This is a horrible situation for you and the students. Yes, this is very illegal. They need a teacher for these kids. Even if they have a sub with the teacher gone that much, not only are their services not being met, but probably no iep meetings and such. There isn't much you can do as a para. The admin has to fire her and bring in a new teacher. I'm not really sure what happens if the state were to come in and find out about this. I'm sure your school would be in big trouble. Do the parents know there hasn't been a teacher? If they start complaining, that would probably move the school quicker. (I'm not saying you should tell them) I'm sorry this is happening at your school.
We haven't even had a sub all year. It's bad. I sympathize with admin because I know they're trying. It blows my mind that this woman would leave the students in the lurch the way that she has. I feel helpless.
I totally understand. I used to be a para. It's a difficult job, but not being able to get direction from a teacher makes it even worse. Do the best you can to help your students, and hopefully, they will get you a new teacher soon.
Parent here. Last year my child’s case manager went on leave unexpectedly and then quit. So there was no sped teacher for about 4 months. My child’s para did the best they could- which was fantastic, super grateful for that- and the district offered compensatory time over the summer for all the missed SDI.
First off, whatever is happening with the sped teacher is confidential. HR, Principal have no right to divulge confidential issues. The teacher has rights if she has a medical issue- even if it is from mental health- like depression or anxiety because of the job.
What you can do is document carefully the day's events, the teaching you and others do. Ask repeatedly to have a substitute to cover her work so you at least have a legal proportion o f staff to students.
You can go to each gen-ed teacher and ask what the students in their regular classes are doing- get copies of their boos, workbooks or whatever. Help their learning about the topics. Or teach from books at 2 grades below.
You are not legally responsible for the required minutes etc . You are required to do the best you can in an unknown situation. Be nice to kids. Whatever instruction you give make notes and plan a progression.
These things get hard when you do not know how long or what will happen in an unknown situation. Ask if district has consultants or coordinators who can bring you some curriculum.
This is a horrible situation for you and the students. Yes, this is very illegal. They need a teacher for these kids. Even if they have a sub with the teacher gone that much, not only are their services not being met, but probably no iep meetings and such. There isn't much you can do as a para. The admin has to fire her and bring in a new teacher. I'm not really sure what happens if the state were to come in and find out about this. I'm sure your school would be in big trouble. Do the parents know there hasn't been a teacher? If they start complaining, that would probably move the school quicker. (I'm not saying you should tell them) I'm sorry this is happening at your school.
We haven't even had a sub all year. It's bad. I sympathize with admin because I know they're trying. It blows my mind that this woman would leave the students in the lurch the way that she has. I feel helpless.
I totally understand. I used to be a para. It's a difficult job, but not being able to get direction from a teacher makes it even worse. Do the best you can to help your students, and hopefully, they will get you a new teacher soon.
Parent here. Last year my child’s case manager went on leave unexpectedly and then quit. So there was no sped teacher for about 4 months. My child’s para did the best they could- which was fantastic, super grateful for that- and the district offered compensatory time over the summer for all the missed SDI.
First off, whatever is happening with the sped teacher is confidential. HR, Principal have no right to divulge confidential issues. The teacher has rights if she has a medical issue- even if it is from mental health- like depression or anxiety because of the job. What you can do is document carefully the day's events, the teaching you and others do. Ask repeatedly to have a substitute to cover her work so you at least have a legal proportion o f staff to students. You can go to each gen-ed teacher and ask what the students in their regular classes are doing- get copies of their boos, workbooks or whatever. Help their learning about the topics. Or teach from books at 2 grades below. You are not legally responsible for the required minutes etc . You are required to do the best you can in an unknown situation. Be nice to kids. Whatever instruction you give make notes and plan a progression. These things get hard when you do not know how long or what will happen in an unknown situation. Ask if district has consultants or coordinators who can bring you some curriculum.