TEACHER ABUSE...at its' worst.

Teacher Abuse at its' Worst
"Bullying, coercive, abusive men and women--superintendents, regional leadership, directors and principals--are the real reason schools fail. I know it in my gut. Good people are forced out. Fine and fun people are targeted with "documentation" and "discipline." And what are we left with? Suck-up sycophants who lie and cheat and cover up for the bosses. They have no other choices if they want to survive. Our school districts' upper echelons of leadership are full of just such people. Abusive leadership and suck up, rear end kissing subordinates....who happen to be the bosses of other subordinates....all sucking up, lying and covering up for each other...until the chain lands flatly and completely in the classroom. There is no one to suck up to the teacher. But there are layers upon layers of danger for that teacher if she has any ethics at all. The first layer of danger is the principal."  (K.W., 2013)

And now the comments...

80.FidgetyTeachNY December 8th, 201012:09pm It never ceases to amaze me how uninformed and naive the public is. They are still buying into the lie that it is the teacher's fault for having to sit and wait at the taxpayer's expense. This is just what the the Dept. of Ed. wants you to believe- when in reality it is the DOE and NYSED who are not paying the arbitrators to submit their findings and final judgements on the 3020a hearings.
It is not the choice of the reassigned teacher to sit and do nothing. It is the DOE's goal to get the teachers so bored and frustrated that they want to give up, admit guilt, settle or resign instead of waiting for a hearing. Those who sit it out and wait for their hearings will be most likely returned to their classrooms and found not guilty.
Recommended by 10 Readers
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INFORMATION SEEKER...(BETTER THAN IGNORANCE!)
8.machvelianNew YorkDecember 8th, 201012:49 amI want the propaganda against teachers to end. What are the statistics of "guilty" verdicts against teachers accused of crimes...NYT had access to this information, yet chose not to publish it? From inside the system, I've been told most are falsely accused, yet this article spends most of the time profiling people in a display of typical lazy journalism (see the past 20 articles about Cathy Black).
Simply, I would like a true profile piece on this arbitration process and the results...enough of the tales told by a select few.
Recommended by 63 Readers

SARCASM...(BETTER THAN ANGER!)12.PeterQueensDecember 8th, 201012:49 amThis is what an underfunded education system looks like - inefficient. The alternative is allowing principals to fire teachers for basically no good reason, something in which I'm sure the incoming chancellor sees no problem.Oh, more cuts coming? Great.
Recommended by 17 Readers
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SOMEONE WHO KNOWS...(COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF...)16.HIGHLIGHT (what's this?) middlesex nj New Brunswick, NjDecember 8th, 20107:56 amWhat's nauseating is people assuming that those accused of wrongdoing are guilty before being proven so. It is not the fault of the teachers that the process takes so long. It is not the fault of the teachers that no one can bother to find meaningful tasks for salaried professionals. If the teachers are eventually found guilty of wrong doing, then of course they should be let go. Until that happens, the trash talk is pointless right wing blathering and hatemongering.9(A LITTLE EXTREME...) If the administration still can't find meaningful work, the teachers should be suspended with pay put into escrow until the case is decided. (RIGHT TO THE POINT...)Meanwhile, how about trying to get rid of the incompetent administrators and politicians who can't fix or even put band-aids on a system that his been broken for ages.
Recommend Recommended by 55 Readers
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67.FidgetyTeachNYDecember 8th, 201012:00 pmIn response to Juliet, Comment #17...Juliet states that, "Teachers who were placed in "Rubber Rooms" because of some kind of criminal behavior should not receive one penny from anyone.They abused their position and should be punished.People such as Ms. Combier who defend these criminals should not profit from this situation but should be reprimanded also!"

It is ignorant to assume that all teachers are 'guilty before proven innocent". The last time that I looked around we all lived under the constitution which entitles every US Citizen to a fair and timely trial where they are considered Innocent until Proven Guilty. I truly hope that you are never in a position where you are accused of an alledged crime and found guilty by a jury of peers such as yourself. Many of the teachers have been falsely accused of fabricated crimes and targeted by their principals because of their age, salary step or a simple disagreement with their administration. This is one way in which the newbie principal attempts to replace high paid tenured teachers with new inexperienced teachers that are paid one third of what an experienced teacher earns.(newbie principals following Chancellor's orders) Instead of being angry and ignorant, you might want to try becoming more informed about the process. It is easy to pass judgement with blind eyes. Betsy Combier has spent the last 7 years sitting in on 3020a hearings, visiting the Rubber Rooms and advocating for teachers who have been bullied by the DOE. I would respect your opinion if it were based on fact, however you haven't a clue as to what is really going on.
Recommend Recommended by 7 Readers

September 7, 2010- The Rubber Room Charade Continues...

