Roger Ceglio, a Corporate Refuge Who Has Taught Three Years in the School System and Says that Teachers Are Lazy. Read Roger's Words Below


Roger, you are a mere babe in the woods. Listen to your elders, who are wiser than are you. You have not taught long enough to know which end of the chalk to grasp.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Richard Ceglio [mailto:Richard.Ceglio@sdhc.k12.fl.us]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 7:08 AM
To: lee decesare
Subject: Re: SPAM: FW: monkey biz


ONE MORE THING I AM 50 YEARS OLD. I HAVE RAISED TWO CHILDREN Comma: nonrestrictive appositive ONE WHO IS A TEACHER, Period: comma splice, a grammar felony I BEGAN TEACHING 3 Spell out numbers up to one hundred. YEARS AGO. I SPENT 30 Spell out. YEARS IN THE CORPERATE WORLD Comma WHICH I MIGHT ADD NO TEACHER I EVER MET COULD SURVIVE IN! You wouldn't survive a minute in an intensive-care unit with two gun-shot wounds, three strokes, and a kidney failure on dialysis. I was head nurse and kept them alive on my shift every time. I AM HERE DOING THIS JOB FOR THE KIDS comma: contrasting element NOT MYSELF. I FEEL BAD FOR THOSE 10 Spell out. GRANDCHILDREN, NOT BECAUSE YOU ARE A BAD GRANDMOTHER Period: grammar felony fused sentence I WOULD IMAGINE THAT YOU ARE I ? What's this "I" for? ONE OF THE BEST. BUT GRANNY SHOULD TRY TO KEEP THEM IN MIND AND NOT THE TEACHERS Period: fused sentence (grammar felony) YOUR. Now you are rattled: you stumbled into a period where it does not belong. FRUITLESS EFFORTS ARE NOTHING BUT MINDLESS RANTS WITH BIG WORDS Teachers are supposed to be able to use big words. If they can't, they can repair to the corporate world of Mc Donald's, where they ask sans big words, "Do you want fries with that super-duper Big Mac? THAT ACTUALLY ARE QUITE AMUSING Don't underline for emphasis: that's comic-book style, worse than sophomoric. It's Pampers language. AND REALLY DO NOT DESERVE RESPONSE. Then why do you respond? THANK GOODNESS FOR SPELL CHECK AND DICTIONARIES. And thank you, Jesus, Allah, and Buddha for that terrific ninth-grade English teacher who taught most people grammar and punctuation but missed this corporate refugee, who wandered into pedagogy burdened with the misguided belief that he knows his ass from his elbow.

lee drury de cesare, granny of ten, former teacher and supporter of teachers, faculty president, and cook who can make the best damn chicken and dumplings this side of the Mason-Dixon line, above which live the villains who conducted the War of Oppression against us Southern belles, making it obligatory for us to grab the family silver and head for the cane brake and for Scarlett to shoot the Yankee marauder between the eyes whose foul object was to rape the plantation's women and steal the silver


You are out of your league, sugarbritches. Give up before this granny ties you in knots from which you will never extricate yourself. Pricking the balloons of pompous twits is this adorable granny's specialty. Go to your room until you can keep a civil tongue in your jejune head. Love and kisses, Granny Lee





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Richard Ceglio [mailto:Richard.Ceglio@sdhc.k12.fl.us]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 6:54 AM
To: lee decesare
Subject: Re: SPAM: FW: monkey biz


FIRST OFF comma: sentence modifier I DO NOT KNOW WHO YOU ARE comma: compound sentence AND SECOND comma, sentence modifier I REALLY DO NOT CARE Period: grammar-felony fused sentence WHEN YOU SO hyphen: two words before a noun acting as a single adjective CALLED IDEALIST spelling:"idealists" plural GET YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT comma: introductory adverbial clause; "get your head on straight" is such an ancient cliché that it has grown moss and whiskers MAYBE THEN YOU WOULD REMEMBER THAT TEACHING IS ABOUT THE KIDS comma: contrasting element NOT ABOUT YOU. JUST LIKE YOU, SOME TEACHERS CAN'T FUNCTION MORE THAN 8 Write out numbers up to one hundred. HOURS A DAY WITHOUT FINDING SOMTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. Oh, those spoiled teachers. What pikers they are! I SIT EVERYDAY (this is two words for an open compound here: "every day." AND WATCH TEACHERS RUN OUT THE DOOR PAST MOST OF THE KIDS comma, nonrestrictive participial phrase LEAVING SOME CHILDREN WHO COULD USE THEIR HELP BEHIND. YOUR RESUME IS IMPRESSIVE IN YOUR MIND Period: grammar-felony comma splice THANKS FOR SHARING. I AM SURE ALL YOUR JOBS QUOTED HAD UNION REPS TO PROTECT UNPRODUCTIVE WORKERS TOO. Nurses didn't. Nurses still think that they should not unionize because theirs is a mission of mercy. I say phooey to that piffle. I talked union the whole time I nursed. PLEASE DO NOT BOTHER ME WITH THESE UNIMPORTANT OPINIONS. What are you doing with your time: contemplating Plato's theory of Ideal Forms or THE MEANING OF LIFE according to Mickey-Mouse metaphysics? WHY NOT FOCUS YOUR ENERGY ON EMAILING CONGRESS AND OTHER GOVERMENT AGENCIES TO HELP FIND MORE FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS. I am afraid it would give money to school administrations to hire more teachers from the corporate world who can't punctuate ENERGY TO HELP PARENTS AND CHILDREN GET BETTER EDUCATIONAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE.

PLEASE DO NOT BOTHER ME ANY MORE WITH THIS EFFORTLESS JARGON SO YOU CAN HAVE YOUR 15 Spell out. MIN Put a period for an abbreviation or, better, spell it out. OF FAME. Clichés have a malignant hold on your mind. SEND IT TO MORE OF YOUR IDEALISTIC FRIENDS WHO HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO BUT COMPLAIN Those of us in the education racket must remind you to put a period at the end of a sentence.

Richard, I wish you had come in as a patient when I worked the emergency room. I would have administered all your injections with an 18 blood-donor needle in the most nerve-nourished part of your glutei. I would have told the duty intern to order a barium enemy because you complained of impacted bowels. He would have. Interns always do what nurses tell them to do. I would have passed the word along to the other nurses that you were a pill who needed cuffing around by the sisters of mercy ad lib, prn, q.i.d., t.i.d., and h.s..

May cow dung be rained on your empty pate, sirrah, and may your crops like fallow in the fields. Other than that, have a nice day.

Sairy Gamp, R.N.
Betsy Prig

Gene Clements has refused to post her salary and those of her CTA executive staff on the CTA blog. We get some insight into why in this article from the

Palm Beach Post

.

It [the information] comes from two years ago. So we can expect the salaries are higher now and that Clements calculates that they are so high that they will offend teachers who have to pay $500 dues and make so little that they often have to work summers and second jobs.

But Clements owes this information to her union members. She withholds it because she suspects members will think it far too high given that the union is in bed with the administration and does not go to bat for teachers but manipulates the union so that it accords with the administration plots. Clements and another CTA teacher union honcho were at the Board meeting on the 13th but sat on their hands and withheld their support of the teachers who went to the mike to object to Elia's blitzkreig imposition of the 6th-period outrage before the Board had a chance to consider it. Clements' CTA is not in the teachers' corner; it is in the administration's pocket. It's time for Hillsborough County teachers to union shop for an honest union that supports the teachers for a change.

The Web site says that one has only to email to get information. I emailed for the entire union contract, which should be on line, not excerpts as it is now. I have got no answer.







Sides drawn in teacher union salary fray
By Kimberly Miller

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Theo Harris says he didn't want this fight.

He definitely did not want the debate over whether he should be the highest-paid employee of the Classroom Teachers Association — a 20 percent increase in his salary — waged in public.


But here it is, on the new president's doorstep and threatening the strength of the fragile union that represents thousands of Palm Beach County teachers who plunk down $535 in dues each year with the hope that the union will get them bigger raises, smaller classes and a better health plan.

Elected in April with a 52 percent majority, Harris' opponents say the 30-year veteran educator would have done best to show his skills at the bargaining table and win them a battle before starting his own.

In essence, prove himself before getting a raise that will make him the second-highest-paid teachers union president in the state and take his annual base salary to at least $105,000 — $58,000 more than what the average classroom teacher in Palm Beach County earns.

Supporters, however, argue that the union won't get the respect it deserves until its president makes more money.

