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Classroom Teachers Association raises morale concerns, says ClassDojo removal lacked teacher input
Summary
Clinton McCracken, president of the Classroom Teachers Association, told the board that teacher morale remains low and cited the district’s decision to remove ClassDojo without teacher input as an example; he said replacement tools have not yet addressed teachers’ behavior‑management needs.
Clinton McCracken, president of the Classroom Teachers Association, told the Orange County School Board on March 11, 2025, that teacher morale remains a pressing issue and urged greater teacher involvement in district decisions.
McCracken highlighted the recent change in parent‑communication and behavior‑management tools. He said ClassDojo—an app teachers used for parent communication and behavior management—was eliminated without teacher input, replaced with talking points, and that the district plans to switch to ParentSquare this summer. McCracken said the newer tool does not include the behavior‑management features teachers valued in ClassDojo.
“That was eliminated without teacher input, replaced by talking points, and now this summer, we will change yet again to Parent Square,” McCracken said, urging the district to consult teachers before implementing new systems.
McCracken also summarized broader morale drivers reported by teachers and cited an Education Week survey he referenced: teachers said improved communication, support with student discipline, fair treatment and opportunities for involvement in decision‑making would improve morale in addition to pay increases. He asked the board to seek more meaningful teacher engagement in policy and operational changes.
The board acknowledged the concerns during the meeting; no formal action on communications platforms was taken at the March 11 session.
Speakers listed in the meeting also discussed staffing, budget and teacher retention in subsequent remarks and public comment; McCracken’s statement framed morale as tied both to pay and to how teachers are consulted about operational changes.
