Bess

Posted on 6/25/09

I really need some advice. I work at a private school as a
lead teacher. I have been there for three years.
Previously, I taught in a public school in another state
for 7 years. My recomendations are excellent and I am still
missed by my previous school peers.

My "Head of School" (which is like a superintendent)
requested a meeting with me today to inform me that they
are considering making me an assistant next year instead of
the lead teacher. He felt that the department needed "great
teachers" and said that I am a "good" teacher.

This is June 25th. I signed a contract as the lead teacher
in March of this year. I have not received any written
documentation regarding my performance this year. I have
not received any emails regarding my performance this year.

I teacher pre-k and our numbers are down for next year. I
don't know why. I do know that I have a positive report
with almost all of the parents that I've worked with here
in the last three years. This year, I had one set of
parents that decided not to trust me in Sept. They spent
the rest of the year having private meetings with the head
of school which were then trickled down to me verbally as
"they didn't feel their child was physically safe in
school". All of their worries were based on the behavior
they had witnessed by the classmates at various
out-of-school birthday parties and accounts of their own 4
year old. They did not believe me when I, along with my
assistant and my director, gave differing accounts than
their child.

In the beginning, the director (read principal) and head
arranged for another "specialist" (early childhood
educator) to observe and report her findings. I welcomed
her visit. She found that the classroom was well run, the
children within the normal range of 4 years olds, and our
discipline structure sound. Her only reccomendation was
that I work to get the trust of parents quickly and early.
It was too late for this family.

These parents tried to convince other parents that there
were horrible bullies in my classroom and that I was doing
nothing about it. They continued to speak only to the head
of school. He supported this action. In April, they decided
that the only way they would feel safe to have their child
attend is if I would meet daily with the head of school to
list any and all discipline issues for each and every day.

I taught this year in fear for my job. Everyday, I was
afraid a single child might misinterpret actions by other
students and I would end up hearing about it from my
superiors again. I was definitely not myself this year. I
was a little less happy and loving, but I tried to stay
positive and always treated this and all families with
politeness and respect. I understood and understand that
although they made my life hell, they really thought that
they were protecting their child.

Now, back to the job. So we are low in numbers. I was
expecting there to be a cut back and have my assistant
taken away. I was not expecting them to offer me a
demotion. I was asked to consider if I think that I could
work as an assistant there. In my eyes, this is basically a
wimpy olive branch and they are just hoping I'll quit so
they can cut their losses.

Do I demand that they honor the contract (which says that
it can be changed upon "financial, legal, or enrollment"
issues...none of which are the case here) or fire me. Or do
I take the pithy assistant job for one year since it is so
late in the hiring season upon the condition that they
honor my previous pay scale (2x that of assistant, and
depended upon for my mortgage) and just refuse to answer
any questions when parents who signed up to have me as
their child's teacher ask me what happened next year? And
then plan a more orderly retreat following next school
year?

If anyone actually read through that entire post. I thank
you for your patience. I am so angry and confused right
now. I miss my union. For those of you just starting
out...really, think twice before you go to private school
for work. I have practically no rights in this situation as
far as I can tell.

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