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 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org
>
> To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to
> http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org.
>
> Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
_______________________________________________
The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org
To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to
http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org.
Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
