DC Public Schools reviews

Little to no support from Central Office. Major curricular changes on a yearly basis for MANY consecutive years. LEAP observations of teachers new in 2016, New teacher evaluation system in 2017, teachers rated by students for 10% of their evaluations new in 2017, teacher planning periods lost to collaborative planning (LEAP mandate) in 2017. Most of these significant changes were not agreed upon by CO and the union producing stress by principals forced to support the above and teachers who had a union that told them they were not required to do collaborative planning etc. This caused varying amounts of conflict and tension at the building levels thus large turnover. Some schools lost 22 staff midyear according to the papers. Major promotions of people not qualified and/or ready to lead in my opinion. This has happened since Kaya Henderson left. Turnover of teachers and principals is larger than other metropolitan school districts due to stress I believe.

Classroom observations are incredibly high stakes. If your instructional practice and classroom management aren't superb, go to a surrounding county where the stakes are lower and the kids are easier. You will lose your job if you have a couple poor observations. Professional development for arts teachers will be generally non-existent at your school unless you decide to lead it yourself. You have to be willing to navigate a very difficult observation and evaluation system with several components. It's very stressful, but can be very lucrative.