It has been 71 days since the NYC Department of Education and the UFT Leader Mike Mulgrew proudly announced their shocking closed door agreement putting an end to the NYC Rubber Rooms. Just a day later, the Rubber Room Movie premiered, exposing the horrific denial of due process that accused teachers must endure when reassigned to the Guantanamo Bay of the DOE.
Having been there myself, I can say from experience that from the time that a teacher is sent to the reassignment center having been accused of some wrongdoing or having been targeted by a jealous or vindictive principal, they are caught in a web of uncertainty, fear and doubt. In many instances, teachers do not even have a clue as to why they were removed from their schools. Throughout the lengthy dehumanization process of spending time in the Rubber Room, they are further humiliated and abandoned by the very same Union that collects their dues and is supposed to protect them. As a result, the reassigned teacher slowly spirals downward into a whirlwind of answered questions, confusion, grief, depression, denial, shame, anger and doubt. Many retreat, repress or totally withdraw. Others attempt to take positive action or act out in a myriad of unhealthy ways. Overall the reassigned teacher quickly learns that the saying, "God helps those who help themselves", does not apply to the Rubber Rooms. Letters to the DOE go unanswered, complaints to the UFT fall on deaf ears, stress is high, teachers get sick, depressed and even suicidal. The only support or comfort that a reassigned teacher may receive might come from another 'reassignee' who knows very well what the teacher is experiencing.
As anyone who works for the DOE knows very well, their so called 'reorganizations' always leads to more disorganization.
So...Here it is, the night before the first day of the 2010 school year and I still haven't received any word as to where I am supposed to report tomorrow. Having spent two whole years in the Rubber Room and seventy days on summer vacation, the DOE still can't get their act together.

"Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be Teachers"

When I was in Public school, I was crazy about my teachers. Like most little girls, I wanted to be just like them. I wanted to draw like my Art Teacher and tell stories as vividly as Ms. Weisssman...I wanted to play piano like Mr. C and sing like the Assistant Principal. I loved the sustenance of my teachers. I even wondered what Mrs. Rosen did 'all night' in the empty classroom when we went home. As a child, being a teacher meant being the one to stand in front of the classroom, hold the chalk, mark the homework, and give out the gold stars✩. I couldn't wait to get my first blackboard- and when my little brother was no longer a willing student, I lined up my most attentive stuffed audience kept on teaching.
As a third grade student, I remember when my teacher asked us to make ✎signs and stand outside of our school- Something about the city's budget cuts. Through a child's eyes, it seemed to me that someone, somewhere, didn't want to support our schools in the capacity that would sustain them. I recall being told that the person or people responsible for these cuts hadn't even attended the Public School System themselves. I wondered why we were on the verge of losing our wonderful Gym teacher and our Afterschool Program. Sound confusing for a child? As an adult, I am still confused.
As a NYC teacher, I have some questions for the "Kleinberg" team...

When did TEACHERS drop so low on the food chain?

"When did the 'TEACHER' become the the least important component in the business of 'teaching?'

Ironic

..."It's a Free Ride when you've already paid..."
Just heard the news... and and this song is playing in my head...by Alanis Morisette. Isn't it ironic, don't you think?
"City to Eliminate Rubber Rooms By Fall"
...Wow, they are going to close the rubber rooms?! The rooms that I have spent the last two years doing nothing in- for doing 'nothing wrong?' Lucky me. I am jumping for joy. NOT. I have paid royally in the Rubber Room for my Principal's error. I can never rewind the clock, never get those two years back, never erase the stigma of having done time in the Rubber Room. I(We) reassigned teachers have been used, disrespected and abused. Pawns between the DOE, the UFT and the war against tenure. All the news can talk about is the money that is being wasted. Lucky us. I will have to think about this and get back to you.


