Last week, this kid named Corey decided he wanted to be in a different class. So he just started showing up to this new class. Apparently, I'm the only teacher who was not okay with this.
Administrator brings him to me last period because Corey said that was his class. I tell administrator that Corey is NOT in that class, he is in my second period...and I had written at cut slip for him during 2nd period.
This happens Wednesday AND Thursday.
On Friday, Administrator tries to bring Corey to me AGAIN during last period. "Miss Vinson, just take him, he's already been to all his other classes."
NO. NO I WILL NOT TAKE HIM. An 11 year old does not get to make my decisions for me. He is in my 2nd period. I will teach him during 2nd period unless you change his schedule.
He leaves and take Corey to the computer lab for the remainder of the period.
I'm sorry, but I just don't get letting a kid do whatever they want just because you don't feel like arguing with them. And I don't pick every battle with a child (Good Lord, there aren't enough hours in the day) but the battles I do pick, I AM GOING TO WIN THEM.
This past Monday, Administrator says we need to talk. He takes me into the conference room and says, "In all my years of teaching, I would have NEVER thought to raise my voice to an administrator and I cannot BELIEVE you did such a thing."
I told him that I was sorry he was upset, but I would not apologize and I would do it again if it came down to it. He said we should be able to talk about things out of range of the kids and without raising our voice.
Which, I agree with...HOWEVER. This was the THIRD day we'd had the exact same conversation ("Miss Vinson you can't expect me to remember everything.") And he's the one who forced his hand by standing in the doorway of the classroom and announcing that I needed to take Corey into my room.
I told him that I have to show up in this building and survive everyday and the only thing I have is my authority. And if he tries to strip that away, we are going to have some problems.
We decided to agree to disagree. And since then, he has come into my room and told me that he needs a copy of my curriculum to make sure I'm teaching what I'm supposed to be teaching. Apparently, they are suspiciously well-behaved for me and he thinks I'm just making shit up to keep them entertained.
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4 comments:
First off, completely agree with you for not apologizing. The fact that admin looks to you for one in the first place is kRaZy. (I always use "that's unfortunate for you" instead of "I'm sorry" when I know they're looking to me to be the one to back down.)
From reading your posts, it's obvious you have to pick your battles (just due to sheer numbers). . . this was definitely one worth throwing down the hammer. It's part of what makes you such a great teacher and one that the kids respond to.
Kudos.
I get fairly hot and bothered at 'faux authority'- which I define as someone in a postition of power assuming subordinates must do as they say, not matter how ridiculous it is, just because it is convenient/they are in a position of authority. I applaud your ability to stand your ground and understand what your authority/battles are. No one should have to kowtow because someone else thinks they should!
"In all my years of teaching, I would have NEVER thought to raise my voice to an administrator and I cannot BELIEVE you did such a thing."
Well, no sh*t, dude, 'cause you had admins that actually DID THEIR JOB and ran the school. So much for that argument, dipwad.
"Miss Vinson you can't expect me to remember everything." Oh, because this situation happens so frequently that it blends in with all the others? Take some ginko biloba and shut up.
Honestly, Heather, I think you are amazingly awesome to put up with these jerkish admins and still keep coming back to your classroom every day. May God bless you over and over again. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I think you're an inspiration.
don'tcha love my sister?
dipwad. LOL.
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