SEP OCT 2016

According to reports in the Washington Post, U.S.
News & World Report, NEA Today, and others, a teacher
shortage has evolved in status from impending to arrived.
Factors cited in various articles include:
Teachers resigning or opting for early retirement due to
dissatisfaction with their jobs;
Reduction in enrollment in teacher preparation programs
(35% decrease, according to the Learning Policy
Institute);
Declining salaries;
Budget cuts resulting in larger class sizes and fewer
classroom materials and resources;
Lack of respect and support by elected officials and policy
makers;
Emphasis on test preparation, resulting in significant
loss of teacher autonomy.
From the Washington Post article by Joe Heim, dated
September 14, 2016: “The United States is facing its first
major teacher shortage since the 1990s, one that could develop
into a crisis for schools in many parts of the country,
according to a new study by the Learning Policy Institute,
TEACHER SHORTAGE ~it’s here
an education think tank...Linda Darling-Hammond, president
of the Learning Policy Institute and one of the study’s
co-authors, pointed out that teachers make about
20 percent less than other college graduates and that teacher
salaries have lost ground since the 1990s. That despite
increased teaching hours and less time for classroom preparation.”
The study was accompanied by a report on a shortage
of minority teachers, authored by Richard M. Ingersoll,
who wrote Who Controls Teachers' Work?: Power and Accountability
in America's Schools in 2006.
“Teacher turnover is especially high in poor and disadvantaged
schools,” said Richard Ingersoll, ‘What the data
tell us is that we need to focus on more recruitment of minority
teachers but also more retention of minority teachers
if we ever want to have the teaching force look like the
student population in schools.’ Although compensation
was a factor for minority teachers, it wasn’t the only one,
Ingersoll said. ‘We need to work on working conditions,’
he said. ‘Among the key conditions that drive out minority
teachers are a lack of autonomy and discretion in the classroom.’
“
Baltimore County Numbers
Each time that the Baltimore County Board of Education
meets, they receive reports on resignations, retirements
and appointments that have occurred since the last meeting.
The resignation numbers below cover ONLY four of
those reports, dated August 23, September 11, September
28 and October 11.
RESIGNATIONS FROM BCPS (Aug 23-Oct 11)
7 days to 1 month of service: 8
1 month, 1 day to 1.9 years of service: 10
2 years to 6.1 years of service: 15
7 years to 10 years of service: 10
11 years to 20 years of service: 9
Total: 52
“Teaching conditions have hit a low point in the United
States in terms of salaries, working conditions and access
to strong preparation and mentoring — all of which
would attract and keep a stronger, more sustainable
teaching pool.” -Linda Darling-Hammond
To read the full report, entitled “A Coming Crisis in
Teaching? Teacher Supply, Demand, and Shortages in the
U.S.,” see https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/
FROM THE TRENCHES
From time to time, we
receive commentary from
members who are dealing
with various concerns “in
the trenches.”
“UNION THUGS”
Excerpt from MSEA VP Cheryl Bost’s letter to members:
“I have been an elementary classroom teacher in Baltimore
County for more than 20 years. Just like you, I care about
kids and I want to give them every opportunity to succeed.
I think we do that best when we come together as professionals
and organize for the resources we need for our students.
Governor Hogan has some different opinions about us and
our association. On Friday night, he took to Facebook to
call educators advocating for fully funding our schools
“union thugs.” Well, here are the facts. Our state has a significant
budget surplus and instead of sending $25 million
to our classrooms and students, it’s staying in Annapolis to
sit untouched in a state bank account. That makes two
years in a row that he’s withheld school funding despite
budget surpluses. I think that’s wrong and as advocates for
kids, I think it is our duty to stand up and be their voice.”
TABCO member Serafina DeVita’s letter to Governor
Hogan:
“I feel it absolutely necessary to express my deep disappointment
in your words and actions regarding the latest
lack of funding for our state's public schools. It is outrageous
to me that you would not only insult the incredibly
hard-working teachers in this state, but also attack our union
which I know is fighting hard to get us the rights and
funding we deserve. MSEA seems to be the only organization
that understands the struggles of educators in this
state to provide students in overcrowded, underfunded
schools with the resources every already highly-qualified
teacher needs to provide them with the most thorough,
well-rounded education. I was raised in Baltimore County
Public Schools and am proud to be serving as an educator
now in that same county because I believe in the power to
change children's lives. Unfortunately, I am increasingly
disappointed with the aloof attitude of my state government,
expecting high-quality education without being willing
to put any money toward the betterment of schools. I
spent the last six years teaching in a Title I school. The experience
grew me as both a teacher and a person, but I also
faced the challenges of working in a building with mold,
asbestos, and very limited classroom resources. It is so important
to make the schools in communities like this safe,
clean, healthy environments for the many children who do
not experience those life necessities at home.
By withholding funding from education, you are hurting
the children who will make the most important decisions
for the trajectory of our country for decades to come. And
by using such ignorant, bullying language toward the
teacher's union, you are alienating the people who will
shape those children.”
I hope that you will read this and reconsider how you
address the people who work so tirelessly and thanklessly
for the benefit of our country's future.”
NOVEMBER 8
TA B C O B u l l e t i n Circulation 7,600 Volume 40, Number 1, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
The newsletter of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, an affiliate of the Maryland State Education Association
and the National Education Association
Teachers Association of Baltimore County 305 East Joppa Road Towson, Maryland 21286-3252
President: Abby Beytin
Vice President: John Redmond-Palmer Treasurer: John R. Wilkins Secretary: Lora Zerrlaut
Board of Directors:
District I ~ Nicole Caple, Jane Sacks, Seth I. Rich District II ~ Amber Gaede, Vernon Fains, Cindy Sexton
District III ~ Lisa Norrington, Roxann Russo, Frank Soda
Bulletin Editor: Angela Leitzer bookends68@comcast.net
The Bulletin is published bi-monthly during the school year. Your suggestions and letters to the editor are welcomed.
Publication of submitted materials is subject to approval, editing, and/or space availability. Names will be withheld upon request.
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