There are wonderful things going on in the classroom here at Spence, and I wanted the readers of this blog (many of whom are aware of this already) to read an article that appeared in the DMN's Hispanic daily, "Al Dia", and to see the video...

Video:
http://www.aldiatx.com/video/index.html?nvid=236820

Story: http://www.aldiatx.com/sharedcontent/dws/aldia/educacion/stories/DN-GUITARS_25dia.State.Edition1.10fb7cd.html

If you all need a translation, maybe I could post that under the auspices of dallas.org...?!

[Ed Note: You're free to post anything you wish. Just let me know.]

Some days are bad,
Some days are good.
I support my school,
Because, I’m not a fool.

To err is human.
To forgive is divine.
If your work is just fine,
The Principal won’t put you in a bind.
Or kick you on the behind.

[Ed Note: You're a poet-and-don't-knowit!]

Let me tell you about a real hostile environment. Imagine a principal walking down the hall telling each teacher that if she does not see them in the hall then they are going to be fired. Imagine a principal being irritated because the staff needs to go to the bathroom ever now and then. Imagine a principal walking into a full class and telling the teacher she does not like her room or how the teacher is teaching. Imagine every teacher of mathematics being fired. Imagine every teacher looking around the corner to make sure the principal is not there before moving on. Imagine most of the staff terrified and on the verge of tears at every moment. Imagine a principal going on the intercom everyday to berate and condemn both the staff and students. Imagine every student in the school literally hating the principal to the depth of their soul. If you were at Spence three years ago then you would not have had to imagine any of that because that would have been your reality you had to face everyday. Spence literally was hell on Earth for everyone on campus.

There is not a principal in DISD that can reach that position and be prejudicial against any race, color, or creed. That is not something that can be hidden, suppressed, or ignored with the intensive interpersonal interactions that the administrative staff goes through before reaching their positions. That concept when applied to the principal of Spence is a projection of the accusers own inner philosophy.

With the union, grievance procedures, public scrutiny, and staff morale at stake it is very unlikely for any principal to unjustly place any member of the staff on leave that even remotely had any hint of racism attached to it. In fact they would rather leave a bad staff member in place rather than take the slightest chance of being accused of racism. Accusing a DISD principal of racism is in fact a form racism since that is not a realistic accusation. Without exception, the accuser is invariably a different race from the accused.

I must live in a different world than the accuser since the current principal is one of the most supportive principal that Spence has had for many years. No principal can be totally benign since they are ultimately responsible for the final results a school produces. If the principal wants something done a different way than a staff member wishes to do it, then that staff member does not truly understand the concept of supervisor and supervised.

The last time I read the Constitution it declared that a person is innocent until they are proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be guilty. Why would any self-respecting person automatically assume someone is guilty just because they have had an accusation made against them? The agency the principal supposedly “protected” a staff member from does not exactly have a record of being even handed in their actions.

The comments about her are sad but true! She is also know for dividing the faculty against one another. She thrives on drama, and has been allowed to get away with it.

[Ed Note: Again, all I've seen are generalities. I'd like specifics. If you want to "private message" me, you can do so at http://www.dallas.org/privatemsg/msgto/1.]

And if you get "specifics" will something actually be done? because "ed," nothing has been done thus far, and it's been pretty hairy at spence! maybe this blog will reach someone! get someone's attention!

[Ed Note: I can absolutely guarantee, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this blog has gotten someone's attention. Whether or not there will (1) be a fact-based story, and/or (2) there will "be something done" is still in question.

Does that help clarify things a little bit?]

I work at Spence. I've worked at Spence long enough to know the campus is doing great. Prior to the current principal getting there we had a scandal that removed the old principal for cheating. Scores were bad and we were AYP. The new principal came in and did shake things up, with very little time. The school is doing great. Spence is a tough school with difficult issues, like many other schools but we teachers work hard. We have a large staff and I admit I only know half the folks, but we are united. Unfortunately, in the past 2 weeks I have seen a very unhappy dance teacher go around and rile -up folks trying to get them to go against administration. It's a dirty little scam so close to TAKS. It bothers me to see a few unhappy people in search of power doing this to our school. Shame on you to all that feel the need to post this negative junk. It's not honest.

