Top Ten Signs of an Oppressive School

10) When gossip and negativity spread like wildfire.

9) When the administration tacks on extra, mandatory professional development days during the summer, and teachers can't do anything in protest because they don't have a contract.

8) When the principal's policy is to change things up simply because things are going well.

7) When mandatory, hour-long, after-school meetings are scheduled three times a week... every week.

6) When the administration makes specials teachers (gym, art, computers, spanish) give up their daily planning time in order to work as classroom aides.

5) When teacher bonuses are dependent on student test scores.

4) When "looking at test scores" drives every in-service, workshop, and staff meeting.

3) When the administration places a higher value on what the parents say rather than on what the teachers say.

2) When the school has a higher staff turn-over rate than, say, McDonald's...

1) When over half of the staff is sending out resumes for teacher openings at other schools.

8 comments:

Sarah said...

To be clear, I generally do like my school and my job, but there is no denying the oppression and negativity hanging in the air as of late. It's a constant struggle not to contribute to it. That's why I whine here and not at school....

Anonymous said...

When it is time for summer vacation to start...

Anonymous said...

Why did Adam NOT STEP UP and tell Eve to NOT LISTEN TO SATAN. We would not be in this mess...

Anonymous said...

Princess, you just described many, if not most public schools. On the other hand, if you can turn on just one kid to life-long learning every day, it'll make it all worthwhile.

Proud that you're in the trenches, Dad

Sarah said...

I work in a charter school, a non-traditional public school. Teachers do not have a union or a contract to protect their interests. It's by far the most toxic environment I've ever taught in.

Anonymous said...

My sister-daughter-in-law! Those of us who work without the protection of a union understand the need for balance of power in the workplace. Sad to say. It's uncommon for employers to do the best right thing without pressure from the masses. However, since unjust suffering has its spiritual benefits, we can persevere! And send out resumes... :) Brenda

Anonymous said...

I've worked in a few public schools, seen people switched around because of low number of student enrollment in a certain grade or budget cuts. But one thing I have never quite noticed at a "traditional" public school is the corporate run education system. The blatant switching of staff because they work too well or not well enough is enough to drive someone mad. The phone call from the parent who continuously complain only to have the principal say "what have you done now?" irks even the best people. My little beef in support of Sarah's dilema. The only difference is I have been able to escape the insanity and hopefully have found someplace supportive, warm, caring, and generally overall a place that is reasonable.

**Sarah's Blink
Co-Partner/Champion/Supporter of the Insane

Anonymous said...

I am so glad our Kingdom is not of this world so I strive to please the one who prepares my home in that VERY REAL place. Our King will be our protection and all the "bad guys" will live somewhere else. If I get their first, I will wait for you all at the East gate! BUT, until that time, let us be a light in a dark place and never weary of fighting the GOOD fight of faith...P.S. In the mean time, we need to LOVE OUR ENEMIES for they are good potential for His Kingdom.

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