"As a teacher and career CTA supporter, I would be very proud to see Mr. Harris be justly compensated as the voice of all teachers in the district," Inlet Grove High School teacher Steven Silberberg said. "I do not believe he is out of line. He should get at least what the superintendent is making, if not more."

A subcommittee of union board members has studied the salary question and voted 4-2 to recommend that Harris earn $1,000 more annually than Executive Director Helene Samango, who is currently the highest-paid union employee with a base salary of about $104,000.

The theory — one supported by Harris — is that the president of an organization should earn more than the employees of that organization.

"If I'm going to be CEO, then I would like to be the person making the most," said Ron Leonard, who sat on the salary subcommittee.

The decision on Harris' salary likely will occur in January during a closed meeting of the board of directors. There is still some question over whether the vote must go to the general assembly of teachers who represent each school. Harris says it does not; some board members believe it does.

Either way, Harris has been concerned that the salary debate leaked outside board room chambers before a discussion there occurred.

"Technically, none of this should have gone to the public before it goes to the board," he said.

But in the way of teachers, the increase has become the chatter of break rooms and hallways and anonymous e-mails to the newspaper. Often paranoid about retribution, many teachers are unwilling to talk publicly about the raise. Ed Kopf, the elected vice president of the organization, also refused to comment and referred all questions to Harris.

Accusations of racism have even been levied by those who say Harris, who is black, has become a target of disgruntled teachers who supported former President Shelley Vana and her vice president, Karen Kay, who narrowly lost her bid for presidency to Harris.

"There is an underlying agenda to all of this," Leonard said.

Other teachers disagree.

"People are saying this is a black/white issue and it's absolutely not," said 17-year veteran teacher Terry Pitchford. "This is an experience issue. People who just start a job do not get a $17,000 raise."

New model

If approved, Harris' new salary model would be unique in the state. Most teacher unions follow one of two models to determine their president's base salary, and it depends on whether the union has an executive director.

The National Education Association model, which is what Palm Beach County's teachers union has followed, includes an executive director who is in charge of the daily running of the organization. In this model the executive director typically earns the highest salary.

The American Federation of Teachers model has the president serving as executive director as well as president. In this model the president earns the most because of performing two jobs.

For example, the president of the 12,000-member Broward Teachers Union earns $120,512 annually, but serves as president and executive director.

Hillsborough County CTA President Jean Clements earns about $66,427 annually, but has an executive director who "runs the show," Clements said. Hillsborough's executive director earns about $85,000 a year.

The Miami-Dade teachers union is in the process of electing a president and has not decided that person's salary.

Salary calculation

Harris refused to release the union's by-laws, constitution or policies, which could offer a guide to how a president's salary is calculated.

Former board members said the formula goes like this: The president earns his or her base teacher salary pro-rated for a 12-month employee.

That's how Vana was awarded her initial salary when she became president in 1998. The board of directors, however, changed their by-laws during Vana's fifth year to give her a raise. The new rule said that the president should earn 11 percent more than the highest paid associate employee. That brought Vana's annual salary to $88,000.

Kay, who was on the board when Harris' salary was decided, said members did not believe someone with no experience as president should receive the same salary as the outgoing president who served six years. So the board reverted to its original formula.

That meant Harris, who earns about $63,000 as a veteran teacher, would earn about $87,000 as president.

"They went against the old policy and came up with a new policy for me," Harris said. "I didn't ask for a raise, I asked for an increase and there is a difference."

Some union members are concerned, regardless of the outcome of the salary decision, that it already has weakened the union.

It may be too late for some.

"The interesting fact is this; I would not change jobs with (Harris) even if it would allow me to earn $106,000 dollars a year," said Wynnebrook Elementary School teacher Cheryl Schwartz. "Teachers work eleven-plus hours a day because we love what we do. But the first thing I am going to do Monday morning is this, call and cancel my membership with the union."










--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

Gene Clements has refused to post her salary and those of her CTA executive staff on the CTA blog. We get some insight into why in this article from the

Palm Beach Post

. It comes from two years ago. So we can expect the salaries are higher now and that Clements calculates that they are so high that they will offend teachers who have to pay $500 dues and make so little that they often have to work summers and second jobs.

But Clements owes this information to her union members. She withholds it because she suspects members will think it far too high given that the union is in bed with the administration and does not go to bat for teachers but manipulates the union so that it accords with the administration plots. Clements and another CTA teacher union honcho were at the Board meeting on the 13th but sat on their hands and withheld their support of the teachers who went to the mike to object to Elia's blitzkreig imposition of the 6th-period outrage before the Board had a chance to consider it. Clements' CTA is not in the teachers' corner; it is in the administration's pocket. It's time for Hillsborough County teachers to union shop for an honest union that supports the teachers for a change.

The Web site says that one has only to email to get information. I emailed for the entire union contract, which should be on line, not excerpts as it is now. I have got no answer.







Sides drawn in teacher union salary fray
By Kimberly Miller

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Theo Harris says he didn't want this fight.

He definitely did not want the debate over whether he should be the highest-paid employee of the Classroom Teachers Association — a 20 percent increase in his salary — waged in public.


But here it is, on the new president's doorstep and threatening the strength of the fragile union that represents thousands of Palm Beach County teachers who plunk down $535 in dues each year with the hope that the union will get them bigger raises, smaller classes and a better health plan.

Elected in April with a 52 percent majority, Harris' opponents say the 30-year veteran educator would have done best to show his skills at the bargaining table and win them a battle before starting his own.

In essence, prove himself before getting a raise that will make him the second-highest-paid teachers union president in the state and take his annual base salary to at least $105,000 — $58,000 more than what the average classroom teacher in Palm Beach County earns.

Supporters, however, argue that the union won't get the respect it deserves until its president makes more money.

"As a teacher and career CTA supporter, I would be very proud to see Mr. Harris be justly compensated as the voice of all teachers in the district," Inlet Grove High School teacher Steven Silberberg said. "I do not believe he is out of line. He should get at least what the superintendent is making, if not more."

A subcommittee of union board members has studied the salary question and voted 4-2 to recommend that Harris earn $1,000 more annually than Executive Director Helene Samango, who is currently the highest-paid union employee with a base salary of about $104,000.

The theory — one supported by Harris — is that the president of an organization should earn more than the employees of that organization.

"If I'm going to be CEO, then I would like to be the person making the most," said Ron Leonard, who sat on the salary subcommittee.

The decision on Harris' salary likely will occur in January during a closed meeting of the board of directors. There is still some question over whether the vote must go to the general assembly of teachers who represent each school. Harris says it does not; some board members believe it does.

Either way, Harris has been concerned that the salary debate leaked outside board room chambers before a discussion there occurred.

"Technically, none of this should have gone to the public before it goes to the board," he said.

But in the way of teachers, the increase has become the chatter of break rooms and hallways and anonymous e-mails to the newspaper. Often paranoid about retribution, many teachers are unwilling to talk publicly about the raise. Ed Kopf, the elected vice president of the organization, also refused to comment and referred all questions to Harris.

Accusations of racism have even been levied by those who say Harris, who is black, has become a target of disgruntled teachers who supported former President Shelley Vana and her vice president, Karen Kay, who narrowly lost her bid for presidency to Harris.

"There is an underlying agenda to all of this," Leonard said.

Other teachers disagree.

"People are saying this is a black/white issue and it's absolutely not," said 17-year veteran teacher Terry Pitchford. "This is an experience issue. People who just start a job do not get a $17,000 raise."

New model

If approved, Harris' new salary model would be unique in the state. Most teacher unions follow one of two models to determine their president's base salary, and it depends on whether the union has an executive director.

The National Education Association model, which is what Palm Beach County's teachers union has followed, includes an executive director who is in charge of the daily running of the organization. In this model the executive director typically earns the highest salary.

The American Federation of Teachers model has the president serving as executive director as well as president. In this model the president earns the most because of performing two jobs.

For example, the president of the 12,000-member Broward Teachers Union earns $120,512 annually, but serves as president and executive director.

Hillsborough County CTA President Jean Clements earns about $66,427 annually, but has an executive director who "runs the show," Clements said. Hillsborough's executive director earns about $85,000 a year.

The Miami-Dade teachers union is in the process of electing a president and has not decided that person's salary.

Salary calculation

Harris refused to release the union's by-laws, constitution or policies, which could offer a guide to how a president's salary is calculated.

Former board members said the formula goes like this: The president earns his or her base teacher salary pro-rated for a 12-month employee.

