Dear, we are teachers.
I couldn’t help but notice that my male teacher in elementary school did not have to “surpass” the teacher’s duties in some way. They are never included in volunteers to help, lead group activities or organize (or contribute) Potluck. They were never hunted to join the Sunshine Club, nor would they bend backwards to the whimsical way of PTA’s mom. Should I point it out to my principal? If so, how about it?– volunteer
Dear VTV,
* phe ph*As a teacher and toddler mom, I know the self-evident mental burden on women, whether it is intended or not. This is not only unfair, but also a breeding ground for resentment.
Before doing anything, I’ll take a step back and think about the whole picture. What do you mean when you say “hound”? Was it specifically told/voluntarily doing something? Or is it a gentle requirement that some teachers may be misunderstanding? A clear motto can be addressed directly, but less direct inquiries may require more nuance when discussing it. I also know that my desire for people makes me feel that when I agree with things I don’t have to do, I also have to learn how to refuse. Are greetings for women, or are women more likely to move forward?
Please know, I’m not saying these words will ruin your concerns. I mean that’s it, so you’re ready to respond to possible rebuttals that may be raised.
Whether or not you should deal with the principal depends on your relationship with them and your frustration. If you have a good relationship with the principal, use it as an observation rather than an allegation. Referring to this question has been sitting in your heart and you want to share it with them. Getting into it in the spirit of hope to help support faculty and the school community is a great way to promote positive dialogue.
If you don’t have a close relationship with the principal, I will measure whether this is a problem of making or destroying you. If so, it is worth discussing.
Do you have colleagues who agree to your consent? A group may indicate that the issue affects employee culture, and it is more than just a lonely complaint. Whether it’s a group or a solo, I’ll come to the table with solutions. Share your observations, respond to reactions and share potential solutions. One of the articles is “explicit work”. Rather than having something like Potluck organizing or managing PTA messages is a commitment to influence, it can also be a clear role that someone (or more people) can fill. By making work clear and having greater conversations open, it is easier for the entire school community to ensure that all teachers work more equitable. Good luck! I trust you!
Dear, we are teachers.
Our government has provided Dum-Dum Lollipops to all faculty and staff at the end of this week. I think the school is saying we are working in school or entering the teaching major “Dum-Dums” or suction cups. I didn’t find this interesting! Should I speak?
– Not a dumb
Dear Nad,
Now, it is difficult to become a teacher now. real. In addition to feeling burned, many of us also feel that the public has a negative view of our work. It is understandable that we may feel defensive about the work we are doing when we feel that our work is not only higher than before, but also unhappy with the demands of the communities we seek to serve.
So I heard your frustration and I wanted to fight back the gut reaction to get “Dum-Dum”. Is your school asking you to do anything that convinces you that they don’t respect you? Anyone in your government or someone who might make this choice has made a derogatory comment on the work done by teachers or the work called “sucker”?
If so, then I feel hurt and frustrated. The joke worth telling your government is harmful.
But if not, I think it’s worth assuming the best intention: small lollipops are an affordable, fun treat that easily pops up into the teacher’s mailbox. My government actually does it a few times a year. I always appreciate the outbreak of sugar, and the fun moments of finding other student notes or other paperwork in my mailbox. I know they respect and appreciate my work, so I will never doubt whether there is any hidden information. This is just a good way.
If you have no reason to believe that your government does not respect you, hold your breath and be curious: Where does this defensive ability come from? Is it actually targeting your government? Or travel from another source (e.g., the misunderstanding of the work we do)?
I know it’s hard there. We are not dummies. We are just trying to find support in a society that may always value us. I want you to contact your administrator and colleagues and push them away unnecessarily if they want to help. Good luck. I believe in you, I have sent you a lot of love and care.
Dear, we are teachers.
I am a high school teacher and work with a special education teacher. I have a new special education teacher and have had several problems. They are always late to attend classes and do not participate in lesson plans. They also left the classroom during teaching hours without explanation and missed a long time of class. I shared these questions with my administrative team but directed me to discuss them directly with the teacher. I think this is the responsibility of the government as a supervisor. I worry that this may create additional tension in our working relationship. How should I move forward?
– Cooperation situation
Dear CS,
Collaborative teaching can be a challenging relationship. Even in the best case scenario, it is an adjustment.
I understand you want your government to deal with this situation. Give peer-to-peer feedback is a challenge. I understand your concerns about tension, too. The government that passes it to yours may feel like it provides a shield, so you don’t have to upset the teacher.
That said, I agree that you should be the first to speak with the teacher. While evaluating this teacher may not be your job, managing a collaborative relationship with them is your job. Your government is not an eyewitness and is directly affected by this behavior. It makes sense that you connect with teachers and share your thoughts and concerns with them before managing directly.
It may not be difficult to talk to! It is worth treating this person with respect and transparency from professional colleagues; instead of making them feel like they are behind their backs without any warning, you can show you their work. They may just not know the expectations and are willing to adjust.
At this point, I will check it out before going to the teacher. For beginners, are there expectations for their role in lesson planning, timeliness, or staying in the room? I think there are a lot and it will be convenient for me when you share your concerns with them. I would contact them as calmly as possible, rather than make allegations, rather than explaining ways in which their work is not currently aligned with expectations and discussing how the changes they have made can do what everyone wants to do: Supporting students’ success.
Also, are they working with other teachers to play a role similar to yours? I’ll contact them to see if they face similar problems. If so, it might also be helpful to share expectations with teachers so they know that it is not only a problem you have, but a bigger shift is needed.
If you are really uncomfortable, or you have tried to express your concerns to the teacher and it is not going well, you can ask someone on your administrative team to join your conversation. I think it’s important that you are here because it’s your life experience and your class culture, but that doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Good luck, I believe in you!
Do you have a burning problem? Send us an email at AskWeareTeachers@weareteachers.com.
Dear, we are teachers.
My second year of teaching was exhausted. I thought this would help cut my workday activities, so I canceled the Barre course and book club. But now I’ve reached the point where I don’t even want to do anything on the weekends. Will the teacher get better if he is tired? Or do I need to solve this problem?
– Inadequate new teacher
