Mr. Dempster rules the school using retaliatory practices. He makes general statements in staff meetings that intimidate staff members. He would make teachers feel like they betrayed him by prioritizing their health and safety.
Last edited 7 months ago by Member Support
Anonymous
7 months ago
I am formerly a teacher at I.S. 220. I’m leaving after 6 years of experiencing my colleagues and myself receiving emotional abuse from our principal. It was a very difficult decision I had to make because my mental health is at stake, and I’m sad to leave such a wonderful group of colleagues and students. Unfortunately, I am one of many teachers leaving Pershing this year.
Our principal is openly disrespectful to staff that aren’t part of the staff he hired. He does not greet anyone who doesn’t fall in line with his “leadership”. He has occulted per session opportunities from the full staff. He has prevented staff from having access to everyone’s schedules to prevent everyone from being aware of how he gives preferential schedules to favored teachers. Oftentimes, those teachers who receive preferential treatment, don’t teach or are excused from class to “speak to the principal”, preventing students from instruction. At the beginning of every school, he says he doesn’t understand why people leave. Yet, at the end of every school year, since 3 years ago, has implored people to leave if they don’t like how things are, in a very nasty tone. So many fantastic teachers have left our school because of his narcissism, nepotism, inflexibility and unprofessionalism.
I fear for the future of Pershing. The constant turnover of teachers causes instability with the students. Teachers who are loved and passionate about their jobs get pushed away. Please help I.S. 220.
Anonymous
7 months ago
In the 5 years he had not afforded new mothers a lactation room (violation of a state law). He interferes with UFT business. He tells new teachers how he will take care of them and that they don’t need the chapter leader. He doesn’t respond to teacher’s emails. Seems like he makes up his own hours (is he in the building?). Spends excessive money on teacher’s desks, paint, stickers for doors, tv’s for the hallway, a fish tank in the main office, and area rugs with the school logo on them. He intimates and bullies staff members and constantly tells us to “leave”! He has 6 AP’s but excesses teachers. He sits in his office watching the cameras to “catch” teachers. He calls last minute staff meeting that go beyond the school day and yells at us if we call him on it. There is no communication, the children know things before the teachers do. If you don’t think he’s the greatest, you we suffer the consequences.
Anonymous
7 months ago
Does not want imput from effective,experienced educators instead dictates policies stating “ non- negotiable”.Plays “favorites”,creates an uncomfortable and threatening environment.Disrespectful and arrogant approach often resulting in foolish decisions which negatively impacts our entire school community.
Anonymous
7 months ago
Mr. Dempster uses retaliation and doesn’t even try to hide it. It is very apparent. He uses it against school aides, teachers, and secretaries. In the case of his APs, yes he uses it there too but not to all of them. He has 6 APs. He hired 4 of them as teachers from his previous school and scoring site. Yes student enrollment decreased and teachers were excessed, but he hired his 6th AP in June 2021 during a pandemic. Not to change topics but, why are all 6 APs women???
If the DOE wants us to teach social emotional learning for our students’ well-being, maybe it should apply to us too. The principal needs a PD on SEL practices. As teachers we should be able to report to work and not be afraid of what will happen to us today. We want to know that if we talk to someone that he doesn’t like and he sees it on camera (he is always watching from his office – great use of time) that we won’t get our classroom changed or program changed or denied per session opportunities.
We can go on and on about Mr. Dempster, but the real problem is that he can do whatever he wants without repercussions thanks to the District 20 Central Office.
Where are you Superintended David Pretto?????
Here is a figure for the Superintendent
Thus far 23 teachers have open market transferred to other DOE schools under Mr. Dempster’s principalship. This 23 does not include teachers who moved out of state or left the profession or retirement. They are teaching at other schools in the DOE. Out of these 23 transfers NINE went to other schools in District 20!
Superintendent Pretto – wherever you are….Look at this data! You are this man’s supervisor!
Interpret, draw an inference or you could do what superintendents are supposed to do when they see this and conduct EXIT INTERVIEWS!
Help us by holding him accountable please.
Anonymous For Fear of Retaliation
7 months ago
A previous comment mentioned 23 teachers leaving in open market. The number is definitely greater. In addition, many teachers’ decisions to retire, move out of state, or seek alternate employment situations were made based on the aggressive, confrontational, and intimidating behavior of this principal. These teachers would still be doing a great job at IS 220 if not for the failure of Sheldon Dempster.