An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face

A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think
A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out...
Education Notes Online: Watch for the Snarks and Boojums on Rubber Room Agreement">
Check out Ed Notes for more on this...
....To Be Continued Later.

Foodie

Friday morning...and just about that time when everyone is settled in their seats, Foodie decides that he is hungry. When he gets up from the corner he has barricaded himself in, everyone else must get up too. In order for him to pass, tables and chairs must be moved. Like a dream-scene in a movie, Foodie slowly makes his way to the refrigerator. He shuffles his feet and you can hear the sound of his nylon pants shifting as he walks. It has been suggested that Foodie sit somewhere else. Somewhere less restricting; where he won't disrupt the order of things. It is mentioned that perhaps he should sit right next to the refrigerator. As he heats up his pre-breakfast meal, Foodie looks at no one. He just stares into space. He methodically unwraps the three bags that protect his plastic utensils. There is an eerie blankness about him. While conversations are going on closely around him, he says nothing. He sluggishly makes his way back to his seat and once again, it is musical chairs.
Five minutes later, Foodie is up again to pace the room. Every once in a while he spontaneously jerks his knees forward and waves his arms, startling anyone in close proximity. Recently, he has made eye contact with one of the women and spontaneously lifted his arms, snapped his fingers in the air and proceeded to gyrate his hips in a swiveling motion. 'Exercise', he calls it, but with a heavy lisp which sounds more like, 'ex-ther-thise' I call it just plain, "creepy".
Foodie has been in our reassignment center for only 2 months since he left the one in Staten Island. When teachers transfer over here, there is usually a good reason and most often, it is not of their own choosing. Everyone knows that this isn't the most favorable of Reassignment 'destinations'. I can safely say that this guy didn't have many fans in Staten Island.
Foodie eats his pre- breakfast meal and then leans back to take a nap. Fifteen minutes later, breakfast. Thirty minutes later, brunch. After that, he leaves the room and an hour later he returns with a full bag of groceries, I mean uh.. lunch. Back and forth like an expectant father, Foodie consumes meal after meal... Foodie leaves the room and roams the first floor of the building. He is told by the warden that he cannot 'roam the hallways'. Foodie retreats into the men's room for a good half an hour. It is reported that he just stands in there,(just staring and standing!)- creeping everyone out while they do their business and leave.

Principal Sean Keaton Sited...

Wearing sunglasses, a suit,tie and looking rather frail, Principal Sean Keaton was sighted today pacing the perimeter of the District 13 office building at 355 Park Place. His markedly thin and lanky appearance resembled that of a young high school boy, however his demeanor was aloof and disassociated with the goings on around him. It is safe to say that he wanted to remain anonymous, but with front page coverage, that was not happening. The District 13 office building is also the home for one the Department of Education's famous teacher reassignment centers. The big question is, will he be given the "principal red carpet treatment" or will he be joining the DOE's reassigned employees in the rubber room for his assault on chapter leader, Robert Segarra?

Posted by ForeverBrooklyn on May 22, 2009 11:20 AM in response to the Daily News Article published on May 21, 2009:
My daughter is a current student of Mr.Segarra...We love him. He is one of the best things to ever happen to that school. Principle Keaton is one of the most unapproachable, self centered people I have ever met. Although I understand his concern in getting the school grades up..I appreciate that..He has no regard for the parents or teachers..I wasn't too surprised to see that Keaton used street tactics to resolve this issue..I get that from him. He is more concerned about scores(Which I understand BUT), than the kids throwing food at each other in the mornings, the boys beating up on the girls, the kids who curse, scream and tell the few parents that make themselves present "your not my mother, you can't tell me what to do". Safety and discipline is truly lacking..The chaos in the mornings before the kids get to class makes you want to home school your child..The students don't reflect the community..Most of the "new" parents are moving to areas get their kids into PS 11 or Park Slope.
Posted by ForeverBrooklyn on May 22, 2009 11:20 AM in response to the Daily News Article published on May 21, 2009.

P.S. We reserve a special place for Principals in the Rubber Room...
School Principal Busted for Beating Teacher at Corporal Punishment Hearing

The Rubber Room is Harmful to Teachers and Other Living Things.

I am sorry for the lack of posts. It is hard to write about something that it is way too painful to even think about. I started this blog as an outlet for my idle frustration and sometimes the frustration comes from the subject itself.

