I am a very hopeful person and I am keeping the faith.
1 September 2010
On the Principal’s Job
I am a very hopeful person and I am keeping the faith.
15 August 2010
Teaching is a work of heart
- do not fall prey to victimization,
- read your WTU-DCPS contract to know your rights,
- be aware of the issues affecting your job,
- cooperate and have a good relationship with everyone in your school community, and most importantly,
- focus on what you are expected to do as highly effective teachers.
Please remember that we are not victims of our jobs, we picked our jobs. Pessimism is a dangerous road that leads to anger, frustration, self- righteousness and all that is harmful to the children whose lives we continue to influence daily.
9 August 2010
An Open Letter to AFT from a WTU Member
WTU Vice President of Special Education
31 July 2010
Pink Hearts, Not Pink Slips

By the end of this school year, it is estimated that as many as 300,000 teachers, school support staff and higher education faculty will receive pink slips throughout the country.
This will result in drastic increases in class sizes and less individualized instruction; it will erode classroom discipline and school safety, and eliminate essential programs like art, music, AP classes and summer school.
"The magnitude of the cuts is staggering. The number of educators who might be pink-slipped in the fall is nearly equal to the population of Toledo, Ohio," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "This isn’t just about saving jobs; it’s about saving the next generation." [Read the full
The “Pink Hearts, Not Pink Slips” campaign aims to draw attention to the devastating impact educational budget cuts—and the resulting layoffs—will have on our students, their schools and our communities.
Starting on May 4, National Teacher Day, we are encouraging everyone to wear pink hearts to acknowledge the important contributions of educators. Educators put their heart and soul into their work, and every day they make a real difference in the lives of children. Budgets may be tightening, but students need educators in the classroom, not in unemployment lines.
Our government didn’t walk away from Wall Street. We should demand no less from them when it comes to saving our children’s future. We must voice our support for federal legislation that will provide $23 billion to help school districts avoid layoffs and cuts in vital services for children. Help us preserve the education lifeline our students deserve.Read media coverage of the Pink Hearts campaign. press release.]
- Distribute the flier
- Create a Pink Heart T-shirt
- Facebook users: customize your profile photo with a Pink Heart button graphic
One Day
27 July 2010
On the most recent DCPS teacher firings
D.C. fires 241 teachers and puts 737 educators on noticeWashington, D.C., schools chief Michelle Rhee ordered the dismissal Friday of 241 teachers -- including 165 who received poor ratings under the district's newly implemented IMPACT evaluation system. Seventy-six were let go for not being properly licensed. Rhee also gave warning notices to 737 teachers who received "minimally effective" ratings and must improve their showing or face dismissal next year. Some teachers said the evaluation system is unfair, and the teachers union said it will contest the firings. The Washington Post
Opinion: Why the IMPACT system and D.C. firings are unfair:
The teacher-evaluation system that Washington, D.C., Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee used to justify firing 165 teachers is flawed and unfair, according to Washington Post education writer and blogger Valerie Strauss. In this blog post, Strauss writes that the IMPACT evaluation system judges teachers on 22 points -- all of which must be observed in five 30-minute observation periods. However, excellent teachers who do not demonstrate all of the necessary teaching elements in one class period would be rated poorly, she adds. The Washington Post/The Answer Sheet blog
2 June 2010
DC Teachers Vote Overwhelmingly To Approve New Contract
News 9 (WUSA9.com)
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC teachers have just overwhelmingly approved their new contract with the DC Public School System. While final numbers are not in yet, our sources say it's roughly 1,400 for and 400 opposed.
The agreement gives teachers substantial pay raises and establishes a performance pay system that's linked to test scores.
Statement from George Parker, President of the Washington Teachers' Union:
After two and a half years of negotiations, I am extremely pleased that our members have voted "Yes" on an agreement that will provide teachers with the tools and resources so that all children in DC Public Schools will have a quality education.
This contract invests in teachers' professional growth, creates conditions for success for students, boosts teacher pay so that it is highly competitive with surrounding jurisdictions, provides resources necessary to improve teaching and learning, focuses on student discipline and includes new checks and balances related to excessing and reduction in force.
I would like to thank our teachers for letting their collective voice be heard by voting in support of a contract that is good for kids and fair to teachers. The Washington Teachers' Union is committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that teachers are provided with the tools, resources and respect they need to improve education in DC Public Schools.
It is now up to the DC City Council to approve the compensation so the real work can begin.
To WTU President George Parker, our colleagues who supported the new WTU-DCPS Teachers Contract, the contract negotiations team, teachers and union leaders who went around different schools to present the TA Highlights during the morning blocks…our hard work paid off!
Stay tuned.
27 April 2010
On my involvement with our teachers union (WTU)
Almost a year ago during the times when I was very restless, I wrote a reflective entry On Becoming a Teacher Leader. I shared that I spent my college years at the University of the Philippines, the premiere state university in my country, where freedom of thought and expression was exercised which provided me with a complete armory for activism. But then I heeded the advice of my mom to focus on my academic responsibilities and never to get involved in any form of political action. My professors gave me the wisdom and the skills to learn the Socratic way, and the passion to stand up for what is right became an integral part of my words, thoughts and actions.26 April 2010
What qualities define a good teacher?
