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Original poster

Teachers on strike - do they usually name names?

413 replies

hester · 20/06/2011 17:35

Just had a letter from dc's school, warning us of strike action at the end of the month and listing by name those teachers who will be on strike, and those who won't. They will close the classes of the striking teachers, and keep open the others.

Is this normal practice? I would have thought it would expose individual teachers to some irate parents? I also expected that they would treat it as a whole school issue, provide what cover they can, maybe suspend lessons and hav a games day in the hall. And if they couldn't do that, close the whole school?

OP posts:
jollydiane · 25/06/2011 12:16

So, how would like to be measured? It seems daft that everyone gets the same no matter what their ability is to do their job.

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 12:20

whistleblowing isn't really needed as it is generally really obvious which teachers are not up to the job. Teaching is a difficult profession and very unforgiving to those who can't manage it. In my experience, the worse teachers are those that just don't get that they have a problem at all. However, We all clearly know from students, parents, fellow teachers...think back to when you were at school...you always know.

In my secondary, a teacher is judged against the percentage of students on or above target as set by the statistical analysis of their last public exams. They are also judged by their own performance management targets, that they were involved with setting.

I have been involved in supporting teachers through the competancy process in the last few years..some have successfully improved and some have not and have left. Its meant to be a supportive process but it is also very stressful to all those involved. The key problem in the difference between knowing someone isn't up to stratch and proving it for the due process....and then trying to see if it is a fixable problem.

jollydiane · 25/06/2011 12:29

Would you say that poor teaching is ignored then as the process is too long and difficult to prove?

As a private business that could not be tollerated. Yes I need to make sure that I am not sued for unfair dismissal but the problem is never ignored.

mrz · 25/06/2011 12:29

It's a difficult thing to manage because there are so many variables outside the teachers control but I do feel those teachers who lack the skills and aren't prepared to work hard are in the wrong job.
We were actually discussing the issue of universities labelling students as outstanding teachers and the problem that message can cause with some NQTs who foolishly believe they are the complete package and a finished product. Teachers like their pupils should be learning and progressing no matter how many years they have been in the job.

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 12:30

I personally would not like a system where we get bonuses for performance on results. I do my job, and i am working for the kids and their grades...I know my colleagues are too. Bonuses would be dividing and prevent effective teams building, IMO

I just want my regular, reliable salary and to get on with my job. leave the competancy procedure to deal with those not doing their jobs...

jollydiane · 25/06/2011 12:31

By the way put Radio 4 on now, very funny, NOW SHOW

mrz · 25/06/2011 12:32

No the problem isn't ignored because it is children's futures that are at stake. Poor teachers are "supported" with training, mentors, monitoring,targets to improve etc etc etc but it's a long process and usually involves other members of staff killing themselves to fill the gap.

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 12:32

Jolly, not in my current school! but I think it depends on the attitude of the Head. I've known 'head n the sand ' Heads and I am sure they exist in the private sector too.

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 12:33

usually involves other members of staff killing themselves to fill the gap

amen to that!

mrz · 25/06/2011 12:33

Some college courses are paid by results so no one ever fails Hmm

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 12:37

we just failed an NQT...a Doctor of science would would not accept that he couldn't teach. It took a momumental effort on the part of the school and the college to make this clear to him.

He just thought being good at your subject was enough to be able to teach it Hmm

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 12:39

sorry...he was a PGCE student not an NQT..never got that far

mrz · 25/06/2011 12:39

Had the university told him how marvellous he was?

Can you tell I'm having issues?

jollydiane · 25/06/2011 12:44

Perhaps you are all too lovely to each other?

I don't know how you would do it in teaching but when a customer is not happy they are never reserved about telling me they vote with their bank notes!

jollydiane · 25/06/2011 12:46

The process is very quick and not at all drawn out. Mind you the thought of government determining my future is not at all appealing.

mrz · 25/06/2011 12:46

I don't think anyone would believe we are lovely Hmm

MigratingCoconuts · 25/06/2011 14:18

MRZ: No, but the first placement passed him because he had made progress (which says something about how bad he was) and we knew he was likely to fail with us. For once the college were actually totally supportive. I am detecting issues Grin good luck with that.