The thought of the Rubber Room makes me sick. I am unable to sleep on Sunday nights. The situation here is truly abominable. The reassignment process is acutely paralyzing to one's career and thought process. Everyday as I sit in my chair, I watch some defenseless, overly educated soul as they open up their their packet of charges sent from their Bully of a principal. More often than not, the charges usually arrive just days after the six month deadline, just around the time when the teacher thinks that there may be some hope that they are of the dark.(Just another abuse of power that the principals use.) It is possible for a principal to have a change of heart and eventually drop the allegations. Somewhere between the date of the actual reassignment to the time they receive formal charges, most teachers have lost all of their drive to fight. Once the charges arrive, their 'umph' is pretty much gone.

The newly reassigned teacher can often be identified by their level of 'spunk'. Some spend their time writing. Writing to the Mayor, the Chancellor, Randi Weingarten and anyone else whom they think will listen. The newly reassigned teacher is sure that he will be able to 'shake things up'. Lawyers are called and thoughts of suing the DOE, the UFT and the principal are entertained. WAKING UP the sleeping public actually seems do-able at this point. There seems to be no retreat in sight for this newly reassigned teacher. He is on a mission. Weeks pass in the Rubber Room and responses are few and far between. He refuses to accept that the public is asleep. Months pass and still... the public is snoring. Lacking acknowledgment, the newly reassigned teacher comes to realize the disturbing imminent truth.

NOBODY CARES. NOT THE MAYOR, NOT THE UFT, NOT THE PUBLIC. NOBODY.
.

Blogger Chaz said...

Fidgity:

You must fight on! This is what Tweed wants for you to give up. Yes, they think of us as bugs. I think of myself as a wasp who will sting anybody who goes after me. Once stung, twice shy about squishing me.

We can only win by staying together and continue to expose the abuse that the dOE does to us.

May 5, 2009 12:59 PM



Blogger Mamacita (Mamacita) said...

It's awful, isn't it. But, you know, people who have been there care. There's nothing we can do, but we can care.

Caring is something, I guess.

It's something we refuse to think about because it could never happen to us, and then it does, and we're in a state of disbelieving shock. Finding out that nobody except those who KNOW, really care, is part of the shock.

Just to let you know: I care.

May 5, 2009 1:21 PM



Blogger Fidgety said...

No guys, I have not given up and as of now I don't plan to. It is just disheartening to watch the spirit of a person die while sitting and waiting to be further condemned.
I and all of the others appreciate your encouraging words.
Yes, caring is something. Thank you.

May 5, 2009 2:11 PM


Blogger A Teacher In The Bronx said...

Don't give up. The squeaky wheel gets oiled every single time. Get on a mountain top and don't stop until you get what you want!!

Email me please.

May 5, 2009 8:03 PM

Click here: Look Who's Minding the Rubber Room...

Click the title above or copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2009/02/08/2009-02-08_exprincipal_teacher_in_si_detention_cent.html


Blogger Long Island Educator said...

Fidgety
I am going thru a 3020a on Long Island. It has been 18 months and counting. I am in a one-person rubber room. I have kept my sense of humor by reading blogs like yours and PO teacher. Yesterday I started my own blog...still working out the bugs but I think you might enjoy it. I am keeping it dry because I tend to be sarcastic and there is much to be sarcastic about.

February 10, 2009 4:46 PM

Snowed in with the Moocher...

Days like this only magnify the dysfunctional traits of our most self destructive cellmates. Moocher, the mentally retired math teacher is being his old annoying racial slurring, self depracating, table slamming self. Watch as he moves from seat to seat...table to table...mooching food, newspapers, or whatever he can get his greasy hands on. Catch him doing a little dance every time he scores a free cookie or clips a coupon and hangs it on the wall behind him. Watch him stand over the shoulder of an unsuspecting newcomer- as his beady eyes read personal emails and private documents. Moocher knows not the meaning of boundaries and truly needs to retire for the sanity of the rest of us. I am praying that our mayor will create a retirement incentive especially for him and all of the other useless idiots the DOE is forced to keep on payroll.

Designed to Depress

Tiny room, 2 stories down below ground level. Bare concrete walls. 3 narrow unreachable windows, 25 feet above. Empty water cooler and no payphone. No visitors allowed. I am a tenured NYC school teacher with allegations made against me by a brand-spanking new Leadership Academy Principal. This is where I must report 5 days a week, 7 hours a day and you say things could be worse?