That's how Vana was awarded her initial salary when she became president in 1998. The board of directors, however, changed their by-laws during Vana's fifth year to give her a raise. The new rule said that the president should earn 11 percent more than the highest paid associate employee. That brought Vana's annual salary to $88,000.

Kay, who was on the board when Harris' salary was decided, said members did not believe someone with no experience as president should receive the same salary as the outgoing president who served six years. So the board reverted to its original formula.

That meant Harris, who earns about $63,000 as a veteran teacher, would earn about $87,000 as president.

"They went against the old policy and came up with a new policy for me," Harris said. "I didn't ask for a raise, I asked for an increase and there is a difference."

Some union members are concerned, regardless of the outcome of the salary decision, that it already has weakened the union.

It may be too late for some.

"The interesting fact is this; I would not change jobs with (Harris) even if it would allow me to earn $106,000 dollars a year," said Wynnebrook Elementary School teacher Cheryl Schwartz. "Teachers work eleven-plus hours a day because we love what we do. But the first thing I am going to do Monday morning is this, call and cancel my membership with the union."










--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

Dr. Lamb:

I copied a section off the Susie Creamcheese blog's comment section (below). I want to know if the teachers have intellectual property rights in this action of the administration's appropriating their intellectual labors and distributing that product without the teachers' say so? If there is money involved in this intellectual property, is it due to the teachers?

Can you ask Mr. Gonzalez for an opinion?

Thank you.

lee drury de cesare


Maybe I was too busy cooking but I swear the board was bragging that the district level exams that are/were created and "tweaked" by teachers to comply with the Sunshine State Standards are being given away to the STATE and other districts!!! FREE!!!! The members appeared to be happy that these tests were requested. Your intellectual efforts should have value. If teachers wrote them, tested them, and tweaked them then they should have a price tag attached with the proceeds put into an salary account and given back to teachers.

We paid a boatload for CRISS training and materials which was nothing more than a collection of activities and strategies that every Masters of Reading candidate paid for at the university.

Ms. Olson wants to evaluate "programs" ostensibly to determine the program's effectiveness. Since we can't evaluate the "300 minute" plan, how about looking at data BEFORE a decision is made? Hey, USF! Hey, Tampa U.! How about a quid pro quo? We take enough of your ed interns, how about checking the research about our current dilemma. Can a teacher realistically be expected to perform all they are expected to perform 6 out of 7 periods a day - 5 days a week? Let the superintendent know. Let her know now. Answer completely and support your conclusions with valid research?

Hillsborough County Susie Creamcheese’s blog: https://www2.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3903698425036113784&postID=936012192712957266

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"Random Thoughts-Board Meeting-Mar.13"

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Anonymous said...

A big thank you for all of those who attended the board meeting last night. It was nice to see some new faces from Sickles. Welcome aboard! Also, I was impressed that students had the courage to speak out for their teachers. I think that it takes a lot of courage for a high school student to speak on TV in front of strange and often rude adults (TAKING YOUR TIME!). I think we all need to support students who support us! There was a lot of emotion last night and hopefully some of this will reach the few sane board members who were present. Lets regroup for the next meeting... try to get new faces out there.

Carla C.

March 14, 2007 4:31 AM

Maybe I was too busy cooking but I swear the board was bragging that the district level exams that are/were created and "tweaked" by teachers to comply with the Sunshine State Standards are being given away to the STATE and other districts!!! FREE!!!! The members appeared to be happy that these tests were requested. Your intellectual efforts should have value. If teachers wrote them, tested them, and tweaked them then they should have a price tag attached with the proceeds put into an salary account and given back to teachers.

We paid a boatload for CRISS training and materials which was nothing more than a collection of activities and strategies that every Masters of Reading candidate paid for at the university.

Ms. Olson wants to evaluate "programs" ostensibly to determine the program's effectiveness. Since we can't evaluate the "300 minute" plan, how about looking at data BEFORE a decision is made? Hey, USF! Hey, Tampa U.! How about a quid pro quo? We take enough of your ed interns, how about checking the research about our current dilemma. Can a teacher realistically be expected to perform all they are expected to perform 6 out of 7 periods a day - 5 days a week? Let the superintendent know. Let her know now. Answer completely and support your conclusions with valid research?

If you missed the "public" forum, believe me, things are heating up. Kudos to the 7 speakers! Even our students stood up and made great points. Articulation was razor sharp and professional. Was the board listening? The camera stayed on the speakers.

Special THANKS to Lee Drury De Cesare for her impassioned (and reserved - if you've ever read anything she's posted or published) support.

C.T.A. execs were present but mute - so just what are we paying for?

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM How much do you think was spent on P.R. and self-promotion vs. actual management?

posted by Suzie Creamcheese at 3:43 PM on Mar 13, 2007



twinkobie said...

Seven teachers and two students sat through 4 hours of a Board meeting last night to get a hearing at the end of the marathon meeting. They impressed me.

I made this proposal when I spoke after the teachers and students: that if the Board reveres teachers as its members say they do, then the members should set aside a time at the beginning of every Board meeting to welcome teachers' input. This time should not have the degrading cut-off limits, I said, of the present public input session at the end of the meeting for citizens. The Board should let the teachers say their full say with dignity without the flashing warning lights going off/on at the podium.

In the back of the room after I spoke at the tail end, the teachers who had addressed the Board and I did a little victory dance for the teachers' performance.

The feeling was that these gutsy teachers had broken through the Board's lassitude on Elia's insult to the teachers of ordering them to work an extra period to solve her budget crisis. One 30-year veteran teacher summed up Ms. Elia's status well:he said that La Elia had lost the respect and trust of the teachers as a leader. A superintendent who loses the respect and trust of its teachers can't lead a school system. The bottom line is that teachers and students are the heart of education; administration and Board are mere support staff for teachers and students. The Board and the administration should keep this venerable fact in mind before they try to slap teachers around.

If the Board does not follow up now and consult with teachers before it makes any decision on this matter, it is time to replace the Board.But I have hope that the Board has paid attention to the teachers and students who appeared on the evening of the 13th to oppose Elia's insulting treatment of teachers.

I am sorry I forgot to say at the podium that Ms. Elia should kick in at least a hundred thousand dollars of her bloated $262,000 and perquisites since she is so keen on making the teachers work for free. Her salary represents an insult to teachers and students since she can't punctuate and doesn't show any sign of learning this literacy requirement for anyone's working in education. The Board should mandate punctuation training for all administrators (I infer 100 percent suffer punctuation illiteracy, all C-students from undistinguished colleges and universities on the periphery of the civilized world) as the price for a job in an education system. Massachusetts has a state law that mandates all administrators take the same literacy tests as do teachers. That requirement would clean out at least half of the current ROSSAC administration illiterati.

In fact, every administrator making over $100,000 should kick in at least $40,000 of her/his bloated paychecks to the budget crisis.

The CTA was there, I later learned, but sat mute, of course. I was president of the HCC union when I taught there for 28 years before retiring, and there is no way our teacher union would have sat silent while the administration tried to impose an extra period of teaching on professors. But the CTA is in bed with the administration. It should be on the administration pay roll instead of bleeding money from poorly paid teachers while refusing to post its own CTA staff salaries on the CTA Web site. Bart Birdsall and I have asked CTA for this posting repeatedly.

It's time for teachers of Hillsborough County to union shop. The Boston teacher union stands up to its administration and has gotten $44,000 as a beginning teacher salary. Hillsborough County teachers need one like that. Compare that to the measly beginning salaries for teachers in Hillsborough County.

The teacher who thanked the Board for the past raise should remember that this raise came after a long period of no raises at all and thus represented catch-up. Even as catch-up, the "raise" was meager compared to bloated administration salaries. Ms. Elia got over $10,000 raise at the same time the teachers got peanuts and the bus drivers get third-world salaries and drive broken-down buses with not enough mechanics to fix them.

I encouraged teachers with whom I spoke in the back of the room to read Susie Creamcheese's The Wall blog and to start blogs of their own.

Bloggers changed the political life of the United States. Old-time practitioners of politics sneered at bloggers at first, but now bloggers romp triumphant as masters of the game and are in the forefront of change in politics. Those who sneered are now converts. Politicians shudder when bloggers catch them out and publish their sins on their Webs. Susie Creamcheese's blog will inch its way into that status with the Board.

Summary: Victory went to those seven gutsy teachers and two courageous students last night.

