Baltimore City desperately needs teachers, but the hiring process is frustrating to prospective educators, some of whom say they are leaving the city for the county.
Each September, Baltimore Bird Club members watch as chimney swifts pour into the chimney at the former Hampden bookbindery on their annual journey from Canada to South America. However, the birds will soon likely no longer have a chimney in which to roost.
A Fund for Educational Excellence survey of more than 400 teachers shows about half of Baltimore City school teachers are satisfied with their jobs and are motivated to stay because of the obligation they feel for their students. On the other hand, nearly a quarter said they weren't sure they would return after this school year, and they cited paperwork and student behavior as two reasons.
The unionization vote followed a months-long organizing effort by staff members at the Hampden grocery store, who said they were fighting for higher wages and more paid time off .