Wall to Wall Teachers

What's it like in the Rubber Room? I guess it depends on where you're coming from. For those who didn't really like teaching, were tired of writing lesson plans or never wrote them to begin with, pull up a chair, the rubber room is just the place to put your feet up. For some, it is a great relief from being pushed around by bullying administration and obnoxious students. Working on hobbies, crossword puzzles, reading newspapers and magazines, talking on the phone, catching up on sleep, socializing, eating and getting paid isn't so much of a burden compared to being in a school with an imbalanced, out of control, power crazed leadership Principal. For some teachers, there is little talk about "getting out" and returning to teaching. For many, there is an underlying hope that they never will have to return to teaching- EVER. Not only is it a dream job for the lazy, but it pays well too. Some would prefer to sit out their retirement quietly rather than face the jungle like environment that they left behind. There is a temporary feeling of relief for anyone who has been harrassed, falsely accused, injured on site or U Rated. While others are losing their jobs in this failing economy, getting paid to do nothing seems like a crime in itself.
As I have mentioned in older posts, some of the employees that one must contend with are worse than the students...There is no real way of knowing just who is sitting next to you. Lack of privacy, close quarters, bad manners, poor hygiene, bad habits and a high school mentality are commonplace. It can feel like a bad dream. Many teachers are depressed and scared. While they are going through what seems to be the worst time in their lives, there are others in the room who make the situation worse with their insensitive and callous behavior. Like most office settings, gossip runs cruel and rampant. Some teachers are just plain petty, abusive and narcissistic. There is nowhere to go when one needs refuge. There are wall to wall teachers. Because of the overwhelming atmosphere, many teachers cope by sleeping for hours on end. Others get angry, moody -or withdraw completely. The situation is so emotionally paralyzing that it spills over to their personal lives. Getting up in the morning is hard. Leaving the house, even harder. Many teachers don't even tell their spouses of the absurd situation they have been placed in. Would they even understand it?
I hear that the UFT is considering providing some type of 'stress management' for the reassigned...anyone care to comment?



Blogger Chaz said...

Fidgity:

I couldn't have said it better about the rubber room. I suggest you and your fellow teachers do worshops that are teacher directed. Waiting for the UFT to do this is worthless.

By the way you look like you are coping better. Keep your blog going and report your experiences. Other teachers must know how the UFT has abandoned the reassigned teacher.

January 13, 2009 1:43 PM

The UFT-Always Changing Their Tune

When you are in your school, your UFT rep will give you 101 reasons why you need to attend meetings & maintain a united front to your principal. They will lead you to believe that as a dues paying member of the UFT, you are protected. Your job is secure. You are untouchable. Should you have any questions, the Union will answer them for you, guide you, advise you. You show your loyalty by showing up early for meetings. You help set up the bagels and even volunteer to make the coffee. The UFT rep will assure you that knowledge is power. Stay informed. Know the regulations. Read the contract. All that lip service is nice, until the unimaginable happens...
One thing the Union Reps never talk about is what can happen if you are accused of corporal punishment, neglect of duty, insubordination, whistle blowing or incompetence. The won't tell you how they are powerless in defending and supporting their members. They never talk about who is being targeted or bullied by the administration in your own school. They don't tell you that one day you are a teacher and the next you can be sent to the Rubber Room. They never talk about what is happening to teachers just like yourself, teachers in the NYC DOE throughout the city, every day.
Some union reps know all too well what can happen to an accused teacher. Inexcusably, there are many union reps who really don't. Others know, they just never came close enough to experience it firsthand. This new breed of principal will fix that in no time. (Many of the District reps are retired Tier 1 teachers who have no idea what it's like to work in a climate of abuse and intimidation.) Why the lack of information? Why the secrecy? Does it matter to you that your chapter leader may be so naive or ignorant about the process? It should. Especially when you are the teacher being accused and/or targeted. When you are the teacher who has false allegations made against you. When you are the teacher who has been removed from your school and deemed ineligible to teach. When you are the one who is humiliated, embarrassed, shamed and shunned by your colleagues. When you are the one who has to sit idly in the rubber room day after day with no end in sight. Don't you think that it is time we woke up and demanded answers?
The UFT is guilty of of doing nothing while our colleagues are brought up on bogus charges. They are guilty of barely objecting to the inhumane conditions at the reassignment centers. They stand by idly by while teachers are herded like cattle and treated like common criminals. By saying and doing nothing, our Union reps are doing us the greatest injustice of all. .
Once you are removed from your school and thrown into the land of, "Anything Goes", who do you turn to? There is no UFT meeting or Graduate course that could ever prepare you for what comes next. The UFT never talks about the City's Best Kept Secret, the Rubber Rooms.