Ten Florida educators, including National Board Certified Teachers, who offered their thoughts in this article on what makes a good teacher -- a definition that has been in the spotlight since the state's merit-pay debate began. "Good teachers teach reading, writing, math and technology effectively. Good teachers integrate art, music, social studies and science gracefully. Good teachers possess creativity, flexibility and good time-management skills," one NBCT said.Unlike gadgets, students come in all shapes and sizes, all ability and skill levels. Teachers are charged with guiding every child from Point A, wherever that is on the learning spectrum, to Point B in 180 school days.
— Hana Ahmad, fifth-grade teacher at Orangewood Elementary in Fort Myers and a 2001 Golden Apple award winner.
“How can you measure a teacher that changes a child’s life? He or she may still not earn a high score on a test, but you could have changed the course of their life.”
— Tonya Reasoner, a gifted teacher at Pinewoods Elementary in Estero who has 41 years of teaching experience.
“Good teachers teach reading, writing, math and technology effectively. Good teachers integrate art, music, social studies and science gracefully. Good teachers possess creativity, flexibility and good time-management skills.”
— Helen Valdez-Garcia, an art teacher at Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary in Cape Coral and a National Board Certified teacher.
“You have to be flexible because you never know what will happen on any given day. You have to be fair to all students and be consistent. A good teacher really cares about their students. It’s almost like a motherly instinct.”
— Jeanne Dozier, Lee County School Board member and 1988 national teacher of the year.
“A good teacher makes learning fun. If a kid enjoys school, and connects with a teacher, they are going to perform better.”
— Derrick Donnell, principal at Caloosa Middle and a 1999 Golden Apple award winner.
“It’s about lighting the fire of education in those students that may not believe in themselves, and it’s about showing parents and families the strengths in their children that they may not yet see. It’s late nights of reflecting about how to reach that one child that seems barely beyond reach, yet you know is within your grasp.”
— Megan Allen, a fourth-grade teacher at Cleveland Elementary in Tampa and Florida’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.
Could teacher job losses reach 300,000 nationwide?
Send a letter now to your senators and representatives urging them to support both the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206) and the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812).
Both bills would:
- Provide $23 billion to help school districts avert educator layoffs in the upcoming school year;
- Enable districts to continue to implement positive programs to help ensure all students receive the great education they deserve; and
- Help restore previously cut funding for postsecondary education in order to retain or create jobs for higher education faculty and professionals.
Act now! Send a letter to your senators and representatives urging them to support the Keep Our Educators Working Act and the Local Jobs for America Act.
Failure to quickly provide this assistance will shortchange our children's futures and deny them the great education they deserve.
In unity,
The AFT
22 April 2010
NBCTs among 5 selected for teaching hall of fame
This is my 6th year here in the US, my 6th year of teaching in DCPS. In my early years here, I was inspired and motivated by some of the most outstanding veteran teachers in my school at Jefferson MS to be the exceptional teacher that I can be. Teachers like my colleague, Dr. Alesia Slocoumb-Bradford whom I currently work with in a co-teaching environment, inspired me to become an accomplished teacher.Fight for America’s Future
Send a letter now to your senators and representatives urging them to support both the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206) and the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812).
Both bills would:
- Provide $23 billion to help school districts avert educator layoffs in the upcoming school year;
- Enable districts to continue to implement positive programs to help ensure all students receive the great education they deserve; and
- Help restore previously cut funding for postsecondary education in order to retain or create jobs for higher education faculty and professionals.
Act now! Send a letter to your senators and representatives urging them to support the Keep Our Educators Working Act and the Local Jobs for America Act.
Failure to quickly provide this assistance will shortchange our children's futures and deny them the great education they deserve.
In unity,
The AFT
20 April 2010
NBC4 Washington — Principal Story
We now know police are looking at whether Brian Betts used a social networking site the night he was killed. Did he invite someone to his home? That might explain why there was no sign of forced entry at the popular DC principal's home. We're continuing to follow this story and will have the very latest tonight on News4 at 5 and 6. 12 April 2010
Tips for Teachers: Discussing Education Policy
In preparation for the upcoming Informational Sessions and other meetings with our education policymakers, I would like to share these "Tips for Teachers on Discussing Education Policy" from a team of National Board Certified Teachers working as Teaching Ambassadors to the US Department of Education. We want our meetings with our education policymakers (Union leaders, Central Office administrators, City Council members etc...) to be productive, collaborative and professional.Re: National Board in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement
Buena lunes! (attempting to learn Spanish *smile*)
I've been getting good responses from the NBCTs about my previous entry on the "National Board in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement"; thank you, please keep it coming. It is good because it served my purpose of keeping you informed and getting your feedback about it. Most of the comments were full of concern about the future funding of the stipends for our aspiring National Board Candidates.
I was wondering the same thing: if the stipend is gone for our future NBCTs after November 1, 2010.
