What the heck is going on with this. This is the second year in the row our elementary school is having major staff turnover and I keep hearing about district wide staff turnover at alarming levels. I am concerned because we have lost a lot of quality staff at our daughters school and it had an impact this year and I am sure it will again. We had issues with staffing that I had to have several meetings to get addressed by the campus leadership. That whole experience has caused me to doubt the leadership at the too of BISD because of how that let the situation linger and gave the campus no support to rectify it. We love it in Bryan and i am a big believer that public school experience is better than private but crap if things don't turn I will have to look at all options.
BISD staff turnover
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Last: 7 yr ago by SECeded
The answer is the same for the past 4-5 years.
Look to the top and you will find your answer.
As one of the Bryan principals said when the topic of low morale and high staff turnover came up, "I don't care if they all quit."
Having taught for many years myself, I realize that classroom teachers are increasingly pawns in the political games played by administrators and the government bureaucracy. The year after I left the Bryan schools, there were three people who filled my position during the school year and quit.
Growing to elementary school in the 1950's in Brenham, I was taught by several teachers who had also taught my mother. Factoring in that Mom was well past forty when I was born, the idea of teachers staying on the job that long seems like something from Middle Earth.
And, of course, it's the kids who suffer in the long run.
Having taught for many years myself, I realize that classroom teachers are increasingly pawns in the political games played by administrators and the government bureaucracy. The year after I left the Bryan schools, there were three people who filled my position during the school year and quit.
Growing to elementary school in the 1950's in Brenham, I was taught by several teachers who had also taught my mother. Factoring in that Mom was well past forty when I was born, the idea of teachers staying on the job that long seems like something from Middle Earth.
And, of course, it's the kids who suffer in the long run.
The amount of work and discipline that is placed on the classroom teacher is excessive. All respect has been lost for them, and their personal time. The current leaders feel that everyone is replaceable. If one person wont/ cant complete what is put before them, someone else will. Its their way or the highway.
Constant evaluations in the form of an admin in the classroom and paperwork being graded leads to to an environment where teachers don't feel respected or trusted. There is a real abuse of power. It is nearly impossible to receive high marks. The pressure is very real and it comes all the way from the very top. The effect it all has: weeding out anyone who has a brain in their head, their own thoughts and self worth. If any of those people can find a way out, they go. The turnover will continue until the current leaders see their employees as educated whole people who care about the students and have families of their own. Don't get me wrong, accountability is good and so is being mentored, but its not being done well here. It is being executed in a way that makes the teachers feel like children themselves and ones that are not good enough. At the same time, working nights, weekends to meet demand.
Employee retention is not a focus in their plan. Just check out the number of principals returning in BISD this year, the last I checked is something like 5 out of 20! Its sad what is happening and no one feels safe to speak out and let the community know. I'm glad to see this thread, gives me hope that everyone will catch on. Not everything that is being done in the district is bad, in fact , there are many good programs and plans taking place. However, retaining good teachers/admin should be priority!!!
Constant evaluations in the form of an admin in the classroom and paperwork being graded leads to to an environment where teachers don't feel respected or trusted. There is a real abuse of power. It is nearly impossible to receive high marks. The pressure is very real and it comes all the way from the very top. The effect it all has: weeding out anyone who has a brain in their head, their own thoughts and self worth. If any of those people can find a way out, they go. The turnover will continue until the current leaders see their employees as educated whole people who care about the students and have families of their own. Don't get me wrong, accountability is good and so is being mentored, but its not being done well here. It is being executed in a way that makes the teachers feel like children themselves and ones that are not good enough. At the same time, working nights, weekends to meet demand.