Susan Valdez was crying when I spoke. The teachers and students had broken through to at least one Board member. I think there's reason to believe that Griffin, Olson, and Edgecombe can see the light on this more-work-with-no-compensation-for-teachers
issue.

And I do not abandon hope for dear old Dr. Lamb. He was a 4th-grade teacher and is basically a sweet fellow who must have some feeling of solidarity for the teachers in a corner of his heart. At the beginning of his career, he was one of us. Teachers should keep that fact in mind when they petition Dr. Lamb.

Bottom line: Keep on blogging and send a copy of your blog to the Board.The members need to know what teachers think.

I was proud to be one with the teachers and students who appeared last night before the Board. Teaching is not a business: it is a calling as old as Socrates' strolling around the forum with his open-air class in 6th-century Athens to impart the knowledge he had acquired to his students.

Parasitic administrators are the bloodsuckers who later attached themselves to teachers and students. Teachers should remember that they and their students are the blood and guts of education.

That truth will ever remain thus.

lee http://www.leedrurydecesarescasting[room couch.blogspot.com

ps: I sent this below to the CTA and will send it around to the schools for which I have collated emails:


CTA
Contact Web Form

To contact us or leave a comment, please fill out the web form below.
You may also e-mail us directly at webmaster@hillscta.org.
Name:

E-Mail:

Where was the CTA tonight at the Board meeting to lend support to the teachers who appeared there to protest the Elia ukase that teachers must teach an extra class period to solve her budget crisis?

In fact, where is the CTA ever when teachers need it to stand up to the administration? The CTA is no use to teachers as long as it is in bed with the administration.

Creamcheese readers: Keep in mind that it was media specialist and former teacher Bart Birdsall who challenged the lack of information for teachers about their rights when caught in the gauntlet of Professional Standards. Bart got Dr. Lamb to ask that Board attorney Gonzalez assemble a pamphlet outlining teacher rights to give to every teacher who enters the portals of the Abu Ghraib of Professional Standards with its resident fiend La Linday Kipley and the attack hell hounds that she keeps under her desk to harry teachers after she has draped them in Abu Ghraib black-sheet couture.

March 14, 2007 7:27 AM

Dear Mr. Gonzalez:
I found this particular item in the teacher contract:

Complaints

8.1.1 Whenever a complaint is registered against a teacher without first going to the teacher involved, it shall be Board policy to notify the teacher immediately of the complaint. The following information shall be provided to the teacher:

A. Name of Complainant;
B. Description of allegation;
C. Remedy requested, if any.

In the past I have asked Linda Kipley for the names of the people who complained about my media specialist folder emails. Once she found out that I knew her original reason for her investigation into my email (she said they clogged the system) was a lie, she changed her story and claimed there were many complaints. I have asked her for the information (who complained), and she did not respond. So I am asking you and CTA administration to get me this information.
I don't believe there were "many" complaints if any. Maybe there were, but I believe my school district email was locked up and Kipley went hunting for a technicality to pull me into her office and scare me about a newspaper article and the Joe Stines emails I wrote from my home AOL email address. That is my belief, so I believe I was singled out and there are no people who complained.
If there were people who complained, then she should have no problem providing the information, since the teacher contract states that I should get this info anyway. Please ask her to provide the names of the complainers and what they wanted to happen to me (as in the above A., B. and C. bulleted points above). Part of the reason I can not put this to rest is that I have NEVER gotten a straight answer from people about why I was investigated. That has created the feeling that there was a minor witch hunt. If there were indeed people who complained (other media specialists, I assume, who read my postings on the media specialist board), then maybe I would be able to accept that the investigation wasn't a sham investigation.
Elia has sent me an email stating that the district always investigates complaints about emails. I do not believe this. It may be true now, but it wasn't before, b/c Chuck Kiker of CTA told me at the time that he had never heard of anyone being investigated using his/her emails. I asked him why I was being singled out, and he seemed to think I was being singled out too, and I wonder if he brought this up to Kipley before I arrived for my meeting (he was in her office before I arrived), b/c she told me my emails were only found b/c they "clogged" the system. I remember thinking it odd that she brought this up, when I had not asked her for a reason originally.
According to the teacher contract I should be given the names of the people of the "many" complaints. I would like that. If Ms. Kipley can not produce the names, I would like to know why I was investigated then and I would like an apology, if she can not give a valid reason why I was investigated (something she has failed to do so far).
Bart

Bart Birdsall
2309 W. Bristol Ave.
Tampa, FL 33609
home (813) 258-8817
cell (813) 362-7937
Montolino@aol.com







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AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

Exerpts from "The Wall" site by teacher Susie Ceamcheese lee


Sent to all members of the School Board

This blog has been a long time coming. The hubris of Elia in shafting the teachers with the extra class for no extra pay must have finally pushed the teachers to protest.

They mention firing Elia. I am all for that. She was the worst candidate of all those who turned up in the $36,000 "nation-wide" search, a scam on the taxpayers since the insiders with collusion of administration had already picked Elia, who can't manage and can't even write a literate essay. She has no idea where to put commas but gets $262,000 a year and perquisites while the bus drivers get 3rd-world wages and drive broken-down buses. Faliera, the Board dimwit, said when the Board gave Elia whopping salary boost this year that Elia was "a real bargain." Some bargain. She didn't even notice the real-estate scam in her building department; overbuilt classrooms in that slot; and later as superintendent shifted boundaries to cover up her mess-up. She misled the parents about the boundary issue and ignored the sobbing tots clinging to their mothers' skirts at the prospect of changing their schools.

The CTA union is in bed with the administration. Its staff refuses to post its salaries on the Web. It has no compunction about charging beginning teachers with meager salaries $500 so that the union can cozy up to the administration. Teachers should union shop for one like the Boston union, whose bargaining magic has put beginning teachers' salary at $44,000 a year. Elia makes more than the Boston superintendent (Massachusetts is the Number One school system in terms of student performance in the country). That's the Board's fault. Teachers should concentrate on the Board. Its members act as if Elia were their boss instead of the other way around. It rubberstamps everything she puts before it. It does not consult with teachers or even acknowledge that they have an iron in the fire. They immure themselves in the ROSAC bunker and listen only to the administration, which cozens and flatters them but laughs at them behind their backs.

First comes a demand for teacher time as the first slot on the Board agenda with no humiliating 2-minute cut-off bells. The Board on the stump invokes the pious piffle about teachers' being the "most valuable part of the school system"; and then its members cut them off at the mike and won't let them say their piece. In the Board policies resides a citation that says the Board can suspend the time limits. Why on earth did it not do so when those brave teachers came to protest Elia's ukase of teachers' having to teach an extra class with no compensation? Was it ignorance of their own policy, or was it contempt for teachers? Neither is good.

Teachers should not put up with this degrading treatment by the Board. Half a dozen at each school should issue invitations to Board members to appear one at the time in their auditoriums for an open question-and-answer period. They won't dare turn that invitation down. And the host school can make sure the press is on hand to spot any hypocrisy.

lee drury de cesare http://www.leedrurydecesarescasting-roomcouch@blogspot.com

Patrick: Please announce the "Wall" blog of the teachers in La Gaceta's "As We Heard It." They are finding their voice. I knew they would eventually resort to blogs to fight this crooked administration and lackadaisical School Board.

Ms. Letitia Steins: The SPTimes should not be asleep at the switch to the significance of the blog development among the teachers of Hillsborough County. I think they are still reluctant to expose their names for the most part, but I am sure if you post a comment and ask for an interview that Ms. Creamcheese will contact you for an interview.

Andrea, this phenomenon would make an excellent column. It's a definite change of the game. The administration will have a counterforce to running the school system like a plantation.

lee drury de cesare

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Anonymous said...
This is much needed! I will start the ball rolling. New info regarding the 6/7 plan... we have received word from an insider (who we must protect) that it only takes 4 out of 7 to remove a superintendent. Continue writing your letters to the school board and continue to attend the school board meetings. They are making a difference and its putting needed and wanted pressure on the super. All is not what it seems with the school board and everyone is NOT on the supers side! We need to use this to our advantage. Also, we have been told that if this 6/7 plan fails they can strike it and change the plan. Lets make it fail!

- dedicated High School teacher
(Carla Crabapple)

March 3, 2007 7:25 AM

Suzie Creamcheese said...
Thanks Carla! Your info is important: it shows that contrary to the posture displayed by the district THERE IS A CHANCE. I heard the the district is the largest employer in the county. That's a lot of votes sister!

