Is there a Seldens Landing Teacher CRISIS?

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Apparently there are over 20 Teachers that have resigned from Selden's Landing at the end of this school year.

Some in the community have opined that perhaps there is a systemic issue with Mgmt/Labor relations at the Selden's Landing school.

Is there an ADMIN/Teacher crisis at Selden's. 

How can we verify this "fact" of total resigning teachers? 

We assume that if 20 is correct, it's statistically outside the NORM and perhaps there is a reason? 

What have you heard about this issue members? 

Tags: Board, Landing, School, Selden's, Stephens, Teachers, Tracy

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Permalink Reply by Nothing but the truth on June 13, 2012 at 10:00pm
The truth has been put out there by CK, Ally, wow, and a few others. Like any job or profession, if you are unhappy, you have choices you can make to reclaim your happiness. The TRUTH is that those that are leaving are leaving to pursue other opportunities. Anyone that is truly leaving because they are unhappy can walk away - unfortunately those folks are often the people the ALWAYS have a complaint, and can never be made happy. The bottom line is that the staff, admin, and students at SLES care deeply about the school and community, and would love POSITIVE support as a whole. Backstabbing, rumormongering, and behind the scenes rhetoric are unproductive.

Come together and support Mrs. Stephens, the admin, and teachers at SLES. They deserve your respect and support.

TRUTH .... Out
Permalink Reply by Ally on June 13, 2012 at 10:44pm
Truth, thank you!!! Cls, I appreciate that, not trying to fight either! Go SLES :)

Nothing but the truth said:
The truth has been put out there by CK, Ally, wow, and a few others. Like any job or profession, if you are unhappy, you have choices you can make to reclaim your happiness. The TRUTH is that those that are leaving are leaving to pursue other opportunities. Anyone that is truly leaving because they are unhappy can walk away - unfortunately those folks are often the people the ALWAYS have a complaint, and can never be made happy. The bottom line is that the staff, admin, and students at SLES care deeply about the school and community, and would love POSITIVE support as a whole. Backstabbing, rumormongering, and behind the scenes rhetoric are unproductive. Come together and support Mrs. Stephens, the admin, and teachers at SLES. They deserve your respect and support.

TRUTH .... Out
Permalink Reply by Mommyof2 on June 13, 2012 at 11:05pm

It's good to know that your understanding of her relationship with the teachers is different than mine. I believe information sharing was the entire point of starting this thread. I'm enough of a grown-up to realize that not everyone is having the exact same experience I am having, but that doesn't make me right and them wrong.

The original post asked us what we've *heard* about the situation, and I responded to that request with what I've *heard* from teachers who work there. It's unfortunate that what I've heard doesn't sit well with you, but that doesn't change the fact that I heard it. I agree with you that spreading rumors isn't nice.

For the record, I *personally* have nothing bad to say about Mrs. S. My kids have had a fantastic experience at Seldens. I actually think Mrs. S. is an excellent communicator and I like a lot of the improvements she's brought to the school. I think it's unfortunate that the teachers I spoke with - good, solid teachers - are so unhappy. As a parent, that concerns me. And I think losing 20 teachers in one year is a lot and would be very hard on any school.

Again, I'm actually glad to hear another side to the story, but I would have been even gladder to hear it if it had been delivered a little more nicely.



wow said:

If you consider a "vast majority" to be three people, then you are correct!  She is extremely supportive and the "vast majority" of teachers think she is a very effective leader who's first commitment is to the students. Gather facts before spreading rumors...  rumors are not nice!

KLM said:

My understanding is that the vast majority of the teachers cannot stand Mrs. Stephens. I have heard numerous complaints directly from several different teachers at Seldens that Mrs. Stephens is completely unsupportive of the teachers, and is full of criticism over the tiniest, most unimportant things while completely ignoring the positives.

Permalink Reply by Mommyof2 on June 13, 2012 at 11:09pm

CLS, thank you for your reasonable and rational contributions to the conversation. I'm also interested in hearing more of the facts. I think you can question things and still be supportive of the school. I actually think questioning things is a form of support. Our family loves Seldens and we only want the best for the school.

cls said:

Wow and Ally, I have NO fight to pick with you.  I'm a Cardinal fan, too!  Go SLES!  