[Ed Note: ...proving that there are two sides to every story.]

Let me set the record straight, THE FORMER PRINCIPAL DID NOT CAUSE A SCANDAL. The principal now is scandalist. This principal took the credit for the hard work of the adminstration and teachers before her. During her first year the scores were average. The bonus money she received during the fall of 2007 was based on the hard work of others. What is Mr. Castro waiting on, YOU HAVE KNOWN FOR TWO YEARS THE TROUBLE WITH THIS PRINCIPAL. It's one thing to back your principals, but another to get caught up and let her bring you down. STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND WEAR THOSE BIG SALARY SHOES, USE THE EVIDENCE YOU HAVE AGAINST HER.

[Ed Note: And what evidence would that be?]

In regard to the former principal who was fired for "cheating", according to a prior post - that's just not true. She was an excellent administrator, dearly loved by her teachers, students and staff, and a great attribute to her school. She worked very hard, and was treated unfairly by DISD.

So what did happen? She admittedly wrote down some of the subject material that would be covered on a practice test and informed her math teachers to make sure their curriculum covered some of the subjects on the test. This was not a formal standardized test, or a formal TAKS practice test. It was not a test that counted for anything. It was just a practice test perscribed by DISD, designed to prepare students for the actual tests they take later in the year. She was simply trying to adjust her curriculum to ensure the subjects were being covered properly. There was no written or unwritten policy against what she did. She didn't write down specific questions, just subject headings that needed to be addressed. In my book, this is not cheating. DISD has much bigger fish to fry. In fact, I think she should be commended. If we're not using practice tests to prepare our students and adjust our curriculums, what are we taking them for?

In hindsight, she admitted that she probably shouldn't have done it, but at the time it seemed innocent enough. She should have received a slap on the wrist at most. Instead, she was removed from her position.

In her place, we have this mess. It makes me sick.

You have not been around Spence a very long time. At least not for the past two years. What would make you think that a dance teacher is gathering others against the principal. The principal does that very well by herself. This principal is extremely confrontational and if you do not agree with her, she will retaliate against you. Every word against her is the truth. Your blog response sounds like something she would write herself. We are not united and never will be as long as this principal is allowed to continue her manipulation of those over her and most especially people like you. There are more of us who have experienced her raft than those of you who have not. It is time for this to STOP. We have more than a few problems. Students are out of control, the school is unsafe. This principal only cares about making herself look good at her meetings with other principals. SO PLEASE DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES FOR HER. YOU WOULDN'T KNOW THE TRUTH IF IT SLAPPED YOUR FACE. I know the truth, I have experienced harassment, retaliation, and her lies. THIS DID NOT JUST START TWO WEEKS AGO. TWO WEEKS AGO PEOPLE GOT FEED UP AND DECIDED TO STEP UP.

[Ed Note: Then maam/sir, please send me some contact information so we can talk. Let's get some of this on record so we can do a story. Let's get the teacher's unions involved. I hate to keep pushing the point but so far, my mailbox is empty.]

"Ed Note" Who are you? Please identify yourself ...

[Ed Note: "Allen Gwinn" -- publisher of Dallas.Org. Sorry, I thought that was obvious.]

Are you posting all replies and comments?

For instance, It know of some who have submitted their names to you. I wasn't posted. I stated that Mr. Castro was waiting for personal contact from teachers. It wasn't posted. I am confident about my submittal process, because you have posted some of my previous comments.

Castro is ready to act. He has already met with teachers. He wants more contact.

Please email me if there are reasons for the screening?