March 3, 2007 12:26 PM

Cable Guy said...
Hey this blog is a GREAT idea Suzie! How about this idea: Why not shorten the periods to 40 minutes? Then schedule an hour conference at the start or end of school. Maybe even a half-hour conference at the start AND the end of school. Schools can adopt either variety. A side benefit might be that this would provide time for a staggered bus schedule. Less traffic congestion too.

March 3, 2007 12:52 PM

Anonymous said...
I like the idea of reducing the class times to 40 minutes and doing conference times at beginning and/or end of day. However, does that accomplish instructional hours required?\
-Someone who's been on both sides of the fence

March 3, 2007 5:05 PM

Anonymous said...
ARE there required instructional hours? You go the hours and fail the FCAT and whatcha got? How about "early release" days? I had some of my best classes on days with shortened periods. It seems like a well structured 40 minutes would get the job done. Is there research that supports either side? All I know is that its NOT the amount of TIME I spent in a class, it was the amount of time I was engaged. My limit was about 45 minutes. How long before you started to "wander" at the Forum? Anybody else?

March 3, 2007 5:50 PM

Anonymous said...
I'd like to share some info from a meeting held with the super's "reps"...cause you know... it would be impossible for the woman to represent herself! The 300 mins was placed in our contract back in 1985. Back then, classes were 60 mins not 50 mins. Well you do the math... 60 x 5 gives your 300 mins! It has been explained to me that in 1985 the union decided to use the mins terminology instead of period terminology because they were fearful that the district would try to increase the mins of the period therefore shafting the teachers. No one every thought the district would be stupid enough to increase the 5 periods! We discussed this with the "reps" and a teacher who use to work in Pasco suggested the 5/6 plan that pasco is using. This keeps the 50 mins for the students and it keeps the 5 periods for us. The response from the "rep" was... uhhh... well in today's educational society there are to many students taking intensive reading and math classes and because of that all of your electives would be virtually wiped out! Well the reality is... most intensive reading and math students don't have a large impact on academic elective enrollment anyways!! Certainly not AP electives and honors electives. Perhaps we could look more into what is going on in Pasco and find out more details as a possible solution? Another teacher asked the "rep" what other counties around the state where doing since we all have budget problems. There response was... uhhh... well we haven't had much time yet to do the research however we know that Pasco is not an option and that you wouldn't be happy teaching there!!! If you have contacts with other teachers in other districts I think it would be useful to start talking with them to find out what's going on in their district.

Carla Crabapple
(Carlacrabapple@yahoo.com)

P.S. I will be forwarding all my district emails regarding 6/7 plan to this account and responding from here. If you'd like to send me your email I will keep in contact with you via hotmail or yahoo etc. I'm on the front lines of this beast so you'll be hearing a lot from me! :-)

March 4, 2007 6:27 AM

Anonymous said...
Oh man my spelling is awful! I promise I'm not an idiot! Just to upset to spell check as I'm typing about the idiot decisions of the district!

Carla :-)

March 4, 2007 6:32 AM

Subversive Teacher said...
Miami teachers protested. Time for Tampa teachers?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFIv2gOLkpw

March 4, 2007 4:18 PM

James Otis said...
We need people to continue to make waves...too many parents are still oblivious to how next year's plan will hurt students. Why be afraid to stand up in front of the school board and announce "this is what we will NOT do next year..." and start listing off activities? My key quote next year when students want letters of recommendation, chaperones to sponsor events, and extra review sessions for AP exams after school will be "I'm sorry, the schoolboard does not a lot me time for that."

March 5, 2007 1:22 PM

Anonymous said...
Thank you SO MUCH for this forum. As was said in the last school board meeting, teachers never speak up because we always do what is right for our students regardless of how it affects us....they think they have an ace in the hole since we never speak up. But you want to know what? If we don't speak up, our students will suffer GREATLY! Is there a gifted writer out there/English teacher out there that can write an editorial style letter and send it to all the papers alerting PARENTS to the horrible repercussions that this stupid decision will cause? I still say that if the parents knew what was going to happen, they'd be utterly pissed! Elia has done a wonderful job marketing this stupid decision as a "wonderful" way for the students to get more time with us. Parents don't realize the inner workings of the system. We have got to let them know. So glad to know that a movement is starting to get Elia ejected. Does this woman really think that she can do as she please at any given moment without the consent of the school board, teachers and parents? OBVIOUSLY SHE DOES! We've got to do something to get this woman off of this "power trip" she is on. She's using speed to help get her new plan ushered in....in this way, it is done so quickly, that nobody can do anything about this....At the school board meeting 3 weeks ago, Candy Olson was the only school board member to speak up in defense of teachers asking Elia why all of this had to be done so quickly without a thorough evaluation. Elia told her in front of everyone, "I don't need school board approval to do this". Is this sounding like a dictatorship to you? That is what it is sounding like to me. Please spread the word of this website and get the fires started at your school for the benefit of us all and most importantly, to help the kids. They will pay the ultimate price for this stupid fiasco.

March 5, 2007 2:04 PM

Anonymous said...
I 100% agree with James Otis! The next school board meeting is March 13. I think we need to get as many school teachers as possible to attend and shed light on what they will be "forced" to give up. I think the key word is FORCED... not refuse. My proposal for the next school board meeting is to get as many teachers as possible to stand in front of the school board and say "I am Carla Crabapple and I teach blah blah blah at Blank high school. Because of Ms. Elias decision I will be forced to give up Blank club and I will no longer be able to volunteer for _ _ _ _". Next teacher stands up... "My name is .." I think this is a strong strategy and will prevent us from sounding like a broken record. What do you all think of this idea ?

Carla Crabapple

March 5, 2007 2:58 PM

Anonymous said...
The newspapers have no interest in letting parents know "the truth" as far as this is concerned. Remember we are funded by the public's tax dollars. In order to run things properly and have the class size amendment actually do what the voters wanted it to do, the public would have to pay more in taxes. Parents have no interest in taking responsibility for their children... as far as they're concerned, that is our job. They do not want to hear the reality of the school situation.

March 5, 2007 4:06 PM

settergirl said...
Today, a department head at our high school was told to let her staff know that those teachers who planned to "work to the contract" next year could expect to have that decision reflected in their evaluations next year. Even though CTA is not taking the stance we all would like, it seems to me that threatening reprisals for anyone who follows the contract exactly as it is written has the potential to become a class action law suit.

March 5, 2007 7:03 PM

Anonymous said...
7:03 You need to document the "veiled" threat regarding evaluations and "working to the contract" for any future need. If you are a CTA member it should be reported. Why not at least name the school here so that those of us who MAY be "shopping around" know when to keep walking. You can see the true colors start to show. Any principal that feels a negotiated contract is bendable needs to be exposed. To get an unsatisfactory evaluation for performing to the contract is indeed a lawsuit waiting to be filed. Your experience should prepare you. Do not allow the opportunity to slide. Names, dates, times, witnesses and as many quotes as possible. You may have it and not need it but there will be a quiet satisfaction to building the case and feeling that you have some control over the issue. Do NOT trust your memory. Stay cool.

March 6, 2007 2:36 PM

Anonymous said...
I find it sad that the school district is resorting to threats and intimidation instead of just communicating and working with the teachers! If you or your school is threatened in any way shape or form you need to document as the other poster said and inform CTA (although they are probably useless!) If this is happening to you please post your experience on this blog (anonymous is fine). I think we need to get a feel of whether this is an isolated case or are their others out there getting the same crap. Also, please forward this blog to as many teachers as possible. The more schools and teachers involved the better :-)

March 6, 2007 3:34 PM

James Otis said...
Keep in mind that evaluations are really nothing more than beaurocratic paperwork. When was the last time any of us received a raise or promotion for receiving "outstanding" marks? I for one have NEVER seen anything come out of this. On the reverse side, what is going to happen with a Needs Improvement check? I realize none of us want to work in a hostile environment, but don't give up because of BS checkmark! Keep fighting!

March 6, 2007 4:42 PM

Anonymous said...
Mr. Otis et al have good points! Of course, in order to qualify for Performance Pay or STAR don't we need points that require an "outstanding" in a few areas? Personally my self-respect will not be affected if I stand up for my beliefs and sacrifice the money. I refuse to be intimidated!

March 6, 2007 5:44 PM

Dixi said...
I would like to know how many people received a surprising needs improvement on their review that was never there before and and quite shockingly used as an attempt to keep the teacher quiet.

I for one, Dixi, have and I would like to see how many others have. I have documented and informed CTA.

If you have please post so we can tally it up.