Permalink Reply by happydaz on June 14, 2012 at 3:24pm

I concur, I'd like to know more of the facts also....... on one hand, I like Mrs S and what she's done with the school as it seems to be more professional and well run from the outside looking in.....but for what ever reason, it looks like a large portion of the teachers are not happy.  While I am all for keeping the top performers - but who's to say it's not the top performers who are leaving?  One thing that I am most concerned with at this point is - is backfill -- as in, are the new hires ready to start or will the classes be staffed with subsitutes on Aug 27th?

Permalink Reply by Mommyof2 on June 14, 2012 at 3:52pm

Happydaz, you and I are totally on the same page. I can tell you that the teachers I spoke to who are unhappy are top performers. I've been told some of the names of teachers who are leaving, and there were several that I will personally be happy to see go. 20 teachers is a lot to hire at once and you bring up a very good point about backfill.

Permalink Reply by Andrea on June 16, 2012 at 12:08am

We just moved to Lansdowne so I've been reading this w/ a lot of interest - I have 3 children who will all be starting at SLES in the fall.  It would seem that it might benefit the overall atmosphere and the school and administration, as  well as everyone connected with the school - if they would maybe have some sort of outreach or communication about the situation if there is, in fact, going to be such a large turnover and quite a lot of new teachers coming in for the next school year.  I'm of the opinion that the more you know - the better you can deal with - and help - a situation.  Families will be very supportive, I think, if they are communicated with in a straightforward  and nonbiased manner - and allowed to ask questions and voice their anxieties over the changes. 

For those of you reading this that seem to have connections w/ SLES, perhaps you might bring this up to someone there - the idea of maybe a letter going out to families letting them know of the changes- or even some sort of small town-meeting type of thing as we get closer to start of school - realizing of course that the teachers and staff already have many demands on them - still an hour or two spent talking with the community could go a long way in terms of dispelling rumors or mis-conceptions and gaining active support from the families wtih children at SLES.

Permalink Reply by CK on June 16, 2012 at 6:10pm

Ok, I know that this has been a hot topic going around the neighborhood. I'm a resident, I
personally was at the staff meeting where we were celebrating those teachers
moving on for their own personal and professional reasons. I'm not sure of the
exact numbers, and this number seems much more than was talked about at the meeting.
First let me reassure you all, that Selden's is a great school. The thing about
living in a large county, is that there can be movement. Here are some reasons:
*When a new school opens, the county recruits with the teachers already in the
county. Two teachers from Seldens will be going to the new elementary school.
*Some part time employees found one school looking for a
full time teacher, and they no longer have to travel from school to school.
*Some teachers like the speech therapist are leaving because they are moving
closer to family and leaving the area.
*One teacher is leaving because she now will become an English Language
Learners Teacher for the young ones and is making a career change which she is
excited about.
*Some teachers are leaving Loudoun county and going to work for Fairfax county
and Montgomery county for reasons that have nothing to do with Seldens.
*And honestly, some teachers may be leaving because members on their team may
not have been team players. (A problem that exists in all careers)
*Some employees are wanting to start career changes- teaching is a way harder
career than most realize. And after a few years, you may feel that other careers
suit you better.
*Mostly, some of the teachers are making moves to change up their career, ie
moving to a different area of teaching, different grade levels (elementary to
middle), or they finished an education masters or certification program and can
now move on professionally.
*Some are actually just rumors!

Let me assure you, the majority of these teachers were not leaving because of
administration. They nicely announced where they were going, it was ammicable,
and everyone celebrated with cake. :)
**There is no conspiracy!

The only time you can change jobs when you are a teacher is now, so if people
want to make a change, they all have to be done at the same time because you
have a contract and a time deadline.

One thing I can say is this. The teachers and staff really want your support. We
need to build up the school not tear it down. I'm really excited about the staff
next year. Change isn't always bad! We need to also look at the possiblility
that teachers may feel Lansdowne is a tough neighborhood to teach in... and move
on. And I say that just as a thought... with a whole lot of love for the
neighborhood. We have the largest elementary school in the county. We need to
make it the best! Let's welcome all the new teachers with open arms. :) Hope
this is helpful! Have a good summer!