Employee retention is not a focus in their plan. Just check out the number of principals returning in BISD this year, the last I checked is something like 5 out of 20! Its sad what is happening and no one feels safe to speak out and let the community know. I'm glad to see this thread, gives me hope that everyone will catch on. Not everything that is being done in the district is bad, in fact , there are many good programs and plans taking place. However, retaining good teachers/admin should be priority!!!
quote:
The issue: relax accountability for students, and pressure teachers to absorb the consequences of it. "Creative Grading " is what one well-known principal called it, when urging staff to get the passing rate up. Translation: Find a way to pass 'em. Kids cursing at teachers is becoming more common, because admin doesn't have the stomach to take a firm stand on discipline, not even to back teachers up. Assignments not completed? Teachers are expected to "have grace," which means accept them until the moment grades are due. So, this becomes the norm for students. It's not coincidental that so many openings have been vacated and remain un filled.
The is almost verbatim what I was told by a teacher that left BISD.
While what Zweiwacker says may be true at BISD, it is definitely not where I teach. The creative grading and accepting late work definitely is, though.
Something to consider as well is the discrepancy in teacher salaries between BCS and houston. HISD pays about $10k more a year than Bryan ISD. now, all else being equal, if you want to stay in BCS and take the lesser pay, great. But if you're not dead set on staying in BCS it makes more sense to move to houston. All the districts around Houston pay better. The "issues" are gonna be the same for the most part.
Also what's the regular job market look like for bcs? Are other jobs leaving, so teachers are leaving with their spouses? What does CSISD look like?
Something to consider as well is the discrepancy in teacher salaries between BCS and houston. HISD pays about $10k more a year than Bryan ISD. now, all else being equal, if you want to stay in BCS and take the lesser pay, great. But if you're not dead set on staying in BCS it makes more sense to move to houston. All the districts around Houston pay better. The "issues" are gonna be the same for the most part.
Also what's the regular job market look like for bcs? Are other jobs leaving, so teachers are leaving with their spouses? What does CSISD look like?
We've seen very little turn over at the schools that our children have attended in CS. I know several teachers that have been in both and one thing that is consistent when they talk about the differences is the discipline that comes from home.
quote:Agree. Plus I heard some things out of East TX, from a former principal, when the new Superintendent came here.
The amount of work and discipline that is placed on the classroom teacher is excessive. All respect has been lost for them, and their personal time. The current leaders feel that everyone is replaceable. If one person wont/ cant complete what is put before them, someone else will. Its their way or the highway.
Constant evaluations in the form of an admin in the classroom and paperwork being graded leads to to an environment where teachers don't feel respected or trusted. There is a real abuse of power. It is nearly impossible to receive high marks. The pressure is very real and it comes all the way from the very top. The effect it all has: weeding out anyone who has a brain in their head, their own thoughts and self worth. If any of those people can find a way out, they go. The turnover will continue until the current leaders see their employees as educated whole people who care about the students and have families of their own. Don't get me wrong, accountability is good and so is being mentored, but its not being done well here. It is being executed in a way that makes the teachers feel like children themselves and ones that are not good enough. At the same time, working nights, weekends to meet demand.
Employee retention is not a focus in their plan. Just check out the number of principals returning in BISD this year, the last I checked is something like 5 out of 20! Its sad what is happening and no one feels safe to speak out and let the community know. I'm glad to see this thread, gives me hope that everyone will catch on. Not everything that is being done in the district is bad, in fact , there are many good programs and plans taking place. However, retaining good teachers/admin should be priority!!!
Biggest issue though, IMHO..they are still socially promoting students. It's not called that, but that's what it boils down to.
Social promotion. Totally depressing. No respect for authority, no wonder so many young men and women end up behind bars, starts at home and rolls through the schools. The fact that students are getting a free pass through school, just make me sick.
The problem with Public schools is a whole lot bigger than BISD. I am not in favor of sending kids to private schools either. Securing the borders would be a start.
Knowing a few teachers at bisd I am not surprised by the high turnover... I've been told quite a few stories that were "covered up" that you never saw reported by the media. It seems like most of the good teachers at bisd move to csisd or elsewhere after a few years which contributes to the turnover. BISD teachers have very little trust in the admin from what I have heard which makes them look for better opportunities instead of wanting to build a career in bryan.
