[LIT] How to respond to the age old question....

[macwendy at cox.net]

Damn the torpedos ---- send the postcards!

I have dealt with those teachers who resent what I do or don't do with regards to how it makes them look.  Too bad.  If it is good for your students, and you bond and build a relationship than it seems like perhaps those 'other' teachers would do the same.  I have been told this in the past:  "Be sure you tell us if you are going to do anything different or extra and share it with us so that we can do the same thing."  So when I shared what I wanted to do with my class, the other teachers rolled their eyes and said they weren't going to go to all of that work.  You need to be the teacher that you are regardless if it makes the others at your school feel like you are 'showing off'.  Because that is what they are going to say.    I've dealt with sarcastic looks, whispered comments, and open hostility, so open that even parents noticed.  It took a lot of strength on my part and finding like-minded teachers and a supportive principal to get me through those times.  Sure it looks like I am showing them up, showing off, bragging, whatever . . . but if I think it will be good for my sutdents, than I am going to do it.  Shame on them all.  Offer to share what you want to do, which is what I did, and then go ahead and do it.  By the way, when I was a one class only teacher I, too, sent postcards!  Besides, the principal can nip parent requests by simply saying 'no.'  However, if you are not at your contract limit in your classroom, expect the principal to move those students and avoid parent stife.  Another 'besides':  if I knew a parent wanted out of my classroom, why would I want them to stay????

Well, that certainly pushed my button!  Thanks for asking!

W





---- Tena Linsbeck-Perron <tlinsb71 at gmail.com> wrote: 
> Margaret shared "I've been told not to send {welcome} postcards [to
> students]because it makes parents call and want their students
> transferred to my class!"
> 
> There are many instances where a teacher wants to do something
> valuable for their students and where policies or ideology at the
> building level are different than that of the teacher. This often
> prevents the event, activity or gesture from being utilized. I think
> the  practice of stifling a teacher is unfair and would love tips on
> how to counteract the ever present, " You can not do __________
> because you make other teachers look bad." statement.
> 
> -- 
> Tena
> 
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