Unprofessional!
When school started, I was anxious about the boys' new teachers. I was sure it wasn't even possible for them to come close to the quality, amazing people who had them the year before. Fast forward six months and it's been fine. I feel like they are good, loving educators doing their best to teach the children placed in their classes. So far, so good. Except...
Last week, an issue arose that, frankly, I'm not even sure is any of my business, and yet it left me feeling uneasy about a situation at school. I am torn, because while part of me feels like I've witnessed some unprofessional behavior, another part thinks it does not concern me. Let me clarify that this doesn't affect the education of my children...or does it? See, I can't quite wrap my head around it. Maybe you can help.
I try to volunteer in the boys' classrooms once a week. I don't do anything of earth shattering importance. Make copies, help file, whatever they need. I have to confess to having ulterior motives. The more my presence is known at the school, the more likely I am to know about a problem early on. I like to see the kids in their element in the classroom. I love when their classmates say "Hi, Mrs. Bailey!!" and when I can say hi back using their name. I always joke that I volunteer so that I can be a spy to know what's really going on.
Last week while volunteering, I had a teacher complain (specifically) about two of her coworkers. The way our school is set up, there are four classes that work closely together and these teachers were the others on her team. I have so many problems with this, primarily the lack of professionalism. Her complaint may or may not have been valid. I can't decide since I'm not there every day. Yet, if I think about it, I have noticed the other teachers treating her with disdain. Just a look here, or a comment there. Realistically, it's not even my place to be analyzing it. I just smiled and nodded and said as little as possible, while trying to still be friendly and support my child's teacher. I can't be dragged into catty comments and drama. After all, I have two more children to go through this group of teachers (or at least there is a chance of it) and I don't want to have preconceived opinions. I want to go in fresh and let their teaching and how they treat my guys be what I base my judgement on not whether or not they can get along with their coworkers.
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