Jolly, our customers though are not the other teachers...they are our colleagues. Our customers are the parents and students and they are never backward in telling us what they think even when they have no idea what they are talking about Wink

mrz · 25/06/2011 14:43

I asked an "outstanding" student to play Snakes & Ladders with 3 Y1 children as a maths activity and she said would I take two away as she couldn't cope. Hmm (last in a long line of problems) Her tutor was most unhappy because I wouldn't agree to passing her ...

Lara2 · 25/06/2011 14:48

I've just spent ages reading the whole of this thread and have been at once cheered and utterly dismayed by the opinions viewed.

When I began teaching in 1887, I accepted that I wouldn't get paid as much as my contempories who went to work in the private sector (not private teaching). But that was OK because I was assured that if I did my job properly and to the best of my ability then I wouldn't be on the breadline - or below it when I retired. I have never expected a gilt edged pension, but equally, I certainly didn't expect to spend my retirement in poverty. This is a very real reality facing myself and countless other public sector workers. I love my job, and like other teachers, do over and above what is expected (because frankly, no school could work properly if teachers didn't), regularly fork out money for my classroom and the children and have the joy of having many people in society think that I shouldn't expect to be paid what I have worked (and will continue to work) for. I work fulltime and I'm the main earner in my household. We haven't been on holiday for 7 years, I drive a car that is 14 years old so it's not as if I'm whooping it up on my enormous public sector salary. I accept that I will have to pay more, I accept that I will have to work longer - I have no problem with that. What I have a very big problem with, is reducing my already pitiful pension by a possible 41%!!! I always said I wouldn't strike, but I will NOT roll over and die and let this be done to me. I feel betrayed by the Government and bertayed by the parents who are quite happy for me to teach and look after their children 6 hours a day, but think that I shouldn't expect to be treated fairly.

JoBo69 · 25/06/2011 15:34

I am seriously concerned about the (thankfully only) one or two parents on here who cannot possibly organise childcare for their DCs next Thurs if their school is shut... How on EARTH do they manage when their child is ill (god forbid a long childhood illness line chickenpox!!??!) or the school boiler breaks down/snow forces closure?? Have they really NEVER made friends with other parents/thought of the need for contingency plans/taken their heads out of their arses for long enough to see how ridiculous they sound???

School is where learning and teaching take place... Where children should feel safe, valued and nurtured... Where teachers should work hard, take every professional opportunity to do their very vest for all the children... Where teachers should feel valued and supported by the parents, management team and governors... Where teachers should indeed give 100% whilst at work and in return receive the support of the department of education/government/Michael Gove.

However, in my experience at my DDs schools, the teachers have stuck to their part but the Ed. Dept./government are letting them down... I applaud their refusal to take it 'lying down' and totally support their action next Thursday!!! Just wish I could join them!

Ps I'm working that day, with no family nearby to help out with my children off school, but luckily I have good social skills (gained at my own lovely school!!) and these allowed me to make some very good friends - who are helping me out!!!!

OhYouBadBadKitten · 25/06/2011 18:01

Grin Lara, if you started in 1887 I think you are more than ready for your pension!

jollydiane · 25/06/2011 18:22

Kitten, at last I have bumped into you. Goodness me its been ages.

Lara, I congratulate you on reading through the whole thread. I think it has been useful to see each others point of view.

ivykaty44 · 25/06/2011 21:30

Lara - must be the oldest teacher in the west on mn Grin

mrz · 25/06/2011 21:38

and still can't afford to retire Grin

ivykaty44 · 25/06/2011 21:48

Her speciality is the Victorian class room histoy lesson - the school give her a bonus each year for that class as it is so authentic Wink