Interview with a Dickenson County Teacher Part II

How long have you taught in Dickenson County- More than 5 years

Do you enjoy your job? If not why? If so why? I truly enjoy working academically with the children, which is what my job is supposed to consist of. However, I feel as if I am spending more time planning (which includes not only lesson plans but CIP and M-TIM, etc ), goal writing and updates, professional developments, meetings, and dealing with a lot of behavior. Not only this but the students are getting lower and lower academically with each grade. Why? Because they are being pushed through instead of being held back for extra curriculum in what they struggle with. The big excuse is we do this because we create drop outs otherwise. But let me ask you this... Aren't we doing the same when we let the students pass and eventually when they are in high school they are unable to graduate because of failing SOL scores Yet, it's the teacher's fault? Let me tell you, I have wanted to hold some students back because of this and it is not to be spoken of!!! This makes no sense to me. Teaching is more stressful than I have ever dreamed. We spend more time testing the children than actually teaching them. And because we have students so low academically its difficult to differentiate among the classes. My heart is with the children but my time is with the government and this makes for a dreaded career for the next 30+ years.

Do you think the county is headed in a positive direction for our children? Absolutely not and I believe parents are realizing this as well. The citizens are finally getting tired of being lied to (so I hope). If a county can spend thousands of dollars in food, hotel, and travel expenses yet not be able to fund the future of our county then this tells me they could care less about our children and it makes me sick to the core! Shame on them!!! Think about it. Without the teachers that taught them they would not be in the positions they are in now!! Which is living it up (on the expense of the present teachers and students). Makes me queasy.

Do you think the county prioritized its needs in building the new school? All depends on what needs we are talking about. And yeah, I'll leave it at that.

Do you think you make a difference? I did at one time. And honestly I strive to each and every day I'm with my students. However, I'm not even sure I do anymore.

What are your feelings of Superintendent Robinson? I had a lot of respect for her. I never really understood what half of the teachers had against her. But, after seeing all these public records my eyes have been opened up to the heartless person she is. I have been sickened by the way she has been so sly in getting what she wants. I have caught her in so many lies now that my head is spinning. I am hurt, most of all, that I have taken up for her in the years I have been a teacher here. And that is a shame on me.

Do you feel her contract is fair to teachers? No No and No!!!! We could have saved a few jobs by not giving her so much in that contract. It's a sad day when the teachers that are supposed to mold our future adults are put on the back burner. And 24 personal days?! Really?! Come on. Show me one superintendent that has received that!

Do you think she respects her staff? I think she acts like she respects her staff but I have seen many people hurt by her especially if they get on her bad side (mostly for being honest and vocal). Which is why I will not share my name.

Do you think Ridgeview High School met the goals that were set from the start? No. I think we were all painted a pretty picture just to keep things from getting out of control with the citizens of Dickenson County. And now the pot is about to boil over because people feel as if they have been played like puppets and to be honest I'm urgently waiting for it to explode. The uppity-ups in this county deserve it. Its time for us to take a stand and turn this county around.

Do you feel Mrs. Robinson puts equal emphasis on the rest of the schools or does she put her new school on a pedestal? The new school is her baby. She has given way more attention to it than any other school. For the last year Ridgeview was being finished you could not get a hold of her about anything. And returned emails were sent weeks later to the staff far after the problem was already solved.

What has changed in the school system the last 5 years? The surrounding itself has changed. Not only physically but mentally! So many of my colleagues are continuously stressed out and teachers I never thought would talk of leaving are talking that now! These are great teachers too!! Teachers are willing to travel to other counties just to get out of the fire here in our school system.

I have been told that we do not fail students anymore, any truth to that? Very rarely are students failed. As I said above students are moved on mainly because of behavior problems. And we cannot get the behavior under control by ourselves (the teachers). It's like pulling teeth to get anyone to help us with behavior!! When teachers feel as if a student needs another direction such as Minick or New Start our adminstrative leaders at the SBO want to make excuses as to why this is not the best for the student. Tell ya what, let them come teach students with some of these behavior problems and then they can tell me what's best for not only the student with the behavior but all the students in the classroom!

Are you ok with me sharing your name? No, as noted above, if my name is used then I will not be safe working in Dickenson County.