ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After a tumultuous year and a half, some teachers in St. Charles are warning they’re at the breaking point.
St. Charles Education Association President Joe Blomquist told the District 303 school board at its Monday night meeting some teachers are upset with what they have seen being said about them at board meetings.
"Only to hear harsh and personal criticisms directed at them and ill-informed directives dumped on them unexpectedly; and it has left some of our greatest assets feeling devalued, worn down, untrusted, and hurt," he said.
Early childhood education teacher Stephanie Tyson told the board she and her colleagues are feeling burnt out, because they don’t have enough help.
"In these challenging times, early childhood has come together, support each other with minimal support from district administration and we are burnt out," she said.
Instructional Support Coach at Davis Richmond Intermediate Jenny Iwanski said the district has unrealistic expectations for teachers - many who are balancing additional responsibilities while trying to get students caught up from pandemic learning loss.
St. Charles East social studies teacher Bill Stepien said at the meeting they’ve been distracted by what he calls "arbitrary directives," like a new collaborative framework.
"Just as we started the process, however, at the end of first quarter we learned that we needed to give cross-river, common final exams," he said, "in the platform of schoology, no less. A platform that many of us have little experience in, because our students beg us not to use it."
The Kane County Chronicle reported the board president said they intend to be part of conversations between the superintendent, administrative team, and teachers as they engage in meaningful and collaborative conversations.
President Jillian Barker told the Kane County Chronicle, “Ultimately, we know that meeting the needs of our teachers and continuing to provide them with the tools they need to effectively teach increases positive outcomes for all students.”
St. Charles Education Association President Joe Blomquist released the following statement to WBBM Newsradio on Tuesday following Monday's school board meeting: "The School Board and Superintendent have been very responsive and I am grateful for their willingness to engage in a collaborative dialogue. There is no easy and immediate solution to the challenges we face, but together we can ensure the most positive outcomes for our students."
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