I am going to cry. Seriously. And then I am going to start looking for another school system.
I cannot believe George Parker is supporting scraping this entire contract and going for a more "traditional agreement." Clearly, not only does he not represent me, but he is also taking money right out of my pocket!
I understand that shitty teachers who have been working in the system since 1952 don't want to give up tenure. Fine. I get it. So choose the red plan! I don't understand opposing the entire proposal, unless you just haven't read it.
I had planned to choose the green plan. My salary last year was in the low 50's. This year, my salary would have been 80K. I would have been able to think about buying property in this city and staying here for the long haul.
Contract supporters, I URGE you once again to contact gparker@wtulocal6.org and voice your support for this plan. I plan to e-mail again. We cannot allow him to kill this plan.
08 August 2008
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i feel exactly the way you do. i too, had planned to go green, let's not give up though! i'm emailing george parking and encouraging others to do the same.
Wonderful. I'm really looking forward to 1-2% pay increases over the next 5 years while inflation shoots upward. I was really excited that Rhee, who I generally dislike, had found a way to get some extra money coming into the system and was willing to spend it to improve teacher salaries, but I guess "protecting" the union, which has never done anything particularly useful for anyone I know, is more important then getting paid.
I too was quite disappointed to read today's Post article. Of course Parker is against the plan, but I thought he could live with it enough to make it go for a vote. He's under incredible pressure from people who, if let go by DCPS, couldn't pass the Praxis and go somewhere else, as most of us could. My colleagues make me so mad, that they could derail this plan.
Let's not just email the WTU our support: we need to call, as they are getting phone calls too. And let's not give up.
I must say, from the comments that I have read in the Washington Post discussions, I am not sure we deserve a raise. The sheer lack of reading comprehension and logical thought is painful to see. :-)
I do think there are reasonable concerns about the contract, but you wouldn't know it from the people writing those comments.
I'm going away for the weekend and fully expect this contract to be dead by Monday.
Its so very sad that they won't even allow members to vote on it. The only reason not to allow a vote is that they are afraid it will pass and were never seriously considering the plan. Is it possible for union members to go on strike against the union board? probably not but perhaps a city wide rally could help. All teachers and there supporters coming together. It might at least help get the plan to a vote.
I definitely agree with everyone saying that if the Washington post comments reflect what the majority of teachers in DC think then they really don't deserve a raise. Nothing but ignorance and conspiracy theories in those comments.
I sent a rather verbose e-mail to Mr. Parker. I am very disappointed in his comments today, but even more disappointed to read the comments following the article. Where is the comprehension? I would be happy to speak in lay terms for anyone who still does not understand the proposal, although I think the presentation is already very simple, right down to the color coding and bolding.
And Toby, everyone who could not pass the Praxis has been let go. That was the massive 750 firings that occurred in July. DCPS now has 100% compliance with NCLB's certified teacher requirement.
I called the union a few mins ago and after 15 mins of back and forth with a woman named Ms. Hicks, she hung up on me. She said and I am quoting the exact words ''the union does not support the proposal'' but i don't see how when the entire union isn't in agreement! emailing him doesn't work... call and harass! go down there... call rhee and fenty or write them. you will get a straight answer from them in 24 hours or less! i am out of town but come back tomorrow, and i plan on stopping my union dues because if they aren't going to support me, then i won't support them!
Mrs. Haight,
Get this. I just called the union at (202)293-8600. I told the woman who answered the phone that I was a WTU member and asked who I could speak with to voice my feedback on the contract proposal. She replied, dubiously, "Your feedback?" I said, "Yes."
She said, "You can e-mail George Parker, but there is no one you can talk with."
Nice. So glad I pay them $800 a year. There isn't even a human I can speak to.
What I meant about not passing Praxis didn't refer to new teachers. Of course, I am aware of those uncertified that DCPS recently let go. I know that most of them were dismissed for failing Praxis.
This is what I meant: teachers who have been in the system for 15 years (+/-) or more didn't take the Praxis to be hired. Back in the day, there wasn't a teacher-qualifying test. We just had to get certified in our subject areas through taking appropriate coursework. So if a veteran DCPS teacher was to leave DCPS, he or she would have to submit Praxis scores to another county to get hired. Many of these DCPS veterans never took (or had to take) Praxis. In fact, they'd never have to take it if they keep theri certification current and don't let it lapse. When I changed from secondary to elementary, I walked off the street and took Praxis, passing it, of course.
What I maintain is that these individuals are not qualified and are scared of losing their jobs, and rightly so. I hate to bad-mouth my colleagues, but there are some really poor teachers in our system. They're the ones it seems that WTU is so intent on protecting.
I called WTU and left a message in Parker's voicemail. I emailed Rhee and of course, she got back to me in 10 minutes. She's amazing.
We need to call, email, talk to our coworkers and pray that this plan moves forward.
