TEACHERS Unite!!!

[disykat]

deleting my post

 

[Daxx]

For me I homeschool...and on the first day of dance class this year--there are 2 moms who are teachers. I already fear the day when they ask what school my kid goes too. While I am not a professional teacher and didn't go to school for it, I can teach my child. And often, I do get treated like an outsider.

I don't know of any teachers (personally) who would treat a homeschooling mom as an outsider. My SIL home schools her children and I have no problem w/that. I feel that it's a parents right to choose the best education for their children. If that means private school, great; public school, super; home school, excellent. I could care less how you go about educating your child just as long as your child is getting the best education you can provide!!!!! The most important thing is whether your child is getting a good education and if you can personally provide that, I think that's wonderful.

When SIL asked why I didn't choose to home school my DS, I said "B/c I would be so lazy and everything would be mall-centered". What I meant by that is I would say "Let's go to the mall and learn how to make change from a $50 bill!" And, that would be every day's lesson! I would not have the motivation to teach at home b/c I wouldn't be able to avoid getting sucked in by the computer, by the tv, and all the other outside distractions!!!! Plus, I think I'd be v. critical and overly tough on my child. I could just see me going "What part of one M&M plus one M&M equals two M&M's don't you get!?!?!?" W/my students, I would never, ever do that!!!!!! But, I might do it w/my own child out of frustration and I would never want that to happen!

I've had some homeschool moms ask me for advice (from my SIL's group) and I had no problem giving out tips. In turn, they showed me a few things that helped me out, too. I have 100% respect for home schooling mothers and fathers (as I know of one home schooling dad)!

All of you home schooling parents are doing a job that I couldn't personally do!!!!

Also wanting to add that when it comes to my job, I have a child in school and always think "Act the way you would want A's teacher to act towards him". Would I want my child's teacher belittling him? No. Would I want my child's teacher embarrassing him? No. Therefore, I treat these children in the same way I would want my child to be treated. That means I am kind, patient and loving ... even when I don't think I have it in me, it always comes to the surface and prevails.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I just had to post. I've been off the boards for a week or so because school started Monday for me.
First, I see both sides--and right now at every level. I have 3 kids in 3 schools--elem., middle and high. Next week the district I live in has preview night--all schools on the same night. The times are staggered a little, but it is still a major deal for parents with more than one child. I wonder what genius thought that up.
As a teacher, in all honesty I think I have it much easier than the elementary teachers. I concentrate on one subject and this year only one grade level. 12th grade, which is a completely different calling with different challenges. I rarely see or hear from parents unless it is to get a grade update. I can bet only 1 or 2 parents from my "general" classes will show up for open house--by 12th grade it goes way down. My "honors" parents will have a better showing if past experience repeats itself but they are also more critical. 3 years ago I had a parent criticize me because I required a floppy disc with a hard copy of a paper so I could use our plagarism checking program. Their up-to-date computer didn't have a floppy drive. At the time the school computers still had windows 95! He said "you need to update your technology." Wow, thanks, but that message needs to go to the school board, not me. Another time I had a drop-in parent at a conference (when we allowed drop-ins) who came in right before another parent had an appointment. The other parents saw her and left--and then I got a note saying "you should manage your time better." I did send her a nice reply explaining, but should I have had to?
I now boycott our graduation ceremony. It is one of the few in our area still held outside in the stadium. Most schools have it in a nice hall, but our school board won't leave the "tradition". In 2005 there was a woman behind the teacher row (the last row in front of the stands) who thought it was funny to continually honk an air horn whenever her child or any of her child's friends crossed the stage. I did not know this woman. I was sitting there in the hot sun in a black robe and after about the 5th honk I muttered to my friend that the horn was "so white trash". Well she obviously knew how to work a phone because the next day the principal came in to see me! He understood why I said it but I shouldn't have said it and I suppose I shouldn't have, but in my mind yes, it WAS white trash behavior. And until our graduation is in a more refined environment (the kids behave fine BTW) I will not be attending--after 17 years straight.
The parents I would like to "bash" are the parents I never see--the ones who buy cigarettes for their kids, turn a blind eye to drinking parties, call the kids in sick every time they use the whiny voice and ask to stay home, rent a hotel room for prom, stop disciplining at 18 because "they're 18, what can you do?" and myriad other issues that as a PARENT drive me nuts. As a teacher, I have come to accept that not every parent has the same morals that I do and I have to just bite my tongue when I hear things. But if one of my neighbors did these things I would be saying "Are you crazy?"
I have to go now--I collected our "summer reading" assignment today and I am trying to grade 5 of them this weekend--and DH just took the kids to see a movie so I could have a quiet house.
Edited to add we still have our pop machines--the kids' machines are turned off during the school day (and I think kids our age are allowed to have diet soda anyhow)--if they tried to take the teacher machines out, or worse told us not to bring it from home--I think even our union would get involved!
Robin M.

 

[isyne4u]

Wow! this is a hot topic!