March 6, 2007 7:22 PM

Anonymous said...
The newspapers have no interest in letting parents know "the truth"

Replace newspapers with media. We all realize their integrity is rated BELOW that of lawyers. They need to sell papers and advertising. Note how both the Times and the Trib have lowered their standards. Our boys are dying and it was Anna Nichol all over the front page and lead story for days!

Read the accounts of any School Board meeting and compare it with what you saw in person or on Ch 18. You scratch your head wondering how they edit what happens. It's a shallow pool in the editing room.

March 7, 2007 2:14 PM

Anonymous said...
So, we had a department meeting today and our department head informed us that... get this...the district has changed their mind. Apparently there is not enough funding for 25:1 so they are changing compliancy to 27:1. How many teachers would like to place money on the bet that by the time school starts next year it will be.... you guessed it... 30:1. Wow... the whole notion of "you'll be teaching the same number of kids under the 6/7 plan" has just gone right out the window. Our DH also mentioned the fact that unit cut are coming our way. So, we're having a teacher shortage, we can't afford to hire new teachers for the 6/7 plan, and now some teachers will be cut!!?? What the he!! is going on downtown?

Fuming CC

March 7, 2007 2:22 PM

Anonymous said...
Ok I think we all need a good laugh! I saw this on a jobsite and had to post it. Enjoy!

Job Description
Florida has jobs for teachers Teachers, Florida’s growth has created a need for 20,000 dedicated and highly effective teachers for the 2007-2008 school year. Florida has jobs for teachers!
Florida’s educational quality is top priority; which is why our teachers receive mentoring and professional development, and outstanding teachers are rewarded. Florida is a great place to live, work and play! Representatives from the Florida Department of Education are coming to your area to share with you why teaching in Florida is a great choice. We want you to consider furthering your educational teaching career in Florida schools… because Florida needs you!
Why is Florida a great place for your teaching career?

More high schools in the AP Top 100 than any other state

National leader – increased reading performance – Elementary

Nationally recognized system for professional development

Commitment to academic excellence – We make a Difference!
Why is Florida a great place to Teach?

Paid life insurance, retirement and teacher liability insurance

Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness for teaching in critical shortage areas

Recognition and rewards for high performing teachers

Salary bonuses for earning national certification, mentoring other teachers and doing what teachers do best – inspire student learning

CC

March 7, 2007 2:35 PM

James Otis said...
WOW!!! I for one teach AP with exceptional passing scores, honors, and an elective. I sponsor probably THE most active service club at my school and am up for a major community award for it(not through the school district), and I have NEVER received any sort of recognition or reward for my hard work. That ad is the biggest load of crap...OK, but that's just venting. I have a really big issue with the addition of 2 more kids per class, and also feel that Carla is correct in assessing that this will keep rising until we hit 30 or 32 per class, blowing the explanation that we'll be teaching the same amount of kids out of the water. I was also present for the unit cuts information, and wonder...didn't our school district representatives inform us that the 6/7 plan is underway because despite the attempts to recruit new workers from other states, we have too many positions to be filled to keep up with the teacher shortage. But we're cutting units???????????? So there goes that whole justification for next year's plan. We need more people to speak up at the next meeting, not just the same voices who have been heard. Please try your hardest to get other people on board with this, and to my people who are facing intimidation, I have so much respect for you not backing down. Keep fighting...that's the only way revolutions take place (although I personally like to think of this as a coup!) It's more fun that way...

James "The MadDog" Otis

March 7, 2007 4:17 PM

Anonymous said...
Check THIS out...
http://www.leedrurydecesarescasting-roomcouch.blogspot.com/

Seems to be a lot more the 6/7 going on @ ROSSAC...

Once again it seems that the Trib and Times display the same level of motivation...they seem to look down on their readers as not being able to follow an investigative report. Have they replaced the "old boys network with the old gals network"? Can we trust them to get it right?

March 7, 2007 7:56 PM

Tampa.teacher said...
I have also been surprisingly marked Needs Improvement on my review....It is reprisal for my speaking out on the issue of 6/7 plan.

March 8, 2007 5:56 PM

Anonymous said...
How many of you will be attending this Tues school board meeting? We need to drum up support. We can't always rely on the same teachers over and over again.

March 10, 2007 6:30 AM

Anonymous said...
If you'd like to go but really can't then let's email them letting the Board know we will be watching on Channel 18 (Ed. channel). Go and look at the SDHC Web site. It appears as though the board is in meetings ALL day before they show up for the public meeting. I'd like to point out that they will experience on that one day what we experience every day! Maybe they would like to add a few more hours to very meeting. Fair's fair.

I looked at:
http://www.leedrurydecesarescasting-
roomcouch.blogspot.com/

Anyone know Orlando? If so please make sure he knows he has our support.

March 10, 2007 8:00 AM

This blog has been designed to give the teachers and employees of the Hillsborough County School District an outlet to vent, rant, and most importantly share information and suggestions about Superintendent Elia's plan to increase the number of teaching periods from 5 to 6 periods a day.

We are not under the constraints of our school board's 2 minute warning. We are not under the constraints of the district's email guidelines and its interpretations.

UNACCEPTABLE USE OF SERVICES
Your use of an electronic mail account constitutes your agreement that you will not:
* Violate the conditions of the Education Code dealing with student rights to privacy.
* Use profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be offensive to another user.
* Use District Email for personal, political or editorial uses.
* Use District Email for financial gain or for any commercial or activities legal or illegal.
* Copy commercial software or other copyright protected material in violation of copyright laws.
The District reserves the right to terminate any account, which it believes, in its sole discretion, is transmitting SPAM and unauthorized bulk Email. The District considers SPAM and unsolicited bulk e-mail a serious misuse of District resources. Infractions will be reported to Professional Standards.

We will display a professional and unemotional resistance to this attempt at forcing an ill-advised change upon us. We will offer thoughtful solutions and alternatives to this $28 million dollar+ albatross that is being hung around our neck. We will post legal and workable ideas for a district who is ignoring the input of its employees. A district that can't get the buses to show up on time and call in expensive consultants when all they really needed was to ask the drivers! SDHsheesh! (can't take credit for that one). When the district's workload gets unmanageable THEY hire more support staff. Ever walk through the upside-down pyramid? Notice departments being moved to other buildings?

We will - above all - display a political strength that this district has not seen since the 60's! An election is on the horizon, the anger that seethes among us will be a POSITIVE driving force.

Don't expect CTA to do anything. They want your membership dollars FIRST. There is no guarantee they'll grow 'nads for us. Quite frankly, management loves it when labor argues among themselves so let's focus on MANAGEMENT. There is time enough for the association- unless you know "something" about any collusion. ;>/

This is the teacher's lounge, the hallway, or the mail room. Throw your ideas against "The Wall". Sign you name or not: speak out!

"All in all we're NOT another brick in the wall". Pass this address around.

Suzie
posted by Suzie Creamcheese at 3:07 PM on Mar 2, 2007


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Yvonne and Jean,
I found this particular item in the teacher contract:

Complaints

8.1.1 Whenever a complainnt is registered against a teacher without first going to the teacher involved, it shall be Board policy to notify the teacher immediately of the complaint. The following information shall be provided to the teacher:

A. Name of Complainant;
B. Description of allegation;
C. Remedy requested, if any.

I have asked Linda Kipley for the names of the people who complained about my media specialist folder emails. She claimed there were many complaints. I have asked her for the information, and she did not respond. So I am asking you both as CTA administration to get me this information.
I don't believe there were "many" complaints if any. I believe my school district email was locked up and Kipley went hunting for a technicality to pull me into her office and scare me about a newspaper article and the Joe Stines emails I wrote from my home AOL email address. That is my belief, so I believe I was singled out and there are no people who complained.
If there were people who complained, then she should have no problem providing the information, since the teacher contract states that I should get this info.
Thank you,
Bart

Bart Birdsall
2309 W. Bristol Ave.
Tampa, FL 33609
home (813) 258-8817
cell (813) 362-7937
Montolino@aol.com







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Anonymous said...

This is much needed! I will start the ball rolling. New info regarding the 6/7 plan... we have received word from an insider (who we must protect) that it only takes 4 out of 7 to remove a superindentant. Continue writing your letters to the school board and continue to attend the school board meetings. They are making a differnce and its putting needed and wanted pressure on the super. All is not what it seems with the school board and everyone is NOT on the supers side! We need to use this to our advantage. Also, we have been told that if this 6/7 plan fails they can strike it and change the plan. Lets make it fail!

