mrs

Posted on 6/26/09

Dear Bess,

I know this is really long...but final advice is GET OUT while
you can!!!

First, I am very sorry you are going through all of this! I
understand how stressful, emotional and difficult it can be as
I went through a similar situation. Except I taught elementary
at a public school WITH a union - and it did no good!

I had worked with children over 10 years in various capacities
before teaching elementary school, and have always had glowing
reviews from supervisors, colleagues, parents and children.
After completing the teacher program, I began work at a very
large urban school (in L.A.) with a fairly new principle (who
had never taught!) whom was hated by many teachers and parents
(I didn't know this at the time). By befriending certain
teachers who welcomed and supported me, the principle quickly
put me in the enemy category and made my first year of teaching
hell.

I taught 4th grade that year, in a school where violence,
weapons, and misbehavior were tolerated by administration. I
was unsupported, "observed" often (with no constructive
feedback), and even told I would be most likely fired by the
end of the year by the administration. Also one parent (who has
a history of badmouthing teachers, taking child out of school,
won't put child in special ed. classes, etc)did the same thing
as you were mentioning (going to admin. instead of me for
any/all issues). My principle took her side when the parent
was present, then told me that she really hated this mother and
the woman is crazy.

I welcomed any suggestions, was open to learning how they
wanted me to teach, contacted parents daily, integrated a
special ed. class into my schedule (while team teaching with
their teacher), organized field trips, taught to the best of my
abilities.

As the year progressed, it was clear that a few targeted
teachers would be fired - and we sought help from our union.
Our representative did what he could, teachers supported our
cause, even public protests from parents occurred. But because
of our status of probationary (new) teacher I had no rights. So
before I was fired, I was advised at the end of the year to
submit a letter of resignation from the school AND district in
order to not have a nonrelect on my records.

LUCKILY - and this is where my advice comes in!!! - I had
teachers from that school I knew had observed me, write letters
of recommendation - the more the better! It doesn't hurt to
ask parents for them as well. I had letters from previous
principles and supervisors as well, and used them during my job
search. Use any of these as references!

Interviews were tough, as a question is usually asked have you
ever been fired? Even "if I called this principle what kind of
things would she say about you?"! Advice for this is PRACTICE
at home what your answers would be. I said I resigned (legally
I did) and that the school was under great strife with a new
principle unsupported by parents in the community and veteran
teachers...things like that. Then I would focus on all the
positive things I did at that school for the kids and parents
and working with the teachers.

That said, I was offered three different jobs (during a time
when almost NO schools are hiring b/c of budget) and accepted
one at an award winning charter school in the same area (South
LA).

I am sure with all of your experience and good standing with
parents and teachers, you will not have a problem getting
hired. Even if it is for a position that pays less - it will
be worth it to get out of such a stressful and spirit depleting
environment!!! And if NO teaching jobs are available, work as
a nanny for a year (check out teachercare.com) or privately
home teach or tutor...you can get a lot of money for those and
you can have more time to find the school that's right for you!

Sorry so long - I feel your pain! I know things will turn out
to be better (in a year from now you will be sooo happy you
left!!).

On 6/25/09, Bess wrote:
> 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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