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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Toph on February 29, 2008, at 19:56:44
I suppose this rant should be on the parent board but I dont want to see it there for a year.
My daughter is a first year teacher teaching first-graders. They created a class for her because there were too many 1st grade kids this year in her district. So the other teachers got to dump all their tough kids on to her. She really struggled at first, but she learned to be structured and consistent and not just focus on the negative lest the children resent her, rather reinforce whatever effort these kids put forth so eventually they would want to perform for her because they cared about her approval. Anyway, today the principal calls her in and says they do not have a place for her next year. She threatened Sarah that if she didn't resign they would have to fire her for some reason which would mean she couldn't get a good recommendation for applying elsewhere. Of course what they didn't tell her is if she resigns the school district won't have to pay unemployment for her. The teachers union says thats the way it is and she should do what they ask since not much can be done until someone has tenure. I live vicariously through my children and suffer when they suffer. I want to tell this principal how harmful it is to lie to my daughter this way but I'd only make things worse. Sarah has done so well this year and it sickens me to see her hurt this way. She has helped some really tough kids this year and what kind of message is this to tell her? I'm so proud of her and I suppose things happen for a reason. I just would prefer that they happen to me instead.
Posted by Kath on February 29, 2008, at 22:30:34
In reply to No fair, posted by Toph on February 29, 2008, at 19:56:44
Oh Toph,
What a horrible thing to happen - both for her and for the kids!!! She sounds like a book a read - can't remember the name, but there have been moveis like that too, where amazing teachers go to really difficult classes & are the first person these difficult kids encounter who look at their positives.
I can relate totally to how you feel the hurt because this is happening to your daughter. That's a major challenge for me in my life!
This is SO very unfair. Do you think the principal would give her any kid of decent reference if she resigns? Does she know why the principal has said this? Maybe it's because there aren't going to be the same large number of Grade 1's next year? Wouldn't it be great if that was the reason, & the principal actually does see the good work she's done? Any chance of that, do you think?
I send you hugs & am so sorry your daughter & you have this happening.
hugs, Kath
PS - I know what you mean about the parenting board. I agree - it's probably better to put it here.
K
Posted by Toph on February 29, 2008, at 23:07:30
In reply to Re: No fair » Toph, posted by Kath on February 29, 2008, at 22:30:34
She gets good performance evaluations and is liked and supported by the other teachers. There just isn't enough positions. One teacher is being let go (forced to resign) after 4 years because she gets tenured next year. Sarah did have trouble with a couple kids who refused to listen and she at least has them trying a little. They have a secret reader and I got to read one day. They kids were patiently waiting when I arrived. Aside from asking questions with out raising their hand I was impressed at how orderly the classroom was and how attentive they were. She will get a good referral, and should land another job somewhere I'm confident of that. This is where she went to school and its where she wanted to stay. Its just discouraging that they have to threaten her instead of just asking her to resign because there is no position. But then I guess she could get unemployment that way. It just doesn't seem right. Hopefully she will learn something positive from this. This is such a blow. I was glad that she let me support her today. Thanks for your kind words Kath.
Posted by Kath on March 1, 2008, at 14:31:32
In reply to Re: No fair » Kath, posted by Toph on February 29, 2008, at 23:07:30
Toph - I send my loving support to you as a parent during this time. I am so glad to hear that she'll get a good referral & is well-liked etc.
People have said to me at various points, "this too, shall pass". part of me hates to hear it, but there's usually a little part of me that finds it a bit reassurring.
:-) take care, Kath
Posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2008, at 15:46:55
In reply to Re: No fair » Toph, posted by Kath on March 1, 2008, at 14:31:32
Top so sorry for you and of course your Daughter. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2008, at 15:47:52
In reply to Re: No fair, posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2008, at 15:46:55
Toph sorry for the name spelling. Phillipa
Posted by Toph on March 1, 2008, at 18:16:21
In reply to Re: No fair, posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2008, at 15:46:55
Thank you Phillipa. Sarah's doing better with this than I am with this. We're taking Sarah, her sister and their boyfiends out bowling tonight to take her mind off this. She's going to have a tough monday, not with her kids, but in the lunchroom. She's pretty brave though. She's 22, I didn't know what I wanted to do in life until I was 30. Thank God none of the kids appear to be BP. I wish she knew how lucky she really is.
Posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2008, at 19:15:35
In reply to Re: No fair » Phillipa, posted by Toph on March 1, 2008, at 18:16:21
Toph well at 22 had two kids no mental health problems till 24 first panic attack. love Phillipa hope she beats you tonight!!!!!!!
Posted by Toph on March 2, 2008, at 12:28:18
In reply to Re: No fair » Toph, posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2008, at 19:15:35
This is the end of the thread.
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