This is crazy. Why can't we move forward and let people go red who are interested in the green. Is there some organization that can help us stage a protest? Can we all show up outside the Union office and call the Post or something?
btw - even if you quit the Union they still take out dues. It's 25 for non-members and 29 for members, or something like that. I know a teacher who did it. We are automatically Union members. Feel free to correct this if it's wrong.
I emailed G.P. and asked him to check this blog and all the comments on the WaPo articles and he will see that the people leaving the comments want to reach a tentative and vote on it! Do you think he checks them?
Unfortunately, I don't even think George Parker know what a blog is. So no, I don't think he checks it.
Hi Everyone,
I am new to DCPS and will be a Literacy Professional Developer this fall. I was so disheartened to see Parker's statements in the Post today.
I e-mailed Strong Schools DC with the following message:
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to voice my support of the contract proposal, as well as to spread the word that there are many other DCPS teachers who support it and feel that their voices are not being heard by the union. What can we do? There is an active group of bloggers and those who comment on Washington Post stories that want to be mobilized.
Check out this blog: http://dcteacherchic.blogspot.com/
How can we mobilize those of us who support the contract to make our voices heard in a union that appears to only be protecting veteran teachers who are unwilling to give up tenure?
Any suggestions are welcome. I will share them with other similarly-minded teachers.
*******
Perhaps, they will have some ideas? We are ALL part of WTU, so WTU should reflect the opinions of all teachers, not just those with the most experience.
I e-mailed Strong Schools DC to see if they could print up buttons or lapel stickers for us to wear at the welcome back meeting at the Convention Center. Something like, "Bring the Contract to a Vote!"
Of course, the contract might be dead by then...let's hope not.
Not all veteran teachers are against the proposal or plan. Heck, I have children in their early 20s, so I'm no spring chicken. I'm an experienced, veteran educator with two master's who is at the top of the salary scale (it's taken years to get there) and want this to come to a vote. I support it for the new teachers, for others who may now consider being DC teachers and for the quality of instruction our DC kids will be getting. Plus the $, even if I choose at first to test the waters, go red, and then green. This proposal can't be dead. There is too much support for it.
I too, tried to call the union today to express my displeasure and was told that the most I can do is email George Parker. I have never felt so disenfranchised. The WTU is a machine fighting hard to maintain the status quo of poor performance and low expectations for teachers in the district.
Hi Toby,
I completely agree that not all veteran teachers are against the proposal -- I merely meant veteran teachers who are prioritizing their tenure rights over all teachers' rights. So much has been made about tenure and due process -- which is confusing to me because those who value their seniority rights can choose the red tier.
I just wanted to clarify. In no way did I mean to make a sweeping statement about all veteran teachers. I just worry that those concered with tenure are speaking for all of us, including those of us who would prefer $$$ over tenure :)
Thanks.
If this has not come to a vote by the time we are required to attend the welcome back meeting - can we organize and wear green or red shirts and all sit together (since no one from my school wants green) and hold up some signs or something?!!!??
email me asap! everyone! i talked to rhee and Parker tonight via phoe! call me at 202-415-6680. just get in touch... we have until tuesday!
i'm just moving here and i'm definintely not feeling him scrapping the plan. approve the plan. everyone is aware of the stakes. let people choose which scale they want to be paid on.
Let's wear green to the welcome back meeting and to the new teachers, to New Teacher Orientation.
mrshaight@gmail.com, can you let us know a bit more about what you talked about? DC Teacher Chic, did you call or email this person? Can you write about what s/he said? Sorry...but it's kind of odd to call someone who I have no idea about...
This contract has caused tremendous strife amongst teachers young and veteran. I have been in DCPS 12 years and I guess you can call me a "semi-veteran" :). DCPS had gone through many changes including commander-chiefs. I can remember when I recieved "half of a paycheck". Ms. Rhee has inherited the issues that are often associated with urban school districts. DCPS is notorious for trying new ideas and new educational philosophies all of which never seem to materialize. To "fix " DCPS after decades of mismanagement, apathy, poverty, constant transitions, and low standards/expectations takes tremendous dedication and resiliency. Can it be done? Absolutely.
I am in support of the plan and would definitely sign the dotted line on RED. I would not be signing RED due to fear of being fired...it would be to protect my tenure status. As my fellow blogger (Toby) stated "it took a long time to get there". I previously left DCPS for a year and was employed in one of the best school systems in the country, therefore I am not afraid of going somewhere new. I am however concerned about the loss of $$$$ due to the fact many school districts refuse to accept experience that is over 10-12 years. I would have to take a large cut in salary which is not for compromise. I do not like the GREEN tier because for some teachers /service providers who returned to school to obtain advanced degrees ,the GREEN tier does not acknowledge levels of education. I am 3 credits away from obtaining a Masters +60/PHD status which I have worked extremely hard to accomplish. But I will support the contract to support new teachers and teachers who would like the GREEN tier. I really have nothing to lose. The RED tier takes away the antiquated rule that once you reach step 12 you have to remain on that step for 4 years. Which I personally think is ridiculous due to rising ecomonic costs of living. I they do decide to give me the "pink slip" I have the option of accepting $25,000 or a year of salary. Fine with me. My field is in HIGH demand therefore I will always be employed either in private practice , contract work or in another school district.