Stay Positive
7 months ago
I have to say that my perspective and experience with our Principal has been not just professional but full of desire to grow and exceed as a teacher. This past year we participated in a parent literacy where I was able share in the excitement with over 200 parents. He had games, free books for all students who came including small siblings that showed up with their parents. There was food but most importantly the raffles were tickets to Broadway shows for families. Mr. Dempster took his time to celebrate teacher appreciation the entire week, giving us all a free prep. Another benefit of having him as a principal is the ability at anytime to ask for supplies, paper, ink for printers and basically anything we need. I think one of the most memorable time for me this year, was when he decided the Arista and Archon was not inclusive enough and had a ceremony for all the Special Ed students, where the turn out of parents was amazing. As a teacher I am in the business of students. Mr. Dempster always celebrates students and teachers. This is evident when you see the screens around the hallways full of images of students and teachers engaged in a school community that promotes love for learning, inclusion, championships, family events and so much more. I am a proud member of this school that with his leadership has successfully allowed for student growth in every subject. Excited to see what this upcoming year brings.
Teacher A
7 months ago
Update… They keep leaving
24 teachers have open market transferred to other DOE schools under Mr. Dempster’s principalship. Out of these 24 transfers TEN went to other schools in District 20.
Perhaps he could learn an thing or two from the other principals in the district… but that would require him to self reflect and and improve himself so not happening unless he is held accountable by the higher ups.
Teacher
6 months ago
He is openly disrespectful to staff that aren’t part of the staff he hired. He does not greet anyone who doesn’t fall in line with his “leadership”. He has occulted per session opportunities from the full staff. He has occulted staff from having access to everyone’s schedules to prevent everyone from being aware of how he gives preferential schedules to favored teachers. Oftentimes, those teachers who receive preferential treatment, don’t teach or are excused from class to “speak to the principal” preventing students from instruction. At the beginning of every school, he says he doesn’t under why people leave. Yet, at the end of every school year, since 3 years ago, has implored people to leave if they don’t like how things are, in a very nasty tone. So many fantastic teachers have left our school because of his narcissism, nepotism, inflexibility and unprofessionalism.
Mr. Dempster rules the school using retaliatory practices. He makes general statements in staff meetings that intimidate staff members. He would make teachers feel like they betrayed him by prioritizing their health and safety.
I am formerly a teacher at I.S. 220. I’m leaving after 6 years of experiencing my colleagues and myself receiving emotional abuse from our principal. It was a very difficult decision I had to make because my mental health is at stake, and I’m sad to leave such a wonderful group of colleagues and students. Unfortunately, I am one of many teachers leaving Pershing this year.
Our principal is openly disrespectful to staff that aren’t part of the staff he hired. He does not greet anyone who doesn’t fall in line with his “leadership”. He has occulted per session opportunities from the full staff. He has prevented staff from having access to everyone’s schedules to prevent everyone from being aware of how he gives preferential schedules to favored teachers. Oftentimes, those teachers who receive preferential treatment, don’t teach or are excused from class to “speak to the principal”, preventing students from instruction. At the beginning of every school, he says he doesn’t understand why people leave. Yet, at the end of every school year, since 3 years ago, has implored people to leave if they don’t like how things are, in a very nasty tone. So many fantastic teachers have left our school because of his narcissism, nepotism, inflexibility and unprofessionalism.
I fear for the future of Pershing. The constant turnover of teachers causes instability with the students. Teachers who are loved and passionate about their jobs get pushed away. Please help I.S. 220.
In the 5 years he had not afforded new mothers a lactation room (violation of a state law). He interferes with UFT business. He tells new teachers how he will take care of them and that they don’t need the chapter leader. He doesn’t respond to teacher’s emails. Seems like he makes up his own hours (is he in the building?). Spends excessive money on teacher’s desks, paint, stickers for doors, tv’s for the hallway, a fish tank in the main office, and area rugs with the school logo on them. He intimates and bullies staff members and constantly tells us to “leave”! He has 6 AP’s but excesses teachers. He sits in his office watching the cameras to “catch” teachers. He calls last minute staff meeting that go beyond the school day and yells at us if we call him on it. There is no communication, the children know things before the teachers do. If you don’t think he’s the greatest, you we suffer the consequences.