Permalink Reply by Ally on June 16, 2012 at 8:58pm
Thank you, CK :). I can totally understand wveryone's concern if there were actually 20 grade level teachers leaving. This is totally not the case. Some have been asking about this turn over being the "norm". Here are some stats at other area schools, by the way you can all see this movement and the positions available on the LCPS web site. It's public. 
12 teachers at Hillside, 8 at sanders, 11 at Mill run, 9 at cedar lane, and 7 at Tolbert. Three years ago, before the current principal arrived,  seldenslanding had 14 leave the staff. Teachers can only opt to move at one time during the year. It's not like other professions. Movement and change is always higher in the spring. 

CK said:

Ok, I know that this has been a hot topic going around the neighborhood. I'm a resident, I
personally was at the staff meeting where we were celebrating those teachers
moving on for their own personal and professional reasons. I'm not sure of the
exact numbers, and this number seems much more than was talked about at the meeting.
First let me reassure you all, that Selden's is a great school. The thing about
living in a large county, is that there can be movement. Here are some reasons:
*When a new school opens, the county recruits with the teachers already in the
county. Two teachers from Seldens will be going to the new elementary school.
*Some part time employees found one school looking for a
full time teacher, and they no longer have to travel from school to school.
*Some teachers like the speech therapist are leaving because they are moving
closer to family and leaving the area.
*One teacher is leaving because she now will become an English Language
Learners Teacher for the young ones and is making a career change which she is
excited about.
*Some teachers are leaving Loudoun county and going to work for Fairfax county
and Montgomery county for reasons that have nothing to do with Seldens.
*And honestly, some teachers may be leaving because members on their team may
not have been team players. (A problem that exists in all careers)
*Some employees are wanting to start career changes- teaching is a way harder
career than most realize. And after a few years, you may feel that other careers
suit you better.
*Mostly, some of the teachers are making moves to change up their career, ie
moving to a different area of teaching, different grade levels (elementary to
middle), or they finished an education masters or certification program and can
now move on professionally.
*Some are actually just rumors!

Let me assure you, the majority of these teachers were not leaving because of
administration. They nicely announced where they were going, it was ammicable,
and everyone celebrated with cake. :)
**There is no conspiracy!

The only time you can change jobs when you are a teacher is now, so if people
want to make a change, they all have to be done at the same time because you
have a contract and a time deadline.

One thing I can say is this. The teachers and staff really want your support. We
need to build up the school not tear it down. I'm really excited about the staff
next year. Change isn't always bad! We need to also look at the possiblility
that teachers may feel Lansdowne is a tough neighborhood to teach in... and move
on. And I say that just as a thought... with a whole lot of love for the
neighborhood. We have the largest elementary school in the county. We need to
make it the best! Let's welcome all the new teachers with open arms. :) Hope
this is helpful! Have a good summer!

Permalink Reply by Krysta on July 18, 2012 at 10:46am

There are at least 3 new teachers coming on board to replace lost ones.  I cannot say that hey left because of Ms. Stephens, but I think she is absolutely the WORST principal I have ever dealt with.  I am not the only parent who thinks this.  However, we are trying to make the best of a bad situation - for our kids.  I would throw a huge party should she be replaced, and there would be a lot of parents happy to join the celebration.

Permalink Reply by Ally on July 18, 2012 at 5:17pm
So tired of bad press, get over it!! 

Krysta said:

There are at least 3 new teachers coming on board to replace lost ones.  I cannot say that hey left because of Ms. Stephens, but I think she is absolutely the WORST principal I have ever dealt with.  I am not the only parent who thinks this.  However, we are trying to make the best of a bad situation - for our kids.  I would throw a huge party should she be replaced, and there would be a lot of parents happy to join the celebration.

Permalink Reply by Beetlejuice on July 27, 2012 at 10:50am

Ok, I have to add something. I'm not into rumors and gossip. I'm a scientist - I like cold hard facts. And the fact is I don't like Mrs. Stephens. I will not go into the reasons, but I have had numerous personal dealings with her so I can honestly say that I am speaking from experience. To those that like her - wonderful. I'm truly happy for you. I just don't share that opinion, but I won't criticize you for having it.

What I really want to say is this: stop bashing people for criticizing Mrs. Stephens or the administration. SLES is not the school it used to be. I have gone to enough meetings and seminars throughout Loudoun County to know that SLES has acquired a bad reputation. Instead of trying to convince parents that Seldens is wonderful and they just need our support blah blah blah, why don't we come together as a community to figure out where the problems are? Wouldn't our children be better served if we looked into the issues instead of bickering or denying any problems exist at all?

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