[Ed Note: I am not posting comments that contain name-calling, etc. I am making an effort to post as many as I can--but you have to realize that there are dozens and dozens that I'm still trying to edit. Emotions and opinions are very high on this topic.]

If that person can not "back up the facts" I can. Or better yet just ask any teacher that works on that campus. She is one of the WORST principals. YUK!

[Ed Note: I have a better idea: why don't you find me a teacher (since you claim "any" there must be one, right?) willing to go on record with *facts*? As I've said before: we're willing to look into anything. We just need something to go on.]

You might as well stop asking for folks to go on record. What is the point of going on record for incidents at Spence when at other schools the same thing is going on?

I got a challenge for folks-do an open records request (If possible) and see how many current employees have enough complaints filed on them yet still have a job.

Those teachers are not going to speak out, they are going to LEAVE the school or district like so many are doing in mass at other schools.

The real losers are the kids. How are you going to learn when you rotate teachers almost every year (or in some case six weeks).

And I would say expect some major house cleaning if that Bond doesn't pass. Because it seems real funny that all this is coming out (and there will be more) as that election is coming up.

My experience with this woman is limited to a two-day district training last May, but I will say I was completely unimpressed - as were many others in the room. She talked to others at her table, not quietly, throughout presentations by the speakers. When I found out she was the principal, not some uppity teacher who didn't want to be there, I was stunned. I remember telling friends I would NEVER work for that woman. I nearly wrote a letter to "Michael" (that would be Dr. H.), but was warned against doing it.

Let's just put it this way: I was embarrassed by her actions because our table was in the general vicinity of her school's, and I was afraid that others in the room (the speakers, especially) would think WE were talking with her. Instead, we were shooting her dirty looks, but nothing seemed to work with this woman. It doesn't surprise me to read she isn't well-liked by her own teachers.

[Ed Note: As I say, there appear to be some issues at Spence but it's not a "grand conspiracy." We are looking into the school right now.]

Have seen some definitely funky if not down right unethical stuff there. The principal was way over her head from the beginning and an intervention is definitely needed. The TAG program is suffering from lack of leadership and support and the Learning Center is bleeding teachers.

[Ed Note: Wow! We've really unleashed a fire storm, eh? Is it too late to put the genie back in the bottle?]

Ed, you have not unleashed a firestorm. This has been going on for a few weeks because a couple of teachers aren't getting their way.

"over her head"? Look at the data. Look at the results.

Point Balnk!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Castro, come on NOW if you are just ignoring what's going on at Spence,why not turn it over to the bigger dawgs? Where are Dr. Floes and Dr. Hinojosa? Is it possible that they already know? Castro you are holding all the paperwork on this vicious principal(who is making you look bad).By now the entire counrty should be able to figure this one out. The Principal is not the reason that Spence has good test scores. You do the MATH! Does she have some dirt on you?

[Ed Note: Ahh, conspiracies!]

None of these teachers are discontented. They all speak the truth and will continue to do so. Exactly what are they trying to get their way about?????

[Ed Note: Sounds like they want the principal gone, but maybe it just sounds that way to me.]

Someone please spell professional. Definition not the principal at Spence. I have several comments and ed. You have asked for hard facts because many of you can not belive that the faculty at Spence is going through so much turmoil. Well, each incident has been reproted to Mr. Castro and other above him. So ask them to produce the complaints about her. Mrs. Davies wrote to the one or two comments about herself or her team players to write them on her behalf. Mrs. Davies has turned many people at Spence against each other only to gain satisfaction. The dance teacher that was mentioned is not an angry person. In fact, she was highly praised by the principal until she bacame angry with her. To the teacher that believes that Mrs. Davies is so supportive in putting on WestSide Story, huh! Little did you know, last year she bad mouthed you. Mrs Davies also plays her assistant principals against each other. One in particular, the white female who she has corrupted to do her under hand work. This assistant principal should know better because she came to Spence from Hill out of many adversities. Several teachers has lost loved ones, do you think Mrs. Davies had any compassion? She called one teacher who was many miles away only to threatened her if she did not hury and get back. Mrs. Davies has been caught sleep in her office. She leaves school to go home sick every other week. I'm sure, Mr. Castro, you are aware of this? Spence has a lot of dedicated teachers/staff that are here for the students not Mrs. Davies. In short, check her track record from her previous school.

