IVR Day 3 VLC PM Activity 1 by Aliki https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2 Made with charm en-us 2017-07-31 14:29:29 UTC 2026-02-19 21:34:01 UTC hello@padlet.com In Egypt, if this situation happened and 10 teachers were needed so suddenly, we would immediately advertise on social networks and other platforms that potential teachers could access; use word of mouth (ask friends, fellow teachers and administrators). aliki_constantinou https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179772141 Aliki]]> 2017-07-31 14:30:34 UTC https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179772141 Elementary Teachers Turnover https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179786482 This is a common challenge we face in schools with a high turnover rate. This could be due to economical matters, failure of the school system to maintain harmony and loyalty among staff members or because of the political unrest we have been facing for the past few years. 
10 teachers is no small number. It would certainly be a crisis. One solution could be to redistribute the assignments for the current teachers, especially that advertising for several vacancies might not result in  a hasty response given that we only have 5 days for the academic year to start. 
Until the ads and word of mouth bring in more candidates, each grade level teacher could be asked to bear one or two more classes, if possible. 
It happened before in one of the schools I've worked for that some administrators have taken roles of teachers until the problem was solved. 
Also, tempting offers might be made for the leaving teachers to change their minds or at least stay in school until alternates are hired.
Just thoughts...
Khadija]]> 2017-07-31 18:22:10 UTC https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179786482 Dear Khadija aliki_constantinou https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179787361 I agree with everything you have said. We always have to take on an extra load of work in such situations which is extremely stressful for all teachers and causes many other problems - BUT in this situation that may be the only way to solve the problem on the short term. 
Aliki]]> 2017-07-31 18:35:01 UTC https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179787361 A bad situation https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179790663 The first thing that I would note in this scenario is that the school district needs to reexamine its internal transfer process that allows teachers to transfer to another school within 5 days of school starting. This process is both unreasonable and unrealistic. That said, it is incumbent upon the principal to immediately work toward a solution in this issue as parents will not tolerate a situation that they perceive as negative for their students (especially in elementary school).  The first solution that comes to mind is that of Khadija's post.  If possible, I would split the classes among other teachers as long as the class size does not become unreasonable.  This will assure parents that their children will be well-taken care of by current staff of the school.  I would additionally contact the school district office and work to provide a stipend for the teachers that will be taking on an extra case load with additional students in a situation that could have been completely avoided.  While some may believe the best solution would be to quickly hire new teachers, it is obvious that the school system does not have quality applicants in the system if they needed to fill 10 teaching positions within 5 days of school starting (allowing internal transfers to fill the vacancies). I would continue with the class split model and look to hire additional teachers to address the class size piece at natural breaks (such as the end of a quarter, semester, etc.). Finally, communication with parents is vital in this situation and must be done delicately and quickly and in a manner that assures parents that their students will experience a quality instructional year with the new teacher. ]]> 2017-07-31 19:45:37 UTC https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179790663 An ideal answer James. Enjoyed your post thoroughly!! We have always used this solution at schools where I have taught because teachers suddenly decide just before summer ends and school begins, to inform the school that they have to leave (usually using personal reasons to justify their decision). In Egypt at private schools, even if teachers have signed contracts - nothing can stop them from breaking their contract at the last minute. Unfortunately teachers who take on the extra load do not cope perfectly and many problems arise ... I have personally often taken on additional workloads in these situations and usually feel bad that my performance is not where I would like it to be. aliki_constantinou https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179796933 Having said that, what you have described is the ideal and well described to the "T" - solution in this situation. 
Aliki]]> 2017-07-31 22:11:50 UTC https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179796933 My contribution (Fredy) framirez16 https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179856632 Certainly 10 teachers in 5 days is an extreme situation. As I reflect and think of myself in that situation, I know that there are several things that need to be happening at the same time in order to mitigate such emergency. As a new principal, the first thing I would try to do is talk with people. Find out from the teacher leaders what might have prompted the disbandment and see what can be done about it. I would try to recover some of the teachers gone lobbying with the ones that stayed. Gaining the trust of the faculty is the first step. The next step is clear and honest communication. I would inform the community of the current situation and the plans I have to address it. The plans of course would be trying to hire the best teachers possible within the short time. As we know interviewing takes time, so to further gain trust of the faculty I would ask for volunteers to help with the interview and hiring process. Meanwhile an alternative plan needs to be in place in case we do not fill all the positions. I would see if it is possible to combine classes. I would use specialists (PE, Tech, Art, Learning Support) to be in charge of groups while the hiring is complete. Look at how the schedule can be modified in order to accommodate student groups. Finally I would demand help and resources from the central office to solve the situation for the benefit of the students. ]]> 2017-08-01 13:41:03 UTC https://padlet.com/aliki_constantinou/2fscwowfkju2/wish/179856632