Blogger Chaz said...

You hit it on the head. The UFT leaders really don't care about the reassigned teachers.

The UFT just wants those teachers to slowly die away and leave their careers behind.

January 10, 2009 11:52 AM

The DOE -Where Anything Goes...

In a short time, I have seen many teachers, principals, APs and school aides come and go from the Rubber Room. The funny thing is that when they leave, the chances of hearing from them again are close to none. The last teacher who was returned to her school was given a half a day's notice and then, Poof! She was gone. We never heard from her again.
"I am happy to be going back but I feel so bad for you all." she said.
"It's ok", I say, "Hey, you did your time."
Going back to the school environment can be a mixed blessing. It's like being on parole. All of the same threats are still out there. No teacher is safe. For a teacher bearing the scars of the rubber room, the chances of getting a U rating and being reassigned again are even higher the second time around. Life never goes back to the way it was before. A teacher rarely returns to the school or position from whence they came. In fact, a teacher rarely returns to a teaching 'position'. Their 'position' has either been eliminated or they will be replaced by a younger, newer, low-cost teacher. Although the UFT chaps will never admit it, most experienced teachers will return as ATRs and be thrown into the land of 'Anything goes'.
So here we still are, left to continue staring at each other from 8 to 3...waiting for a ship that hasn't even left the shore...

Blogger Chaz said...

I think for many long term RR's just being back in a school environment is uncomfortable. Furthermore, I believe that many Principals will give you a second chance if they accept you in their school.

December 25, 2008 10:52 AM

...there but for the grace of God go I."

As three of my fellow rubber-roommates were making their way out of the building for lunch, one of them had the 'audacity' to innocently chuckle at the other's joke. There was an exchange of silliness and the three broke into laughter in the stairwell. By the time that they reached the front desk, the eyes of a male and female office worker were staring them down. Realizing that they had been heard, the 3 reassigned teachers quietly headed toward the exit smiling.
As the door had just about closed, the female office worker turned to the male and said, "They forget why they're here." Hearing this stopped the three teachers in their tracks. "Excuse me?", asked Teacher 1. I couldn't help overhearing. Since you seem to know so much about WHY WE ARE HERE and how we should behave, perhaps you can tell us WHY WE'RE HERE... After spending the last 4 months away from my classroom in a crowded basement, I still haven't been given a valid reason." Shocked by the teacher's response, the woman who was so quick to pass judgement just shook her head and turned her back toward the teachers. The man uncomfortably averted his eyes to the ground.


Blogger Chaz said...

good for them. Keep fighting back.

December 10, 2008 3:39 PM

"The Insanity"

Is there really a need to discipline a teacher further after sending them to the rubber room? Everyday in the rubber room is a punishment in itself. Loud, isolating, stigmatizing, claustrophobic and completely dysfunctional, there is no escaping its' damaging effects. Arguments among teachers, bickering and verbal attacks are a regular part of the day. Mental and physical personal boundaries are constantly being crossed. There is a slow deterioration of faith, hope and self esteem. Add an undeserved "U" Rating, falsified documents, an OSI investigation, trumped up charges or suspension without pay into the mix and you've got a recipe for insanity.
It is appalling the way the DOE ignores its' own laws on a regular basis. Obviously the 'zero tolerance' rule does not apply to their own. My own reassignment resulted from my robo-principal breaking 3 of the DOE's Chancellor's regulations while the almighty union sits idly on the sidelines. Tell me please, what are they waiting for?
UFT Chap says, "It's the DOE. They do it all the time." My own chapter leader is so in the dark and poorly versed on reassignment that his only reality are my desperate calls for intervention. Perhaps he should spend a week in the rubber room and educate himself. You can imagine my dismay when he says things like, "I hate to say this but, the Union no longer has any clout." and "This is the first I'm hearing of this!" and "I didn't know," & "I had no idea!"
Unless there is some revamping of the reassignment and investigation protocol, I can tell you now that we are all doomed. The Union is so overwhelmed with cases that they can't give you a straight answer even on minor issues. The insanity of this place has been a test in tolerance, patience and futility. Since my last required "playdate" with my principal, I have completely lost faith in the UFT's lip service. The principal's written follow up was biased and full of lies. I am tired of fighting against this relentless robo principal who won't stop until she destroys my career.