I'm a teacher and a parent. I've had many a parent drive me to tears and drink! Instead I take happy pills so I don't care what they say to me

As a parent...my ds had a wonderful Kind. teacher and I'm looking forward to another wonderful teacher. But I am the kind that believes the teacher long before I will believe my son! What the teacher says goes even if i don't agree with it!

I look forward to reading more stories so that I'll know that others have it worse than me!

tara

 

[Wishing on a star]

I made a big mistake opening this thread.

I've spent the past two days as a first-time student teacher and I'm really depressed about it. I'm nervous and not at all sure if this is what I want to do now.

I am so sorry to hear that things may not have gone well and you are feeling that way!

 

[Feralpeg]

I just wanted to say that I survived the first week in my new teaching position! Pretty good considering I came in without any prep time. I had no lesson plans, no books (still have none for one class) and I have no room. I am a floating teacher. The student body has outgrown the school. They are trying to build a new building, but it will take a couple of years. Maybe then, I'll have my own room. As it stands now, I move from room to room for my classes. Not ideal, but I'm managing.

 

[ilovepooh]

Just an aside- here is something that has come up for us this year. We have been told we are no longer going to have a soda machine in the teachers lounge. All sodas have been removed and we are not to have them at school even if brought from home). Also we are no longer allowed to have pizza parties as rewards, cannot bring in cookies or cupcakes as treats, and we can not give any type of candy(for example many teacher will give a piece of candy out when kids are playing review games, etc..) Is anyone else being told this?

My curriculum super. told me the same thing! We will get the details during our in-service in September.

All I know it has something to do with healthier eating habits and I also heard the word "bio-terrorism"....???? No more candy, cupcakes, etc. It's good in a way, but what about our Halloween (Fall Harvest) party, Valentine's Day, etc. ????? Birthday celebrations????? I'll let you know when I find out more.

 

[ilovepooh]

I made a big mistake opening this thread.

I've spent the past two days as a first-time student teacher and I'm really depressed about it. I'm nervous and not at all sure if this is what I want to do now.

My first year was VERY overwhelming. I remember my "professional partner" telling me to teach the "meat and potatoes" first and then the creative projects, etc. will come later. I followed her advice and had a very successful year!!

Don't give up!! Teaching is a wonderful profession!!

BTW, I've been teaching for 9 years and I STILL get nervous at Back-to-School Night when I have to get up in front of all the parents and talk about our curriculum!! I don't think that will ever go away....????

 

[Disney Doll]

Not to step on your thread, but

Since when is a parent posting very specific valid problems with their childs teacher 'bashing'.

You know, this is a public forum, not the teachers lounge. I would say that the majority of people here on the CB are parents. It is sad that parents can not post their concerns without being called 'teacher bashers'.

If teachers want to parent bash, I am sure that there are a lot of education/teachers boards online where purposeful parent bashing might be a bit more appropriate.

Since when is a teacher posting very specific and valid problems with their students' parents "bashing".

This is a public forum, not the parents lounge. Many of the people here on the CB are teachers. It is sad that teachers cannot post their concerns on here without being called "parent bashers".

If parents want to teacher bash, I am sure there are a lot of parent boards online where purposeful teacher bashing might be a bit more appropriate.

Amazing how changing a few words can totally change the message, isn't it?

 

[Disney Doll]

Good for you. Believe me, those other parents were listening and now consider that parent an absolute a**. Good grief - are people really that self-centered?

Yes...take a look at a few of the posters here.

 

[Disney Doll]

when i was finishing the last of my student teaching one of the parents was a holy terror. she never approved of any of the teachers her dd had ever had and was constantly complaining to the teachers, the principal, the board of education. she was convinced her dd was 'gifted' and though the kid clearly did not meet the criteria the school let her take the academic test not once but twice-both times to moderate success. she would instruct the child which assignments were/were not worth 'her time' (the kids) to do-and instruct her to not to do some. she would take assignments and 'pull out' what she thought was of value and just have the child do those portions. constantly complaining that the 'inept teaching staff' was the reason her child was not succeeding-they were 'holding her back when she should be allowed to pursue/determine her own academic destiny' (she also thought whatever classroom her dd was in should have the curriculum/pace driven by her dd's individual ability "the other kids will just have to work to keep up"

the kicker was she was enrolled in a teaching program at the time and constantly pointed it out, saying her profs. had reviewed the assignments and concurred with her postion- when she became a teacher she would never....i was never so glad for a teaching placement to end. (oh and the dd was a little primadonna p.i.t.a. too-carbon copy of the mom).


flash forward 10 or 12 years and my dd goes to preschool-GUESS WHO THE DIRECTOR WAS????? yup, 'momma'-and she was the most disorganized, inept educator i've ever encountered (no lesson plans, no goals/expectations-it was a nightmare). she did'nt remember me (i was also going by my now married last name) BUT I REMEMBERED HER-but she knew i had a teaching background and would occasionaly vent about parents who don't understand what teachers go through-don't support the teachers/undermind their good works, how everyone assumes their child is gifted even when the are obviously NOT.....i listened for a time until i finaly could'nt resist one day-after she vented i said 'yeah i feel your pain, when i student taught at x school there was a parent who...". she was so supportive, agreeing the parent was a 'nightmare', 'arrogant', 'hope she decided not to go into teaching'....then she said 'wait, my dd attended x school-what year were you there?" i told her. "hm thats the same period dd was there-what classroom were you in?"-i told her, and then said 'but back then i was 'miss x'. she looked confused for a minute, then you could see the blood drain from her face as she realized who i was, and more importantly who the 'nightmare parent' (her words in the conversation not mine) was.

