I didn’t want it to end this way.
After nearly 30 years of teaching I will be retiring in June.
And I’ve loved doing what I do.
I loved it a lot last night. My last school Open House. My room was filled with kids, parents and grandparents coming and going. I just sat by the door of my room and greeted people.
I kind of felt melancholy as kids introduced me to their younger pre-school siblings who for the first time I knew I would not be teaching.
It’s is the only time I get much feedback. And I have to say that all of it was good. Those who may have been unhappy with me must have decided to keep it to themselves. And I thank them for that.
Our school is great. Test scores are just about as good as they can be although we don’t make a big deal about it. No rallies. No major test prepping. No canceling art, music or PE during ISAT week.
Yes. Some schools do that.
But our teaching and para staff are really good. The school could run itself.
But it doesn’t.
We have a principal.
It is not surprising that there can be tension between administration and the teaching staff. But things have gotten pretty bad at our place the last couple of years. I’m not going into details here. And you’re probably not that interested.
But here is the trend I see after doing this for three decades and being a union president for one of those decades:
Our principal has been on the job just a couple of years. She is god-awful and not getting better. But administration circles the wagons to protect her.
So when she messes up, which she does frequently, she is simply “misinformed.”
But when the staff points out the mistakes, we (not just me) are labeled difficult to work with and toxic.
These are administration talking points. We hear it again and again.
Toxic.
Hell of a thing to hear about yourself after teaching for nearly 30 years.
Fred Klonsky 
I know how you feel. I left after 35 good years feeling very bitter. The principal treated me okay but my AP was awful and the principal interfered up to the point of keeping peace. I didn’t go into retirement happily but I am very happy here.
As I say, I loved and love teaching. I’m retiring because I’m 63 and can’t physically chase the little ones around the room. And we negotiated a good retirement deal. I am proud to say that I have given as good as I got. I thought I could make a difference to my profession as a teacher when others told me to become a college professor or administrator. And I think I have made a difference as a teacher. I’m happy to retire. I have no regrets. But I’m not going quietly.
I am probably considered a “toxic” parent from CPS standpoint. Certain things have happened over the last few years that have made me… wonder.
It is a sorry situation when people who are CPS employees preface things to me with, “You didn’t hear it from me,” or “please don’t tell anyone I helped you.”
Probably not helping myself by tweeting at, read, needling the Twitter account for Chicago Public Schools. I have made no bones about my continued dissatisfaction as I struggle to
advocate for my severely disabled daughter who cannot speak. One shouldn’t have to argue that others accept another human being as deserving of that recognition, but I do feel I have to all the time. As a parent of a special needs parent, I feel as if I am an escapee from a mushroom farm as I am little by little chipping away at the truth and I just discovered helping some understandably CPS employees through my constant challenge of the CPS bureaucrats. I #occupyspecialed and will continue to do so regardless of what may happen.
My folks were teachers, and I was always proud of how they stood up for the rights of themselves and others by walking the picket lines. (My dad was Chicago City Colleges.)
Those of us who follow you and your brother know that you are to be admired for your tireless advocacy and not villified for it. Thank you for all that you continue to do. I am sorry that you are finishing your career with such a bad boss.
Fred, the scene you described in your classroom is what you should take with you ,because that’s not a common occurence, Doing a good job and having parents and kids know that is THE very best you can do, so don’t minimize it. It’s is not to be confused with all the other stuff that administrations and school districts put in our way. The roadblocks, greediness, and bad intentions are what’s toxic. I’ve heard many a principal on the first DAY say, “anyone who’s not satisfied can leave, and the transfer forms are on the sign in counter. Enough is enough.
63 is a good time to go, while you’re healthy enough to enjoy life. and participate in related projects without anyone looking over your shoulder.
“Our principal has been on the job just a couple of years. She is god-awful and not getting better. But administration circles the wagons to protect her”>>>
Very typical these days, and some of these newbies are younger than your own children (which can be a little hard to swallow in the respect department).
Fred,
If you are “toxic” then “toxic” is what aspire to be. Someone who has taught for 30 years should be respected for that. Your ability to be a great veteran teacher and an active unionist has won my respect for you.
We need more “toxic” teachers. Ones that are not afraid to challenge things that they see are wrong. Ones that want what’s really best for kids.
Congratulations on a long successful career and enjoy your retirement when it comes. You have earned it.
In Solidarity,
Jim Cavallero
“Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense”
That’s why we admire your writings, Fred.
Gads, what is it with that word, “toxic”? It’s like the admins all share the same brain, and only one gets to use it at a time. Toxic, really? Please.
Ditto what Jim and others have said. It’s a testament to the power of your blog that your principal feels so threatened by you and not a reflection of your teaching. Clearly you are a superb teacher. I hope you enjoy every minute of your retirement!