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AnneD

(15,774 posts)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 04:53 PM Jan 2013

HISD teachers walk out of contracts in high numbers, union says

Fed up with a stressful work environment, teachers are leaving the Houston Independent School District this year in what could be record numbers, according to the Houston Federation of Teachers.

"I think by the end of January, we're looking at 700 or more who have walked out of HISD," said Joanna Pasternak, the union's grievance director.

"It's extremely surprising," said Pasternak, who has worked 10 years for the union, following 11 years as a teacher. "We have never seen anything like this."

In response to a public information request, the district gave the union a report that shows 134 teachers had quit by the first week of November, Pasternak said.

That number included some terminations for cause but was mostly voluntary resignations, she said.

By the first week in December, the number had jumped to 366, she said.

more......


http://www.chron.com/default/article/HISD-teachers-walk-out-of-contracts-in-high-4180381.php

It is getting interesting here. The state legislature drastically cut the education budget 2 years ago. The district went through with a hacksaw. Experienced staff was laid off and TFA were seen by some principals as a way to stretch the campus budget. Class size was increased. Evaluations and bonuses are in part tied to student test performances (a new and harder test this last year) and teachers start the school on a growth plan before the students even take a test. This has been building for some time and many teachers that can retire are and the economy is such that those that can't retire are changing careers and the TFA kids are going back home.


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HISD teachers walk out of contracts in high numbers, union says (Original Post) AnneD Jan 2013 OP
Maybe they can get some volunteers like Arpaio wants in Arizona. MissMarple Jan 2013 #1
Wisconsin reteachinwi Jan 2013 #2
I support those teachers' 100%. Vote with your feet is the best way sometimes. nt jody Jan 2013 #3
It is difficult to do reteachinwi Jan 2013 #4
Read some of the comments..... AnneD Jan 2013 #7
Sounds like the Shock Doctrine is working. proud2BlibKansan Jan 2013 #5
Yes it is reteachinwi Jan 2013 #6

MissMarple

(9,656 posts)
1. Maybe they can get some volunteers like Arpaio wants in Arizona.
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 05:50 PM
Jan 2013

They could do some classroom management. THAT should work out well.

AnneD

(15,774 posts)
7. Read some of the comments.....
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 12:58 PM
Jan 2013

it takes the sting out of leaving to see so many folks buying in to the TFA and other groups of education deformers, like the Broad foundation, etc.

 

reteachinwi

(579 posts)
6. Yes it is
Fri Jan 11, 2013, 01:17 AM
Jan 2013

We've been out-organized by Teach for America, Bill Gates, the DeVoss and Walton families. The kids pay for it. Like I said, it breaks my heart in many places.

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