The total centralization of control of the school system has created a new culture of lackey behavior. . . . The system does not have the checks and balances to protect whistleblowers, nor even to tolerate a word of dissent. This is a symptom of a sick organizational culture.
- Diane Ravitch, research professor of education at New York University, author of The Great School Wars, the definitive history of New York's schools, New York Post, March 10



Blogger Chaz said...

Fidigty:

I feel your frustration. The UFT does not care about reassigned teachers. Their job is to keep you calm and provide you with NYSUT representation at the 3020-a hearing. To them it does not matter if the teacher committed a felony or just pissed off an insecure principal. All reassigned teachers are treated the same by the unio. Begnined neglect.

The DOE knows that the majority of 3020-a charges will not result in the teacher's termination. However, they can use the 3020-a process to get teachers to resign or retire and to get significant fines. Furthermore, it is a way for Principals to get senior teachers off their payroll.

Just think of the up side. No lesson plans, no paperwork, no student disrespect or parent aggrivation and most of all a time to catch up on reading good books, watching DVD's and making new friends with teachers just like you. Unfairly, charged for frivilous or minor infractions.

November 8, 2008 11:19 AM


Blogger The Bus Driver said...

I'm sorry there is no due justice for folks like you who have to deal with being "reassigned". I hope you are able to find some form of resolution soon.

November 11, 2008 8:23 PM

Rubberroommovie.com Update

Be sure to watch the trailer!!!!
The following update is from the rubberroommovie.com website.

Randi Weingarten Goes On The Record
10/22/08

On October 22, 2008, Five Boroughs Productions sat down for an interview with Randi Weingarten, president of both the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Ms. Weingarten addressed such issues as the physical conditions inside Rubber Rooms, age discrimination, the rising number of reassigned teachers, and the potential for the reassignment process to be used (or abused) as a political tool. She also discussed a recent agreement, signed by both the UFT and the Department of Education (DOE), that was created to help reduce some of the inefficiencies involved in the teacher reassignment process.

Five Boroughs would like to thank Ms. Weingarten and her staff for taking time out of a very busy schedule to answer our questions. Thanks again, Randi!