- dedicated High School teacher
(Carla Crabapple)

March 3, 2007 7:25 AM
Suzie Creamcheese said...

Thanks Carla! Your info is important: it shows that contrary to the posture displayed by the district THERE IS A CHANCE. I heard the the district is the largest employer in the county. That's a lot of votes sister!

March 3, 2007 12:26 PM
Cable Guy said...

Hey this blog is a GREAT idea Suzie! How about this idea: Why not shorten the periods to 40 minutes? Then schedule an hour conference at the start or end of school. Maybe even a half-hour conference at the start AND the end of school. Schools can adopt either variety. A side benefit might be that this would provide time for a staggered bus schedule. Less traffic congestion too.

March 3, 2007 12:52 PM
Anonymous said...

I like the idea of reducing the class times to 40 minutes and doing conference times at beginning and/or end of day. However, does that accomplish instructional hours required?\
-Someone who's been on both sides of the fence

March 3, 2007 5:05 PM
Anonymous said...

ARE there required instructonal hours? You go the hours and fail the FCAT and whatcha got? How about "early release" days? I had some of my best classes on days with shortened periods. It seems like a well structured 40 minutes would get the job done. Is there research that supports either side? All I know is that its NOT the amount of TIME I spent in a class, it was the amount of time I was engaged. My limit was about 45 minutes. How long before you started to "wander" at the Forum? Anybody else?

March 3, 2007 5:50 PM
Anonymous said...

I'd like to share some info from a meeting held with the super's "reps"...cause you know... it would be impossible for the woman to represent herself! The 300 mins was placed in our contract back in 1985. Back then, classes were 60 mins not 50 mins. Well you do the math... 60 x 5 gives your 300 mins! It has been explained to me that in 1985 the union decided to use the mins terminology instead of period terminology because they were fearfull that the district would try to increase the mins of the period therefore shafting the teachers. No one every thought the district would be stupid enough to increase the 5 periods! We discussed this with the "reps" and a teacher who use to work in pasco suggested the 5/6 plan that pasco is using. This keeps the 50 mins for the students and it keeps the 5 periods for us. The response from the "rep" was... uhhh... well in todays educational society there are to many students taking intensive reading and math classes and because of that all of your electives would be virtually wiped out! Well the reality is... most intensive reading and math students don't have a large impact on academic elective enrollment anyways!! Certainly not AP electives and honors electives. Perhaps we could look more into what is going on in Pasco and find out more details as a possible solution? Another teacher asked the "rep" what other counties around the state where doing since we all have budget problems. There response was... uhhh... well we haven't had much time yet to do the research however we know that pasco is not an option and that you wouldn't be happy teaching there!!! If you have contacts with other teachers in other districts I think it would be useful to start talking with them to find out whats going on in their district.

Carla Crabapple
(Carlacrabapple@yahoo.com)

P.S. I will be forwarding all my district emails regarding 6/7 plan to this account and responding from here. If you'd like to send me your email I will keep in contact with you via hotmail or yahoo etc. I'm on the front lines of this beast so you'll be hearing a lot from me! :-)

March 4, 2007 6:27 AM
Anonymous said...

Oh man my spelling is aweful! I promise I'm not an idiot! Just to upset to spell check as I'm typing about the idiot decisions of the district!

Carla :-)

March 4, 2007 6:32 AM
Subversive Teacher said...

Miami teachers protested. Time for Tampa teachers?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFIv2gOLkpw

March 4, 2007 4:18 PM
James Otis said...

We need people to continue to make waves...too many parents are still oblivious to how next year's plan will hurt students. Why be afraid to stand up in front of the schoolboard and announce "this is what we will NOT do next year..." and start listing off activities? My key quote next year when students want letters of recommendation, chaperones to sponsor events, and extra review sessions for AP exams after school will be "I'm sorry, the schoolboard does not alott me time for that."

March 5, 2007 1:22 PM
Anonymous said...

Thank you SO MUCH for this forum. As was said in the last school board meeting, teachers never speak up because we always do what is right for our students regardless of how it affects us....they think they have an ace in the hole since we never speak up. But you want to know what? If we don't speak up, our students will suffer GREATLY! Is there a gifted writer out there/English teacher out there that can write an editorial style letter and send it to all the papers alerting PARENTS to the horrible repurcussions that this stupid decision will cause? I still say that if the parents knew what was going to happen, they'd be utterly pissed! Elia has done a wonderful job marketing this stupid decision as a "wonderful" way for the students to get more time with us. Parents don't realize the inner workings of the system. We have got to let them know. So glad to know that a movement is starting to get Elia ejected. Does this woman really think that she can do as she please at any given moment without the consent of the school board, teachers and parents? OBVIOUSLY SHE DOES! We've got to do something to get this woman off of this "power trip" she is on. She's using speed to help get her new plan ushered in....in this way, it is done so quickly, that nobody can do anything about this....At the school board meeting 3 weeks ago, Candy Olson was the only school board member to speak up in defense of teachers asking Elia why all of this had to be done so quickly without a thorough evaluation. Elia told her in front of everyone, "I don't need school board approval to do this". Is this sounding like a dictatorship to you? That is what it is sounding like to me. Please spread the word of this website and get the fires started at your school for the benefit of us all and most importantly, to help the kids. They will pay the ultimate price for this stupid fiasco.

March 5, 2007 2:04 PM
Anonymous said...

I 100% agree with James Otis! The next school board meeting is March 13. I think we need to get as many school teachers as possible to attend and shed light on what they will be "forced" to give up. I think the key word is FORCED... not refuse. My proposal for the next school board meeting is to get as many teachers as possible to stand in front of the school board and say "I am Carla Crabapple and I teach blah blah blah at Blank high school. Because of Ms. Elias decision I will be forced to give up Blank club and I will no longer be able to volunteer for _ _ _ _". Next teacher stands up... "My name is .." I think this is a strong strategy and will prevent us from sounding like a broken record. What do you all think of this idea ?

Carla Crabapple

March 5, 2007 2:58 PM
Anonymous said...

The newspapers have no interest in letting parents know "the truth" as far as this is concerned. Remember we are funded by the public's tax dollars. In order to run things properly and have the class size amendment actually do what the voters wanted it to do, the public would have to pay more in taxes. Parents have no interest in taking responsibility for their children... as far as they're concerned, that is our job. They do not want to hear the reality of the school situation.

March 5, 2007 4:06 PM
settergirl said...

Today, a department head at our high school was told to let her staff know that those teachers who planned to "work to the contract" next year could expect to have that decision reflected in their evaluations next year. Even though CTA is not taking the stance we all would like, it seems to me that threatening reprisals for anyone who follows the contract exactly as it is written has the potential to become a class action law suit.

March 5, 2007 7:03 PM
Anonymous said...

7:03 You need to document the "veiled" threat regarding evaluations and "working to the contract" for any future need. If you are a CTA member it should be reported. Why not at least name the school here so that those of us who MAY be "shopping around" know when to keep walking. You can see the true colors start to show. Any principal that feels a negotiated contract is bendable needs to be exposed. To get an unsatifactory evaluation for performing to the contract is indeed a lawsuit waiting to be filed. Your experience should prepare you. Do not allow the opportunity to slide. Names, dates, times, witnesses and as many quotes as possible. You may have it and not need it but there will be a quiet satisfaction to building the case and feeling that you have some control over the issue. Do NOT trust your memory. Stay cool.

March 6, 2007 2:36 PM
Anonymous said...

I find it sad that the school district is resorting to threats and intimidation instead of just communicating and working with the teachers! If you or your school is threatened in any way shape or form you need to document as the other poster said and inform CTA (although they are probably useless!) If this is happening to you please post your experience on this blog (anonymous is fine). I think we need to get a feel of whether this is an isolated case or are their others out there getting the same crap. Also, please forward this blog to as many teachers as possible. The more schools and teachers involved the better :-)

March 6, 2007 3:34 PM
James Otis said...

Keep in mind that evaluations are really nothing more than beaurocratic paperwork. When was the last time any of us received a raise or promotion for receiving "outstanding" marks? I for one have NEVER seen anything come out of this. On the reverse side, what is going to happen with a Needs Improvement check? I realize none of us want to work in a hostile environment, but don't give up because of BS checkmark! Keep fighting!

March 6, 2007 4:42 PM
Anonymous said...

Mr. Otis et al have good points! Of course, in order to qualify for Performance Pay or STAR don't we need points that require an "outstanding" in a few areas? Personally my self-respect will not be affected if I stand up for my beliefs and sacrifice the money. I refuse to be intimidated!

