A new survey of Bridgeport teachers clearly demonstrates the crisis of leadership the district is facing. More than nine in ten respondents state that they fear retaliation and lack confidence in superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David.
Bridgeport Education Association members have been speaking out and taking action since the beginning of the school year, which has been marked by problems that include a shortage of certified teachers, a lack of books and working computers, chaotic and inconsistent schedules, and ineffective curriculum introduced without teacher input or training.
More than 500 teachers shared their concerns at a union meeting in September that was followed by a rally outside City Hall where teachers, parents, and community members demanded action. Poor district leadership again made the news when the superintendent failed to notify educators about threats targeting district schools. When the Board of Education finally held its first in-person meeting in months at the end of September, teachers and community members packed the room.
The survey is the latest effort to ensure Bridgeport teachers’ voices are heard and push for change in the district.
“We did a survey to take the temperature and find out what teachers’ concerns are and how they’re feeling, and nearly 600 teachers responded,” says CEA President Kate Dias. “It was very disturbing. Ninety-three percent of teachers fear retaliation and worry about what will happen to them if they discuss things that concern them. Ninety-seven percent have lost confidence in their superintendent, and they don’t believe she’s making decisions in the best interest of students or teachers. Teachers don’t believe the things they’re being asked to do will be beneficial to the children they serve.”
The complete survey results will be released next week. Some of the other top findings include the following.
- 93% report the superintendent is unprofessional in dealings with teachers and staff.
- 92% say the superintendent lacks consistency in carrying out policies and procedures.
- 88% believe policy decisions are not based on research.
- 80% of teachers are considering or have considered leaving Bridgeport for a position in another district.
“There are job openings all over the state—we’re in a teacher shortage,” Dias says. “The Bridgeport Board of Education needs to be really aware that their teachers are looking elsewhere.”
In their comments, many teachers pointed to systemic issues within the district that include inadequate resources, a serious lack of support for special education, and a troubling climate of distrust. Educators shared their personal experiences of being disrespected or dismissed by the administration when raising concerns.
“The only times the superintendent has made a shift in implementation of her directives, or asked for teacher input, has been when she has found herself publicly shamed in the media for her actions. It has never been for the sake of our students and teachers, it has only been to protect herself.”
“I don’t like coming to work anymore. My mental health is suffering. I have anxiety, stress, or headaches daily. I feel overworked and under-appreciated.”
“It was already more challenging to be a teacher in Bridgeport than in other districts. Rather than address our existing problems, the superintendent has created so many more.”
“I am disheartened at the direction of the school system. I am absolutely fearful of retaliation and do not have any confidence in the superintendent’s ability to lead this district going forward. Too much damage has been done, and I have lost all faith in her ability to lead.”
“I have never heard the superintendent say anything positive about the teachers and students who make up the Bridgeport school system. She often refers to the students as failures and blames the teachers.”
It is not just educators who are raising concerns about the superintendent; families are as well.
“The Board of Education has a responsibility to look at not just what teachers are saying but at what families are saying,” Dias says.
She adds, “Over and over again, the superintendent has proven that she is not willing to be a collaborative partner to help get the best for the children in Bridgeport. She has her agenda, she has her beliefs, and that’s all that matters. If I were on the Board of Education, I would be asking who she thinks she’s working for. At the end of the day, how much of a leader are you if no one is following you?”
Read, watch, and listen to recent media coverage of the crisis in Bridgeport Public Schools from Hearst papers, News 12, and WSHU.
Hear Dias in a live interview with Melissa in the Morning on WICC Radio 600 on Monday, October 28, at 7:35 a.m.