If I ever wanted to go back to teaching, my goose would be cooked. They can hire somebody fresh out of college for $14,000 less than they would be paying me. Plus, that eager young soul would have lower blood pressure and better general health.
Attached is a Bryan ISD salary schedule.
http://www.bryanisd.org/ourpages/auto/2012/4/30/60385795/2014-2015%20Teacher%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf
Attached is a Bryan ISD salary schedule.
http://www.bryanisd.org/ourpages/auto/2012/4/30/60385795/2014-2015%20Teacher%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf
I worked at Huntsville ISD for 5 years and even with our pay frozen for 3 of the 5 years we saw minimal turnover for those years. BISD and HISD share a similar make up of kids as well. Rho, you bring up a valid point about the pay difference but to me that serves as a further indictment of the district leadership or rather lack there of. The attrition rate of BISD is not fostering an environment for success. There are other ways to keep staff even if you are below par on salary. But it is apparent that BISD doesn't care. Any friends of the admin or board on here better let them know that there are like minded people that have just moved to the area in the last few years and we will be coming after them on these issues. I want my kids to have a great educational environment and I will fight tooth and nail to make it happen.
quote:
The problem with Public schools is a whole lot bigger than BISD.
In defense of BISD salaries, I think it's unfair to compare them to HISD when the cost of living in Houston is a significant amount higher. I always think teachers deserve more than they're paid, but this is something to consider
quote:
We've seen very little turn over at the schools that our children have attended in CS. I know several teachers that have been in both and one thing that is consistent when they talk about the differences is the discipline that comes from home.
I certainly don't know how to fix public education. I do know that running off teachers and staff who care about students can't make fixing it any easier.
I have taught in both BISD and CSISD. I would WHOLE-HEARTEDLY agree with what was previously posted about constant administration in your room and the lack of trust of teachers to do their jobs. Example: In BISD, we were given a TNT (Teacher Navigational Tool) for each unit. It had specific dates that we were to teach the different TEKS (state standards) and a specific date to test over that unit. The TNT NEVER allowed time for mastery. The TNT never took into account students who needed more time or even LESS time to master a content area, for that matter. And, don't even THINK about deviating from the TNT. If an admin did one of their "weekly walk-throughs" on you and you were NOT following your lesson plan, tsk tsk--a big red X on your name. In CSISD, we are given the TEKS we are to cover in a 6 week period. Some subject areas are broken up even further into 3 weeks. There is TRUST that you, as the teacher, can decide how to teach it, how much time to teach it, and how you will assess it. They actually BELIEVE that you are a college graduate and know what you are doing. It makes a huge difference in teacher morale. I still have struggling students in CSISD. I still have students who receive no support or discipline at home. I still have a very ethnically and economically diverse classroom of students. But, I am given the time and the freedom to meet the needs of those students.
quote:While I agree that public schools in general have issues stemming from your reference there is also a very specific problem at BISD right now, as has been mentioned. CSISD may or may not have its own issues, but it is at least free of the issue that BISD has at the moment, and that problem is the size of one person, as has been mentioned. I have heard that the man on top was almost not voted back in last time around. Hopefully in the future better decisions will be made.
The problem with Public schools is a whole lot bigger than BISD. I am not in favor of sending kids to private schools either. Securing the borders would be a start.
quote:" I have heard....."quote:While I agree that public schools in general have issues stemming from your reference there is also a very specific problem at BISD right now, as has been mentioned. CSISD may or may not have its own issues, but it is at least free of the issue that BISD has at the moment, and that problem is the size of one person, as has been mentioned. I have heard that the man on top was almost not voted back in last time around. Hopefully in the future better decisions will be made.
The problem with Public schools is a whole lot bigger than BISD. I am not in favor of sending kids to private schools either. Securing the borders would be a start.
