fake, makeshift classroom?
Eh. If she doesn't have short term plans of teaching it would be a nice thing to do for the kids.
subs are terrible with kids and supplies. Out of pocket expenses can range into the thousands. The school could turn around and say it's their stuff at the end of the year. It's just not a wise choice, and I doubt she would get any of it back.
All subs? Those are pretty broad statements. In my experience both as a sub and classroom teacher you do your best so you keep getting called back and maybe sometime down the line an interview and job. Are some subs awful? sure, but those aren't usually the ones who get long term positions. I would absolutely trust a sub with my things.
Forget about the decorations and pretty extras. That isn't the core issue here. Safety is. Don't wait until school starts to alert the fire marshal, the state department of education and other relevant authorities. Those kids will have enough crap to deal with. Make sure someone knows in advance so changes can be made before classes start.
1) Measure the exact dimensions tomorrow with a tape measure. Contact the fire department with that information, the number of students slated for the class and information about number and size of points of egress, windows, etc.
2) Prepare a simple sheet for the parents tomorrow with the name of the teacher who will be teaching the kids, the principal's contact information, and other relevant information that they can take home to take their own action.
"Help me measure the classroom!" can be a fun game if you want. It would also be a way for the parents to get the stats they need to move forward on getting help.
Post by Monica Geller on Aug 7, 2014 4:53:33 GMT -5
OMG! I'm livid on your behalf. PP had good ideas. Definitely "pass the buck" on to the administration. And don't leave anything you value. I'm so sorry you're going through this.
Post by W.T.Faulkner on Aug 7, 2014 6:53:27 GMT -5
So sorry this is happening, but I can't say I'm surprised. The cynical part of me thinks that school administrations in places like ours do this because they know parents won't speak up.
My former school fought and won the right to organize last year; hopefully it sends a message to the rest of the dysfunctional city charters that that can happen.
At least you're accountable for their test scores now, though!
(Sorry, OP. Administration really doesn't care about what's good for the kids)
Can't read all the replies, but I suggest talking to a union rep (or are you the one in the bullshit charter with no union?) and demonstrating these conditions (7 at a table) for your admin using photos of yours vs others' and explaining the injustice of being held to the same standard as colleagues who have more resources and tools than you do. You might also ask if this "room" meets fire codes, and if you feel there are safety issues I this space of any kind, consider contacting OSHA.
There aren't two points of egress? I agree that it's very likely not up to code.
I taught in a room for 9 years that didn't have 2 points of egress (9 years--no windows!). It may vary by state (or even county or city), but I don't know that that's standard.
Post by thatgirl2478 on Aug 7, 2014 8:59:31 GMT -5
So, not a teacher, not a parent of a school aged child (unless you count preschool), but that doesn't sound safe to me. I can't wait to hear what your parents say...
Anecdotally, in HS I took Level 1 French in a classroom that size. We had 14 'all in one' desks and a teacher desk, that was it. However, there were 11 of us in that room. And it sucked - and we were freshmen. I can't even imagine it as a kindergartner.
Post by speckledfrog on Aug 7, 2014 9:08:44 GMT -5
I'm interested to see how this will play out. I have doubts that megachoo will do anything beyond just getting through the day. Sorry megachoo, I hope you prove me wrong.
Post by onomatopoeia on Aug 7, 2014 9:18:38 GMT -5
Charter schools are overseen by (and accountable to) the state DOE - at the very least I would let the parents know who they should call to voice their frustration.
This is really bad. I know time is pretty much up at this point, but I hope there's been at least some effort, put forth by someone, to make this room look inviting and fun for the kids today (and for the whole school year, really) while the parents and admins fight this out. That's a really shitty way for them to start off their first year of school.
I have to say that I think the parents will also have something to say if they are all crammed into the room for the intros. As a parent, I would be beyond pissed and would call everyone in the administration and
And I get that you want to let the sub know on the DL that she will have the classroom for the year but I would not do that. If the school finds out that you communicated your intention not to return before you even leave on ML, it could turn into a shit storm. (based on what you have said about the administration and the company that runs your school.) And you can't guarantee that she won't let something slip.
Do subs normally have a bunch of classroom decorations and supplies? I would be worried because I wouldn't expect a three month sub to decorate and fill a classroom like a real teacher would.
Now that I know who she is and have her contact info, I'm letting her know on the dl that I'm not coming back and she'll have my full position for the year.
Do you know that for sure though? Or will they hire someone else? I was hired in late October of last year when the original teacher received a promotion, and they burnt through two subs.
I'm interested to see how this will play out. I have doubts that megachoo will do anything beyond just getting through the day. Sorry megachoo, I hope you prove me wrong.
I wouldn't tell anyone even remotely affiliated with the school that you don't plan on coming back. I would proceed as if all would go according to the known and agreed upon plan.
I'm interested to see how this will play out. I have doubts that megachoo will do anything beyond just getting through the day. Sorry megachoo, I hope you p
This is why I always make sure to get everything on teacher wish lists. Because the teachers I've met on these boards have pretty well educated me on how shitty schools are to their teachers, and it's unconscionable.
I'm sorry, megachoo.
We do too.
I hate that there is a bad rep for charter schools. This is not the case for all of them.
I wish you the best tonight. I would hope you have at least one understanding parent.
Post by littlepeanut on Aug 7, 2014 10:25:15 GMT -5
This has nothing to do with you. The good parents will know that this is beyond your control, and will most likely go to admin to complain. I taught in a TINY closet like room for years, and my admin were upset that I didn't incorporate more movement into my lessons. Some of them expect miracles out of absolutely nothing. Good luck tonight. Just try to keep smiling.
I'm interested to see how this will play out. I have doubts that megachoo will do anything beyond just getting through the day. Sorry megachoo, I hope you prove me wrong.
I'm sorry, Megachoo. Teachers in this city - public, charter, even parochial - have no real support and the kids will continue to suffer for it. I hope one of your parents calls Action News about this shit.
I'm interested to see how this will play out. I have doubts that megachoo will do anything beyond just getting through the day. Sorry megachoo, I hope you prove me wrong.
I hope one of your parents calls Action News about this shit.
Maybe you should print out a contact sheet w/ principal's & superintendent's info. I don't know charter school's deal, but can you include school board info too? Depending on how much trouble you're willing to risk, maybe include the local news info, in smaller font @ the bottom? I'd print these contact mini-sheets (16/ page?) & attach them to the sheets of paper you're preparing for complaints tonight. So many good luck thoughts are with you, Teach!!
I'm interested to see how this will play out. I have doubts that megachoo will do anything beyond just getting through the day. Sorry megachoo, I hope you prove me wrong.