I am only 36 years old...young enough to go somewhere else.
I will also not denounce my fellow veteran teachers and believe that all of them are "bad" because they did not take the praxis. Many veteran teachers throughout the country did not have to tests in order to teach. Graduation from Teacher programs with student teaching/internships where MANDATORY. You could not be a Business executive or etc. and decide to teach because you were bored with your previous job and teaching would be a good alternative. In my 12 years in education, I have witnessed people with all kinds of degrees with no teaching experience enter classroom and were TERRIBLE. Some could not even decorate a classroom appropriately or devise a lesson plan. I have also witnessed teachers entering DCPS and later leave after two years for LAW school, or wherever-else. How is that dedication?
I know great veteran teachers who entered teaching not because they couldn't get a job or because they wanted health benefits. Many entered teacher programs and had salaries beginning at $7,000 a year in DCPS. Now those teachers stayed with DCPS and taught children because they enjoyed teaching. Veteran teachers have earned every $$$. Pay your dues and your salary will increase. I started at $27,500, 12 years ago at the bottom of the teacher salary scale. The veteran teachers that I met along the way encouraged and supported me when I enrolled in graduate school.
DCPS and WTU have ALOT of issues that needs to addressed and fixed, however, "ripping" each other apart for the mighty $$$ is unfortunate. Yes, there are teachers young and veteran that need to leave teaching as well as retire, because they are a disservice to our beautiful array of children. Let's come together hear the concerns of each other, and VOTE for change.
I'm sending this email to all the teachers I know. Feel free to copy and paste it!
Most of you know about the contract negotiations that have been going on between DCPS and the Washington Teachers Union. Chancellor Rhee wants teacher to be rewarded for bringing up student achievement levels, if the teacher chooses to be a part of such a program. Funding will come from private organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Bill Gates was on Oprah the week of August 1 lamenting about the state of education in America and urging people to make a difference. Education has been one of his big issues for a long time, so chances are Rhee is very serious about being able to get funding from his foundation and other sources.
However, the WTU is giving the impression that most teachers are not in support of the plan. I don’t know how true that is, but this appears to be the last chance for those who support the plan to speak up with REALLY LOUD VOICES. If you’re not sure whether or not you agree with the proposal, you could still SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF TEACHERS TO SEE A TENTATIVE CONTRACT AND VOTE ON IT, rather than having members of the WTU who have not spoken with you voicing an opinion for you. Some teacher’s don’t want the bonuses, but support other teacher’s right to accept the bonuses if they want.
Flood the emailbox of WTU President George Parker with your support for either the plan itself or the right to vote on the plan. gparker@wtulocal6.org Wear red and green to New Teachers Orientation. Email Michelle Rhee. I think it’s michelle.rhee@dc.gov. Spread this message and encourage veteran teachers, especially, to write to Parker and Rhee.
Hi Everyone,
I just created a facebook group so that we could spread the word about contacting Parker and Rhee (this is what MrsHaight, who spoke to them, was told to do).
Please consider joining and sending it out to others. It's merely a short identifier and a note to e-mail Parker and Rhee, along with their e-mail addresses (thanks, MrsHaight.)
If you find any errors or misinformation, please let me know and I'll adjust it (or, if you feel like it's an inappropriate tool for this cause).
Facebook group: Support the DCPS Contract Proposal
Thanks,
Maggie
None do Ineed to run my credentials to you...what do you need to know??? I am concerned only about getting this across to them. its not hard to talk to Mrs. Rhee at all. Email her and she will respond backfast! Same day or very next! Mr. Parker called me on the phone...cause I called and got into it with his staff! I am making noise folks!!! Please join me...bring many many others... at least 500 teachers or more!!! By Tuesday!!!! Need I say more??? Maggie yourexcellent!!! Thanks!
michelle.rhee@dc.gov
gparker@wtulocal6.org
Washington Teachers Union phone number is 202-293-8600
I am Zakia Haight, you may call me at 202-415-6680.
THIS ALL HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE TUESDAY!!! THAT'S 2 DAYS FOLKS!!!!!