No Newcomer

Our quiet Friday morning was interrupted when WD, aka 'Walking Disaster' reported to our room for the first time. "Attention everyone, we have a new room member. This is WD." We looked up from our papers momentarily when Miss WD blurted out, "Okay, where am I going to sit?" Before anyone could answer, she added, "I know the drill. This is not my first day you know," She scanned the room. "Well, I guess no one's offering, so if you all just want to ignore me, then that's fine." She dropped her coat and bag on an empty seat by the door. We all looked around and then rolled our eyes at each other. Essie offered Miss WD a seat next to her at the head of her table. Miss WD looked at the seat, paused and turned back to the group, ignoring Essie's offer. "It's ok. If nobody's going to move, I'll just sit on the floor. That corner looks empty. Is that okay with you? Would it bother any of you if I just sat on the floor in the corner?" "You can sit here," said Mr. M, generously offering his own seat, next to 3 Seater's chair. "No, she is not going to sit here." 3 Seater warned. "Sit down, sit down, please. I will sit on the other side," Mr. M insisted. WD accepted and sat herself down, legs crossed and arms folded." "Thank you, Is this this an incohesive group or what? You know, we're all in this together," she rambled to herself. "Oh, is that coffee for everyone or do I have to ask someone's permission to drink it? I'll have to bring in my mug. I am going on my third year reassigned. This is my third room. You'd think that you would have a procedure to welcome newcomers." I tried to ignore her but I had to cover my face to muffle the laughter. WD couldn't sit still for a minute. She walked around the room, looking here, there and under all of the tables. "I really need a seat against the wall and a desk for my laptop, near an outlet and room to plug in my phone," Miss So demanded out loud. "I don't have my laptop today but I bring it about once a week, you know, to get my stuff in order." At that point, I noticed WD eyeing my surge protector.
She then disappeared into the hallway and we sighed with relief. Her incessant talking was giving us all a headache. Cane had both of his ears covered with his hands. "Wow, what was that?" asked Sketcher. "I don't know but I think she should go back to wherever she came from," responded Marley. "Yeah, but they probably kicked her out of the other place." Sketcher shook his head and put his earphones on. "I'm going to sleep."
We could all hear WD in the hallway, rambling on to herself. "This group needs to be more cohesive. We're all on the same side you know. Them, against us."
Elsie addressed her as soon as she stepped back in the room. "You may have forgotten, but you were offered a seat when you came in. Why didn't you just sit down? You put your coat on an empty seat. Isn't that an available seat over there where you put your coat?" Elsie's volume accelerated along with her annoyance.
Now angry at Mr. M for giving WD the seat next to her, 3 seater began to roar at WD.
"And, I am letting you know now, you are not staying at this table. This is a quiet table. Go sit back over there", 3 Seater pointed across the room. "Tell me something, why do you have to displace someone just to have a seat? That is his seat and you should respect that. "Well, noone was showing me where to sit," she responded with a whine. "And who are you!? You should know the deal. You've been around enough! We don't have to accommodate you. You need to fit in with us." 3 Seater stated her piece, but it wasn't over there. It seemed like everyone wanted a piece of the action. Trap stood up and had a few authoritative things to say to WD. "Ok, it's my turn to tell you what the deal is. First of all, you had no right to take to this man's seat. He offered it to you out of kindness, but there were empty seats available to you. You came in here with an attitude and some expectations and now you need to get those out of your head. We are going to start this whole thing over. You will get up, give this man back his seat and sit by the door." "Can I say something?" asked WD. "No!" answered Trap. "But I just want to respond to..." Trap gave WD another loud,"No! You you said enough. I think you owe everyone an apology." "Well, I'm sorry but..." "There is no 'but.' You can give Mr. M his seat back now." WD got out of the seat and made her way to the one by the door. "Thank the lord," 3 Seater whispered under her breath. She turned to Mr. M and said, "You I'll talk to later." "What did I do?" he asked. "I was just trying to be nice." "Like I said, we'll talk about it later." And with that, we all soaked in the next few moments of silence.

I've Been Setting Mousetraps...

I have been out of the loop for the past few days. Writing rebuttals is very draining. My best advice to anyone that is meeting with their principal to discuss allegations is,"Keep your Mouth Shut." There is nothing you can say or do that will help when allegations are made against you. Speaking to a principal is just as helpful as helping them hold a loaded gun to your head. The principal will ignore what you say and write only what they want to see written on their report. If it makes them look good, they will write it. If it makes you seem imcompetent, they will write it. "How can they do that and get away with it?", you may ask. Very easily. They lie, distort the truth, twist and turn the facts and scramble your words until you barely recognize who and what the report is about. There are so many holes in my principal's report that I have set traps to keep the mice away.

Damned if you do Anything.

It's almost six months from my original date of reassignment. The UFT's "Don't call us, We'll call you" attitude" is really getting to me now. In spite of their rules, I went ahead and called them from the Rubber Room.
"Oh you're case? Let me check. What school are you in again? I'm so sorry. He, she, they are away from their desk. Do you want me to put you through to their voicemail? What district is that again?"
I called back four times. I left a message with every "he, she and they" that the receptionist would connect me to. I finally set an appointment to meet with my UFT chap.
"What is it exactly that you want to meet about? UFT chap asked.
"Teachers in my room are going back to their schools. I want out." I said. "What's going on?" Are you just going to let me rot in here?
"Your case is somewhat complicated. It's been almost six months and you are sitting there with no formal charges. The regulations say that they can't hold you any longer than six months without charges. After six months, they(your school) will have to take you back. When the six month point comes and they don't send you back, you can file a grievance on the grounds that you haven't been charged and that will probably piss them off. You need to sit tight and not push the envelope. If you do, she(Ms. Principal) will probably get angry and retaliate by making up charges against you. If she makes up charges, you will have to go through the whole 3020a process.
"You mean they have six months to charge me and when the six months are up, they can first decide to charge me with anything they want?"
"Yes."