Look at the data? is that all YOU have to ever say to back up or condone your selfish, self-centered, manipulative behavior? the SCORES and DATA are a result of the teachers' and students' hard work, not YOUR negative and hostile approaches ... You get all the credit and the 20,000 bonus at the "ex SPENCE" of your teachers! All you strive for is recognition for yourself ...

[Ed Note: Folks, a "good" school is the result of efforts of the teachers and students. A principal can take a good school and turn it in to a bad school--given enough time. I'd be interested in exactly how many teachers feel the way the school is being portrayed in the comments.

As I have said, my daughter had an experience, when she visited, that needs to be discussed. She'll blog about it later.]

Why is it that Spence has dropped in the rankings as compared to other middle schools.

Why is it that Spence only made a 1% gain in 8th grade math scores when other non-magnet and magnet schools made double digit gains?

Ask about how she influenced teachers to respond "positively" to OHI surveys so that Spence wouldn't get negative attention.

Twenty-three schools had higher increases than Spence, seventeen of those schools STILL have a lower passing rate than Spence. Of the six schools that have a higher increase and a higher passing rate, only three have actually passed Spence from 2007 to 2008.

[Ed Note: It would be interesting to track students' progress once they leave Spence to see how competitive the student is in High School and College. That, of course, is the final objective.]

Yes, look at the data. If you would like to look at the academic data, it is apparent that Spence has some RIGOROUS teachers and students who seem to prevail in spite of the minutia they have to put up with from their principal. The principal likes to take credit for the success of the students, but have we forgotten? I believe her teaching experience was in art. Let's look at the data from this year's OHI.

[Ed Note: Look, plenty of good administrators have started in something completely unlikely. Let's don't bash art teachers. Art teachers are cool!]

As a former teacher at A.W. Spence (2006-2007) I can vouch for everything that is said against the principal. She is low-down, conniving, manipulative, unprofessional, psychopathic (my co-workers and I swore she was bipolar)and just flat-out evil. She has no business whatsoever representing DISD in the capacity she is serving in. I spent more time in her office being chastised like a child than I spent in ANY principal's office during my 7-year tenure here. She made a comment one day that she "loves controversy and thrives on it." It would not be unusual at all to see her ranting and raving like a lunatic (she broke the window in her office trying to get the students' attention), which is why I left, but not before filing a formal complaint against her with Mr. Castro. Word of advice to anyone considering working there or sending their child there....DON'T!

[Ed Note: The grapes certainly sound sour! As I say, if I can find someone to go on record, we'll be happy to do more with this. But I don't have anyone willing to go on record confirming this.]

Several teachers do not work at Spence anymore (or will be leaving) because of the hostile environment, manipulation (trying to get "information" from other teachers and causing tension between teachers), and mental anguish, which the teachers have endured from the principal at Spence. I've never NOT heard a negative comment about this woman or how people have been mistreated by her one way or another. Watch out ... One day she's your "best friend" and the next you could be her next target! I know I won't be coming back after this year is up! I came here to teach, not to be "abused." And as stated in another comment, nothing is EVER done, no matter how many people turn in valid complaints ... Where are the results of the OHI????

[Ed Note: I'm willing to accept that there are some who do not agree with [insert name]'s management style. Somebody private-message me at http://www.dallas.org/privatemsg/msgto/1 and let's chat.]

I don't mean to sound stupid but can you tell me how to actually get this to work?
(http://www.dallas.org/privatemsg/msgto/1)

[Ed Note: Yes, just click here and it will work.]