toasted

Posted on 6/26/09

You have a contract. Consult an attorney - an employment
attorney.

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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