Does not want imput from effective,experienced educators instead dictates policies stating “ non- negotiable”.Plays “favorites”,creates an uncomfortable and threatening environment.Disrespectful and arrogant approach often resulting in foolish decisions which negatively impacts our entire school community.
Mr. Dempster uses retaliation and doesn’t even try to hide it. It is very apparent. He uses it against school aides, teachers, and secretaries. In the case of his APs, yes he uses it there too but not to all of them. He has 6 APs. He hired 4 of them as teachers from his previous school and scoring site. Yes student enrollment decreased and teachers were excessed, but he hired his 6th AP in June 2021 during a pandemic. Not to change topics but, why are all 6 APs women???
If the DOE wants us to teach social emotional learning for our students’ well-being, maybe it should apply to us too. The principal needs a PD on SEL practices. As teachers we should be able to report to work and not be afraid of what will happen to us today. We want to know that if we talk to someone that he doesn’t like and he sees it on camera (he is always watching from his office – great use of time) that we won’t get our classroom changed or program changed or denied per session opportunities.
We can go on and on about Mr. Dempster, but the real problem is that he can do whatever he wants without repercussions thanks to the District 20 Central Office.
Where are you Superintended David Pretto?????
Here is a figure for the Superintendent
Thus far 23 teachers have open market transferred to other DOE schools under Mr. Dempster’s principalship. This 23 does not include teachers who moved out of state or left the profession or retirement. They are teaching at other schools in the DOE. Out of these 23 transfers NINE went to other schools in District 20!
Superintendent Pretto – wherever you are….Look at this data! You are this man’s supervisor!
Interpret, draw an inference or you could do what superintendents are supposed to do when they see this and conduct EXIT INTERVIEWS!
Help us by holding him accountable please.
A previous comment mentioned 23 teachers leaving in open market. The number is definitely greater. In addition, many teachers’ decisions to retire, move out of state, or seek alternate employment situations were made based on the aggressive, confrontational, and intimidating behavior of this principal. These teachers would still be doing a great job at IS 220 if not for the failure of Sheldon Dempster.
I have to say that my perspective and experience with our Principal has been not just professional but full of desire to grow and exceed as a teacher. This past year we participated in a parent literacy where I was able share in the excitement with over 200 parents. He had games, free books for all students who came including small siblings that showed up with their parents. There was food but most importantly the raffles were tickets to Broadway shows for families. Mr. Dempster took his time to celebrate teacher appreciation the entire week, giving us all a free prep. Another benefit of having him as a principal is the ability at anytime to ask for supplies, paper, ink for printers and basically anything we need. I think one of the most memorable time for me this year, was when he decided the Arista and Archon was not inclusive enough and had a ceremony for all the Special Ed students, where the turn out of parents was amazing. As a teacher I am in the business of students. Mr. Dempster always celebrates students and teachers. This is evident when you see the screens around the hallways full of images of students and teachers engaged in a school community that promotes love for learning, inclusion, championships, family events and so much more. I am a proud member of this school that with his leadership has successfully allowed for student growth in every subject. Excited to see what this upcoming year brings.
Update… They keep leaving
24 teachers have open market transferred to other DOE schools under Mr. Dempster’s principalship. Out of these 24 transfers TEN went to other schools in District 20.
Perhaps he could learn an thing or two from the other principals in the district… but that would require him to self reflect and and improve himself so not happening unless he is held accountable by the higher ups.
He is openly disrespectful to staff that aren’t part of the staff he hired. He does not greet anyone who doesn’t fall in line with his “leadership”. He has occulted per session opportunities from the full staff. He has occulted staff from having access to everyone’s schedules to prevent everyone from being aware of how he gives preferential schedules to favored teachers. Oftentimes, those teachers who receive preferential treatment, don’t teach or are excused from class to “speak to the principal” preventing students from instruction. At the beginning of every school, he says he doesn’t under why people leave. Yet, at the end of every school year, since 3 years ago, has implored people to leave if they don’t like how things are, in a very nasty tone. So many fantastic teachers have left our school because of his narcissism, nepotism, inflexibility and unprofessionalism.