There ya go, it's confirmed cuz it's on the interweb. Sources are over-rated.
The man at the top is the best we've had in twenty-five years. We have had a number of honored schools and our sup received state wife recognition recently. We are working thru problems that have existed a long time. You people are chronic complainers that don't know what bad really is
quote:
HISD pays about $10k more a year than Bryan ISD.
If you would rather live in Houston and teach in HISD, follow your heart.
Serious question: do you know anyone who currently works for BISD?
I know several. It's worse than it has ever been. They are putting lipstick on the pig on the outside, but inside things are crumbling. As mentioned by previous posters there is no discipline; teachers are forced to put up with all kinds of disrespect and are forced to pass students in order to meet minority quotas.
Turnover with both administrators and teachers is sky high. People are getting canned with no explanation.
The man at the top is power hungry and runs over anyone who stands in his way. BISD is a sinking ship.
I know several. It's worse than it has ever been. They are putting lipstick on the pig on the outside, but inside things are crumbling. As mentioned by previous posters there is no discipline; teachers are forced to put up with all kinds of disrespect and are forced to pass students in order to meet minority quotas.
Turnover with both administrators and teachers is sky high. People are getting canned with no explanation.
The man at the top is power hungry and runs over anyone who stands in his way. BISD is a sinking ship.
quote:You and Bryanisbest enjoy your Kool-Aid.quote:" I have heard....."quote:While I agree that public schools in general have issues stemming from your reference there is also a very specific problem at BISD right now, as has been mentioned. CSISD may or may not have its own issues, but it is at least free of the issue that BISD has at the moment, and that problem is the size of one person, as has been mentioned. I have heard that the man on top was almost not voted back in last time around. Hopefully in the future better decisions will be made.
The problem with Public schools is a whole lot bigger than BISD. I am not in favor of sending kids to private schools either. Securing the borders would be a start.
There ya go, it's confirmed cuz it's on the interweb. Sources are over-rated.
From what I see going on and my experiences in education there are issues going on and they start at the top. And I will say that the top admins either think they are above answering to the community or just plain yellow. I have no respect for them when they pass my contacts to them down to my kids elementary principal. That's a bunch of horse crap
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From what I see going on and my experiences in education there are issues going on and they start at the top. And I will say that the top admins either think they are above answering to the community or just plain yellow. I have no respect for them when they pass my contacts to them down to my kids elementary principal. That's a bunch of horse crap
Yeah this. When you contact the principal and instead of dealing with the situation, or even replying to you, she sends it to the teachers in question so they can tell you there is no issue. To prevent the response that I'm a helicopter parent who goes above peoples' heads to get my way - I've gone to the principal exactly 2 times over the course of 9 years (multiple kids) at that particular school.
quote:Thank you for specifying that there were multiple kids during that time.
quote:
From what I see going on and my experiences in education there are issues going on and they start at the top. And I will say that the top admins either think they are above answering to the community or just plain yellow. I have no respect for them when they pass my contacts to them down to my kids elementary principal. That's a bunch of horse crap
Yeah this. When you contact the principal and instead of dealing with the situation, or even replying to you, she sends it to the teachers in question so they can tell you there is no issue. To prevent the response that I'm a helicopter parent who goes above peoples' heads to get my way - I've gone to the principal exactly 2 times over the course of 9 years (multiple kids) at that particular school.
quote:
welcome to Obama's socialist America...
I don't understand this.
quote:The reference or how it relates to the thread?quote:
welcome to Obama's socialist America...
I don't understand this.
How it relates to the thread. The creative grading and having to artificially pass kids can be laid squarely at the feet of NCLB.
Wasn't NCLB a Bush thing, not Obama?
Well, if I hadn't specified it, someone would certainly have pointed out that I spent an inordinate amount of time with one school.
And if I had, someone would point out the fact that I really didn't need to specify. It's how this board works.
And if I had, someone would point out the fact that I really didn't need to specify. It's how this board works.