Dear, we are teachers.
My principal called me this morning and said that a “community member” gave her a photo of me published by a local news agency. In the photo, I carry a slogan that says “Protect our democracy.” My principal said this violates the code of conduct in our area, which prohibits “verbal destructive, unprofessional or inconsistent with their educational mission.” She said I am promoting a “partisan message” that offends the students and families I work with and I should know that my attendance will send negative messages to our school community. She asked me to write an apology statement to my parents, and when I asked what would happen if I didn’t do so, she said it would lead to “formal condemnation.” In my 23 years of teaching, I haven’t slapped like my wrists! what would you do?
– Career caused by
Dear CWAC,
This is the part I remind everyone that public school teachers are also citizens. and humans. and people protected by the First Amendment. (Honestly, sometimes I think if I ask politicians and lawmakers: “Do you think teachers are humans or servant robots?”, they have to work very hard before answering.)
That said, this gets complicated when your job is something people seem to think that “neutrality” means not expressing any values at all.
Holding a sign that says “protect our democracy” is hardly an incitement statement. My guess is that the party’s “information” is actually you’re basically participating in the protest. Based on records, I will provide the following advice to anyone who protests or marchs outside of working hours, which is within your rights. Unfortunately, school districts often rely on vague language in their code of conduct to overturn anything they think might be controversial. Here is what I want to do:
- Courteously refused to write an apology. Like “Oh”, thanks, but hell not. “Hahaha. Just kidding.
- Ask for a meeting with your principal, ideally with a union representative. At the meeting, a special question was asked: What part of the party is? What policy have I violated? Is it a symbol of a violation of the code of conduct or my existence in the event? Can you point out the precedent for formal condemnation in this case?
- Any action required in writing. This tends to slow things down and forces administrators to think carefully about whether they want to upgrade.
This is beyond doubt, but if you are in the union, please contact your representative as soon as possible. If you are not in the union, this is your sign (pun).
you are not alone. There is a whole educator trying to figure out how to balance professional life with public responsibilities. No, you should not be punished for proof of peace or for having a completely reasonable opinion outside the classroom wall.
Dear, we are teachers.
After 20 years at a 40-minute school, I decided to leave and work in an area near my home. The problem is that I can’t be hired! I have excellent references, clear records, all of my interviews seem to be great…just being told they went with another candidate. What deals are there?
– Skills proficient
Dear SWS,
coin. I know it hurts. Especially when your experience and reputation are stable, the only thing you do is want a shorter commute and more balance.
My guess is one of two situations:
- Your years of experience make it expensive to hire you. Some areas quietly support cheap new employees rather than experienced veterans, especially on tight budgets.
- They went with the internal candidates they had already thought of. Many jobs have been dedicated to long-term submarines, student teachers, or newly certified employees. In these cases, interviews are usually a form.
Now, for the proactive part of the next time you take the position:
- In the interview, it was said “I know my experience puts me in my best shape, but I am here because I believe I deserve the investment and I know I’m going to run.”
- Let trusted administrators or colleagues view your resume and simulated faces visit. There may be some small adjustments that make a big difference.
- Throw wider nets – Probably not 40 minutes wide, but consider nearby areas or charters where your experience may be considered as an asset rather than a cost.
You want to stick to your values and find the job that suits your life to do the right thing. Don’t give up.
Dear, we are teachers.
In my third year of teaching, I was just hired as a middle school science position on my new campus. My team is great, but there is a catch: they meet weekly in the summer to plan lessons, update lessons, and prepare for the next school year. That summer, I was determined to be on and off in the camp! Should I suck it up because I’m a newbie or do free labor set boundaries outside of contract working hours?
– Summer means summer
Dear text message,
You even ask this fact that tells me that this is a thoughtful teammate, a better predictor of long-term success, rather than whether you are attending a summer meeting or not. Ending.
just kidding. I have more.
Some schools and teams do meet in the summer, but it should always be optional and unstressed. The “optional” moment starts to feel like “Okay, you don’t have to, but if you don’t, that looks really bad” and that’s a red flag.
This is your middle way:
- Contact the team leader and say, “I’m so happy to work with everyone! I want to use the summer for full rest and recharge before I use the summer so I can do my best in the year. I won’t be able to attend summer meetings, but I’d be happy to attend my summer meetings, but I can help here – most likely I can review classes here and there or do classes here or prepare for classes here?”
- Propose contributions in small, specific asynchronous ways. This way, you will demonstrate initiative without setting a precedent for your unpaid working hours.
Just a reminder: Boundaries are not anti-teams. They rely on. You plan to stay in this profession, which means protecting your energy as early as possible. This is thanks from your team (and your future self).
Do you have a burning problem? Send us an email at AskWeareTeachers@weareteachers.com.
Dear, we are teachers.
I just finished my first year and was ready for the summer. At least I thought I was. I feel like my stress this year is still the case and I can’t relax! What can I do to help me relax and/or recharge?
– Seeking Summer Peace