PEOPLE PLEASE MAKE NOISE!!!! :) >)
I just got an email back from Ms. Rhee stating that George Parker has decided to leave the money on the table and we won't get to vote on this proposal at all. She stated that this is a union issue and that George Parker is the ONLY one that can change it at this time! I am so upset. I am going to stop my membership with the WTU. They don't support us and I am not giving them any more of my money than I have to.
george gave us until Tuesday prove ourselves... so please .... don't give up yet! instead of crying on here, please cry out to others and u and them need to write gparker@wtulocal6.org and call 2022938600. Use time wisely! Its not too late. i can forward u my email from friday when i talked to ms. Rhee. they both gave us until Tuesday! i am on here on my phone posting while driving back from church praying for us! do u believe in miracles? we cannot fail unless we try! stay focused please!
Just lookat what I am delaing with.... be respecful but firm folks!!!
A teacher who is against this said:
please take me off of your email list.
Please also refrain from combining church and state references in regards to the contract.
Thanks
I said:
I mean no disrespect but I will do what I have to do for the sake of DCPS AND MY OWN KIDS WHO ARE DCPS STUDENTS! This is not a bad deal! You must not understand it completely. Because those who do want this contract will be successful in bringing students will and need to learn higher than its ever been! This is going to make history! I've always wanted to be part of history. I cannot figure out why some don't want better for all! Unless you are not a good teacher or selfish. And even so, you are safe on the red tier of the contract. Please read or reread. Those of you who persuaded Mr. Parker to almost throw this out will hopefully have a change of heart and get a better understanding of our side. It is not your right to take our rights or speak for us. We all must be satisfied! I'm going to end with this... My mother who retired from DC 5 years ago didn't like the proposal either... Until she got a better understanding of it. There are good points for everyone. Please don't assume! My mother is now helping me convince others who were also doubtful... Including 2 of her friends who are on the WTU Executive Board. We will be heard! Thanks for writing and have a great school year!
Zakia Haight
Let me also show you what I just sent to George and Michelle... Michelle answered me back in 5 minutes!!! She is so freakin awesome! LOL... but she said thanks for working hard to help this go through... please read...
Hello Mr. Parker and Ms. Rhee,
Its Zakia again. I've been working hard all weekend and so have many others. I just spoke with Mrs. Law again. She said she has been trying to reach you on your house or cell phone (Mr. Parker). She told me that she spoke to many and that most were confused about the proposal thinking that there is 2 proposals. Thinking that we have to choose the red or the green and for everyone to go now. I think for better clarification and fairness... you should do a call tonight explaining the 2-tier contract in full details for those who didn't understand or missed all the details together. Also, let them know that this is a final call for those who want to see it happen and what we need to do to make it happen. Maybe Ms. Rhee can assist in the call. Those meetings didn't bring out enough people or understanding. Have you been recieving many more emails? A lot of folks have said they have been emailing you both about wanting this to happen. We have more to reach tonight and tomorrow. I hope to pull this thru. We need this. We are ready, able, and willing! Please work with both sides. Help the debating side to understand and help our side help everyone achieve! Thank you and hope to hear from you soon!
Zakia Haight
Wonder if the WTU will make one of their Sunday night robocalls tonight? I usually get it a little after 8 PM. I just emailed Parker again to say I'm a long-time union member and DCPS teacher who wants the proposal to go to a tentative agreement so that we can vote on it. This thing can't die. Too many of us, and we are union members, support it.
Hi all,
I've posted on facebook and emailed Ms. Rhee and Mr. Parker. I also sent a simple email to all teachers in my address book just saying that if you want to have the right to vote, you have to contact them by Tuesday. I already received some scathing replies, but I have to remember that we all have the right to voice our opinions. Good work to everyone who wants to exercise the right to vote, especially DC Teacher Chic and Zakia.
None: Scathing emails? Are you serious? People are that afraid of change?
I sent GP an email a few weeks stating my support of the proposal eventhough I would be selecting the RED tier. It is a need day in DCPS. Continue to fight and voice your concerns. The executive board of the WTU should not make the decisions solely..that makes me extremely uncomfortable. I am definitely going to persist until I have them remove my union dues. I really don't need the WTU if I don't have a voice. I'll send GP a email.
We are almost out of time folks... I probably won't have anything until after 5, but what luck I am having getting the contact info of others and talking to so many people. I feel blessed and honored. In saying this... there is a reporter that would like to speak to those who want to share their 2 cents maybe here is his contact...remember folks... they made noise and so we need to as well!
Steve Sawchuck
ssawchuk@epe.org or you may call his desk at (301) 280-3129 or cell at (202) 997-3336. Thanks and good luck to us all! Please contiue to work hard... I am all thru the day trust!
I, too, support the right to vote--but I have to remind folks of the long, lonely path George Parker has taken over the past year in an effort to work for geniune change in this system. For those who have collapsed him into "the union," please remember the incredible resistance he has encountered from people like Nathan Saunders. Disagree with Parker--but remember the heat he has been willing to take in going against traditional union stances.
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