Don't you just love when karma comes back to bite people on the butt???
And it's even better when you can be there to witness it!!!!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

A friend of mine who is also a teacher has a husband who is a doctor. He shares a lot of patient stories with her and then she tells them to us. (Of course there are no names mentioned.) You wouldn't believe some of things that people do!!!!

I'm a nurse. Yes I would.

 

[Disney Doll]

UH....I saw your link and exactly ONE doctor posted a "worst patient" story. Most doctors have more professionalism and class to post deragatory stories on a internet bb about patients.

No, they really don't. Anyone who deals with the public gets fed up sometimes, believe me. And they bash. And they vent. And it has nothing to do with professionalism or class. It has to do with being human.

I remember the thread about "nurses, tell some stories about patients" and there many posters who gave the same indignant replies that I am seeing here about how it's not funny that nurses make fun of patients and so on.

See, the public has this notion that "public service" translates into "crap all over me, treat me like ___ and expect me to smile, tell you that you're right and ask for more". And yet, most of continue with our jobs because we do feel, that for all the aggravation from patients, parents or adminstrators, that we are somehow important to the people we serve.

Stupid, huh?

 

[Disney Doll]

Truthfully--I don't know what threads are being referenced...but here and IRL I have yet to see a parent begin their complaint about something that happened to their child at school with their teacher with..."OKAY, let's unite, it's teacher bashing time".

They don't need to because parents are very quick to unite and teacher bash on a thread without being told to!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

I would have said something like that, but honest to goodness, I don't think she realized she was being mean. She's a pretty nice woman, just not the sharpest tool in the shed. I'm sorry I know that's mean, but seriously-- I don't know if she realized what she was saying-- she really thought she was having a nice conversation with me. You know sometimes when people say things and they are just don't get what they are saying.

Reminds me of a time in Disney (not a parent)-- I hadn't lost alot of the weight from DS#2, and a woman sitting next to us in Prime Time kept asking me if this one is a boy or a girl. Naturally I thought she was talking about my son sitting next to me rather than my son across from me (he was only a year old and his hair needed to be cut -- it wasn't really long (but I didn't keep it super short because I didn't want him to lose all of that baby fine hair yet). So I kept saying, no he's a boy-- looking at my son. She wasn't giving up, and I wasn't getting it. Finally she said, no the one you're pregnant with now (I wasn't pregnant). DH and I started cracking up, and her face got so white-- and her husband got mad at her. I felt bad, I felt like it ruined her meal. But, she just wasn't getting it, wouldn't you have dropped the question just in case the person wasn't pregnant-- kinda clueless-- I felt bad.

I live by this rule:

"Do not ask a woman if she is pregnant unless you actuially see the child emerging from her body."

It saves a lot of embarrassment.

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, no offense, but if you aren't a professional teacher, then you aren't a professional teacher. You 're a parent who ahs teken on the huge responsibility of providing your child's education. In teaching circles, you are an outsider.

I can liken that to people who care for their fmaily members. They are "nursing" someone, but they are not nurses. So as far as being an "outsider" in a group of licensed nurses, they are. It's not good or bad. It just "is".

 

[Disney Doll]

I like to say I left a high paying job as a systems analyst because I felt a calling to be a teacher.

I'm beginning to think it was gas.

My mother thought I was gas when she was in labor with me.

I know, I know...

 

[Lanshark]

Disney Doll

 

[paigevz]

Unite? Okay, I don't like divisiveness.

Parent bash? No need. I have met half my parents this year, and so far no real issues. One Mom has some minor complaints that I am not in control of..........she's polite, but doesn't seem to believe I'm not capable of changing any of it.

However, one of last year's moms is driving the 3rd grade teacher crazy. She's already had a note every day, and several meetings. They had a huge meeting with the Assistant Principal over something (I didn't ask, I'm just glad it's not me this time).

 

[Hedy]

Well, no offense, but if you aren't a professional teacher, then you aren't a professional teacher. You 're a parent who ahs teken on the huge responsibility of providing your child's education. In teaching circles, you are an outsider.

I can liken that to people who care for their fmaily members. They are "nursing" someone, but they are not nurses. So as far as being an "outsider" in a group of licensed nurses, they are. It's not good or bad. It just "is".

Disney Doll, you put that very well. ::agrees heartily::