March 6, 2007 5:44 PM
Dixi said...

I would like to know how many people received a suprising needs improvement on their review that was never there before and and quite schockingly used as an attempt to keep the teacher quiet.

I for one, Dixi, have and I would like to see how many others have. I have documented and informed CTA.

If you have please post so we can tally it up.

March 6, 2007 7:22 PM
Anonymous said...

The newspapers have no interest in letting parents know "the truth"

Replace newspapers with media. We all realize their integrity is rated BELOW that of lawyers. They need to sell papers and advertising. Note how both the Times and the Trib have lowered their standards. Our boys are dying and it was Anna Nichol all over the front page and lead story for days!

Read the accounts of any School Board meeting and compare it with what you saw in person or on Ch 18. You scratch your head wondering how they edit what happens. It's a shallow pool in the editing room.

March 7, 2007 2:14 PM
Anonymous said...

So, we had a department meeting today and our department head informed us that... get this...the district has changed their mind. Apparently there is not enough funding for 25:1 so they are changing compliancy to 27:1. How many teachers would like to place money on the bet that by the time school starts next year it will be.... you guessed it... 30:1. Wow... the whole notion of "you'll be teaching the same number of kids under the 6/7 plan" has just gone right out the window. Our DH also mentioned the fact that unit cut are coming our way. So, we're having a teacher shortage, we can't afford to hire new teachers for the 6/7 plan, and now some teachers will be cut!!?? What the he!! is going on downtown?

Fuming CC

March 7, 2007 2:22 PM
Anonymous said...

Ok I think we all need a good laugh! I saw this on a jobsite and had to post it. Enjoy!

Job Description
Florida has jobs for teachers Teachers, Florida’s growth has created a need for 20,000 dedicated and highly effective teachers for the 2007-2008 school year. Florida has jobs for teachers!
Florida’s educational quality is top priority; which is why our teachers receive mentoring and professional development, and outstanding teachers are rewarded. Florida is a great place to live, work and play! Representatives from the Florida Department of Education are coming to your area to share with you why teaching in Florida is a great choice. We want you to consider furthering your educational teaching career in Florida schools… because Florida needs you!
Why is Florida a great place for your teaching career?

More high schools in the AP Top 100 than any other state

National leader – increased reading performance – Elementary

Nationally recognized system for professional development

Commitment to academic excellence – We make a Difference!
Why is Florida a great place to Teach?

Paid life insurance, retirement and teacher liability insurance

Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness for teaching in critical shortage areas

Recognition and rewards for high performing teachers

Salary bonuses for earning national certification, mentoring other teachers and doing what teachers do best – inspire student learning

CC

March 7, 2007 2:35 PM
James Otis said...

WOW!!! I for one teach AP with exceptional passing scores, honors, and an elective. I sponsor probably THE most active service club at my school and am up for a major community award for it(not through the school district), and I have NEVER received any sort of recognition or reward for my hard work. That ad is the biggest load of crap...OK, but that's just venting. I have a really big issue with the addition of 2 more kids per class, and also feel that Carla is correct in assessing that this will keep rising until we hit 30 or 32 per class, blowing the explanation that we'll be teaching the same amount of kids out of the water. I was also present for the unit cuts information, and wonder...didn't our school district representatives inform us that the 6/7 plan is underway because despite the attempts to recruit new workers from other states, we have too many positions to be filled to keep up with the teacher shortage. But we're cutting units???????????? So there goes that whole justification for next year's plan. We need more people to speak up at the next meeting, not just the same voices who have been heard. Please try your hardest to get other people on board with this, and to my people who are facing intimidation, I have so much respect for you not backing down. Keep fighting...that's the only way revolutions take place (although I personally like to think of this as a coup!) It's more fun that way...

James "The MadDog" Otis

March 7, 2007 4:17 PM
Anonymous said...

Check THIS out...
http://www.leedrurydecesarescasting-roomcouch.blogspot.com/

Seems to be a lot more the 6/7 going on @ ROSSAC...

Once again it seems that the Trib and Times display the same level of motivation...they seem to look down on their readers as not being able to follow an investigative report. Have they replaced the "old boys network with the old gals network"? Can we trust them to get it right?

March 7, 2007 7:56 PM
tampa.teacher said...

I have also been suprisingly marked Needs Improvement on my review....It is reprisal for my speaking out on the issue of 6/7 plan.

March 8, 2007 5:56 PM
Anonymous said...

How many of you will be attending this Tues school board meeting? We need to drum up support. We can't always rely on the same teachers over and over again.

March 10, 2007 6:30 AM
Anonymous said...

If you'd like to go but really can't then let's email them letting the Board know we will be watching on Channel 18 (Ed. channel). Go and look at the SDHC Web site. It appears as though the board is in meetings ALL day before they show up for the public meeting. I'd like to point out that they will experience on that one day what we experience every day! Maybe they would like to add a few more hours to evry meeting. Fair's fair.

I looked at:
http://www.leedrurydecesarescasting-
roomcouch.blogspot.com/

Anyone know Orlando? If so please make sure he knows he has our support.

March 10, 2007 8:00 AM
twinkobie said...

I have sent all these comments to the Board and to Letitia Stein of the SPTimes, who covers the Board. She's intelligent. Rosemary Goudreau is a girlfriend of Elia, so I think that's why its reporter never does anything but take dictation from Ms. Elia and prints that. I am also sending this it Patrick Mangeiga and asking for him to put Susie Chreamcheese's blog URL in "As We Heard It" so people will tune you in. Go to the School Board Meeting by all means; say that you want the front end of the meeting to be your time slot so that teachers feel welcome to give their input. Also say you want each of the Board members to visit your school for an auditorium meeting of give and take with the faculty that is open to the public. Don't be humble. Be forthcoming. And don't let them intimidate you. Not a one of the $100,000 plus administrators know how to punctuate. They are where they are because they are suckups to the superintendent on the job at the time. This is a very old and very wicked system of exploiting tax dollars to pay themselves big salaries. One of the first speakers should ask the Board to suspend the time limits for teachers to speak. The Board rules say they can. I will ask the Board to do so in an email. Repeat the request when you go up to spoeak. Once more into the breach. lee drury de cesare

March 12, 2007 9:46 AM
Delete

This blog has been designed to give the teachers and employees of the Hillsborough County School District an outlet to vent, rant, and most importantly share information and suggestions about Superintendent Elia's plan to increase the number of teaching periods from 5 to 6 periods a day.

We are not under the constraints of our school board's 2 minute warning. We are not under the constraints of the district's email guidelines and its interpretations.

UNACCEPTABLE USE OF SERVICES
Your use of an electronic mail account constitutes your agreement that you will not:
* Violate the conditions of the Education Code dealing with student rights to privacy.
* Use profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be offensive to another user.
* Use District Email for personal, political or editorial uses.
* Use District Email for financial gain or for any commercial or activities legal or illegal.
* Copy commercial software or other copyright protected material in violation of copyright laws.
The District reserves the right to terminate any account, which it believes, in its sole discretion, is transmitting SPAM and unauthorized bulk Email. The District considers SPAM and unsolicited bulk e-mail a serious misuse of District resources. Infractions will be reported to Professional Standards.

We will display a professional and unemotional resistance to this attempt at forcing an ill-advised change upon us. We will offer thoughtful solutions and alternatives to this $28 million dollar+ albatross that is being hung around our neck. We will post legal and workable ideas for a district who is ignoring the input of its employees. A district that can't get the buses to show up on time and call in expensive consultants when all they really needed was to ask the drivers! SDHsheesh! (can't take credit for that one). When the district's workload gets unmanageable THEY hire more support staff. Ever walk through the upsidedown pyramid? Notice departments being moved to other buildings?

We will - above all - display a political strength that this district has not seen since the 60's! An election is on the horizon, the anger that seethes among us will be a POSITIVE driving force.

Don't expect CTA to do anything. They want your membership dollars FIRST. There is no guarantee they'll grow 'nads for us. Quite frankly, management loves it when labor argues among themselves so let's focus on MANAGEMENT. There is time enough for the association- unless you know "something" about any collusion. ;>/

This is the teacher's lounge, the hallway, or the mail room. Throw your ideas against "The Wall". Sign you name or not: speak out!

"All in all we're NOT another brick in the wall". Pass this address around.

Suzie

posted by Suzie Creamcheese at 3:07 PM on Mar 2, 2007
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