After the WTU General Assembly last week at Mc Kinley SHS on the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement, I was rushing to go to the WTU Office for another meeting. A reporter ambushed me and dropped the bomb: "Is it really true that the teachers are just going for the money?" I did not blink and never hesitated to answer, "No, it is not all about the money. The members want teacher focused high quality services so that we can better support and help our students become successful. It's all about our students." And he left.
Colleagues, this is not the end of the road. President George Parker and his contract negotiations team were able to push for three more years of financial incentives for accomplished teaching for NBCTs from 2007-2010. Now we need to assert ourselves and help WTU explain to DCPS why we need to encourage our most effective educators in DCPS to take the National Board Certification, how it has been life changing for us and for our students, present our data of student achievement...we are the experts who understand meaningfully what the teachers should know and be able to do to. We, the National Board Certified Teachers, are knowledgeable on this and can effectively demonstrate this according to the national teaching standards. That's why we need to speak up and let our voice be heard.
I believe that most of us, aside from being teacher leaders, are collaborators. I am setting up a meeting with President George Parker for the National Board Certified Teachers. We are going to work with him to make things happen for our teachers and our students. He has a vision for the NBCTs in DC, we need to hear from him and I am very sure that he will listen to us. And if you are attending any of the Informational Sessions on Tues/ Thurs, please proudly wear your pin, it makes us very distinguished.
We are fighting for the same cause, we need to have one voice. One team, one fight!
Let's keep the fire burning!
Sincerely,
Maria Angala, NBCT (Exceptional Needs Specialist)
WTU Vice President of Special Education
11 April 2010
National Board in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement
This morning, I emailed the NBCTs in DC Public Schools and shared to them one of the most significant things that I like in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement:Dear colleagues,
Just like most of you, I was devastated when DCPS has cut the funding for the National Board certification a couple of years ago. The fiscal downturn meant the generous stipends that new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) used to enjoy were cut even in other states/ school districts.
During the contract negotiation, WTU President George Parker, who believes that accomplished teaching should be rewarded and that student achievement is in the heart of the National Board, vigilantly fought that the supports for National Board Certified Teachers still be continued. President George Parker and his team has successfully negotiated for it to be included and be reflected in the WTU-DCPS Contract. The language about the stipends for the National Board Certified Teachers was not reflected in the Tentative Agreement Highlights, but is stated in the TA (pdf copy) as:
"36.14 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
36.14.1 A teacher who is a certified classroom Teacher, who achieves National Board certification, shall receive a non-pensionable, one time bonus of $4,000.00, provided:
36.14.1.1 The Teacher's most recent evaluation is Effective or higher;
36.14.1.2 The teacher begins the National Board certification process (including initial payment) no later than the date of approval of this agreement by the Council of the District of Columbia; and
36.14.1.3 The Teacher is awared National Board certification no later than November 1, 2010.
36.14.2 The $4,000.00 bonus shall be paid within sixty (60) School Days following the completion of the National Board certification.
36.14.3 The teacher shall be required to work with DCPS for a minimum of three years after receiving the bonus unless terminated by DCPs.
36.14.4 In the event that the Teacher fails to meet the three-year commitment , s/he shall be obligated to return the compensation to DCPS on a prorated basis.
I believe that this contract, when ratified, will result in a vigorous school system that can provide teacher focused high quality services that will help us educators maximize our students' potential. We still have a long way to go, but I will not give up hope, we will work together. Colleagues, as teacher leaders, it is time for us to step up and be in the forefront of this education reform and lead the rest of our colleagues in DCPS. We need to let our voice be heard and let everyone know what matters most to our students that we, teachers, truly understand.
If you have any questions about this or about anything on the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement please attend the Informational Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday (schedules emailed by WTU Director of Communication, if you did not receive it please let me know), please proudly wear your pin.
See you!
.
Sincerely,
Maria Angala, NBCT (Exceptional Needs Specialist)
WTU Vice President of Special Education
7 April 2010
The WTU and DCPS have reached a tentative agreement
4 April 2010
Happy Easter
My family spent a relaxing time at the Sandy Point Beach yesterday. And there's so many things to enjoy today on a glorious Easter. A nice and cool sunny weather, blooming flowers, it's a very special time of family togetherness...church of course, a big Easter lunch, and then egg hunting, romping around with kids and a walk at the park would be nice. 3 April 2010
Working Class Hero
Green Day's version of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero"
2 April 2010
Exceptional educators create a student family
Are you part of a great teacher's student family?
I usually skip Frazier O’Leary’s annual Advanced Placement reunion. It’s always a Friday evening in December at the old Sumner School in downtown Washington on M Street, where parking is tough. But O’Leary, a veteran English teacher at Cardozo High School in the District, is a persuasive man. I had no good excuse last year, so there I was, reminded again of something about great teachers I rarely mention when I write about schools.
We know they can be dynamos in the classroom. They turn lessons into conversations. They know each student’s strengths and weaknesses. They care about results. They step in when weak students are being harassed by the strong. They create an oasis of calm and safety in schools that often have little of either.
All those traits are important. But at the O’Leary reunion, I remembered that great teachers also create a sense of family with their students that lasts for years, sometimes well beyond their deaths. read more


