Palm Beach County School District Reviews

Pros

Palm Beach County schools have great teachers to work with and many professional development opportunites. 10 to 12 weeks off a year.

Cons

Teachers seem to be the profession where employers assume that if something is needed the teachers will do it for the students regardless. I mean what other job are you expected to bring or buy your own copy paper or print cartridge?

Advice to Senior Management

My advice is to pay teachers fairly, and give us back our step. We haven't gotten a raise in 3 years and our step is taken away. Cut programs that aren't truly needed.

Pros

summer time away from administrators, teaching, youthful energy from students, new buildings

Cons

incompetent administrators, organization too big for a government agency, too much autonomy of principals with site based management,

Advice to Senior Management

Place value you on your biggest commodity, the teachers. Constant change is not change at all it is only chaos. Deal directly with problem teachers; not all of them are problems. If the teacher is a problem where did that problem trickle down from....appreciation and support go a long way in work environment.

Pros

WONDERFUL TEACHERS!!! They are very dedicated and passionate about their students. Staff as well as faculty are hard-working, and are very supportive of one another.
 I have learned so much from my colleagues. Amazing generosity (Giving time and money) and compassion for students and their colleagues as well.

Cons

-All AYP/FCAT and the schools grade.
-VERY out of compliance with Special Education and ELL guidelines and procedures.
-Principals hold way to much power...They can fire, hire and move teachers from classrooms and grade levels in the middle of the school year!!!
-NO MONEY FOR TEACHERS/NO LEVELS OR RAISES/TERRIBLE BENEFITS!
-The union has very little power in the district
-Too much transition!!! The state and districts are constantly switching the curriculum materials, assessment tools and and computer programs for data input.
 it's very difficult for teachers to keep up with new initiatives, because they are constantly having to learn all new programs and implementation.

Advice to Senior Management

PAY YOUR TEACHERS! WE ARE VERY PASSIONATE AND WORK ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR CALL OF DUTY!
Support us and have some compassion!

Pros

Most of the teachers and support staff are extremely dedicated, hard working people.
Palm Beach county is a beautiful place to live.

Cons

The hiring process was exhausting and expensive (finger printing was $99.00)
There was no money for supplies.
The administration (at least in my school)
1. was micromanaging and condescending on every level.
2. did not hide the fact that selected faculty were "favorites"
3. never responded to e-mails however important
4. conducted "business" in unethical ways
The district did not support me in finding a new position despite the vacancies listed on the website

Advice to Senior Management

If you want to hire and retain the best, reward them with
1. money
2.respect

Pros

Fantastic community of teachers willing to go the extra mile for students. Dedicated professionals who are able to work with difficult communities of special needs groups with a smile on their face.

Cons

Administration that is disconnected from the classroom and an unwillingness to stand up to the district for the benefit of the students.

Pros

Great teachers
1st two years great working environment
supportive
met my wife

Cons

too much testing
too much micromanaging
last year was way too stressful
horrible administration
having the title doesn't make you successful administrator

Advice to Senior Management

don't think they would listen to any advice

Pros

I had a great experience because of the fantastic environment my principal created for her staff. Others aren't as lucky!

Cons

Surprisingly limited resources for Teachers

Advice to Senior Management

Eliminate ineffective teachers

Pros

1. Good Salary.
2. Lots of resources to use in teaching.
3. Lots of cultural diversity.
4. The kids are great.
5. You live in paradise after you step out of school

Cons

1. Micromanaging to the power of 12! You are told what to teach, how to teach it, what to say, what color marker to use on the board. . . and in the school that I worked at if you were caught not following the lesson to a T you would get called to the office and literally yelled at by the principal. I have been cursed at, and humiliated in front of co-workers.
2. Following in with number 1, No Professionalism from Principal!!!
3. No system of checks and balances to ensure that school management is accountable (see 1 & 2)
4. The union doesn't do anything

Advice to Senior Management

Make sure you are holding your principals accountable for their actions. . . the union wont.

Pros

Decent salary and benefits compared to other school districts. Most colleagues are friendly, helpful and supportive. Plenty of resources to use for instruction.

Cons

Communication from the district level to schools is poor. Concerns are not met in a timely manner. Professional development opportunities are not regularly advertised and the opportunities available, are at times, not relevant.

Advice to Senior Management

Mandates from the district are too strict and unrealistic.

Pros

Pay for your retirement FRS.

Cons

Doesn't matter how hard and best you work. No recogniton. Red tape and politics will slap your face. Unfair practises. It is about who you know rather than what you know and what you can do.
Usually favorite people get rewarded.
Make sure you practice kissing the back if you want to stay here.

Advice to Senior Management

Damage is done. Read the federal laws against discrimination. Just wait for the lawsuits. One after the other.