(for those of you who don't know, I teach 8th grade)
Monday: Pretty ordinary, except the students wanted to do less than normal. The only good thing is that we did not have faculty meeting.
Tuesday: Complete lack of effort on my students part and to make things worse we had a grade level meeting which we knew nothing about ahead of time. Our topics of discussion: UNIFORMS. This is where the drama begins.
Wednesday: We have been so lax on the uniforms for so long that trying to enforce it really has been a point of dissention within the student since we started enforcing it on Wednesday. Well, not only was it a point of dissention among students but teachers as well. Things that had not been an issue as far as uniforms is now an issue like wearing a pullover over their uniform top. Well. I accidently let a uniform violation go by unnoticed. Well, 6th period a co-worker brings this given student back to me and states in a quite demeaning manor "He can't wear this, we discussed this yesterday". Well, as you might imagine, I was LIVID. I felt like I was being "corrected". Needless to say, I sent a email to my co-worker that went like this:
I do not appreciate you interrupting my class to address a dress code issue. That could have been addresses after class. Secondly, if Mr. Dean has a problem with anything I am doing he will come and tell me. Also, We are all trying to not make mistakes but no one is perfect, then when we get to that point we can correct each other.
Thursday: Well this given teacher enters my room on Thursday morning to clarify for my students the dress code. As her leaving, my students started complaining to me. I stated "I can't do anything about it, complain to the principal".
The day continues and I receive this email from the given teacher
Good morning, Mrs. Harris
I did not intent to interrupt your class. I asked for permission to speak to your class, as well as all of the other classes on our hall, to address and clarify the dress code.
At our meeting, as well as the meeting we had with the students this morning, many questions were asked concerning jackets, sweaters, and backpacks. I only attempted to bring clarity and answer question that the students had.
I do apologize for the inconvenience, and I did not intent for you to think that I had a problem with you, or the way in which you conduct your classroom. I have been trying to be a team player and help create some consistency with uniform issues amongst the teachers and students on our hall. I do agree that we all make mistakes, and if there is ever an opportunity for you to bring something to my attention, I welcome the constructive criticism.
Have a great day,
This is my thought: Had she bothered reading the time date stamp on the email. She would have known that I was not talking about the discussion with my students that morning but the situation the previous day.
Here is my reply to the previous email:
I was not refering to this morning. I understand this is alot of confusion among the students about dress code and bags because we all have different interpretations of what is small or large as far a purses are concerned, etc. I was refering to yesterday when you brought me JD. I probably could have handled it alittle better. I just left like it undermined my authority infront of my children. I am sorry that you thought I was refering to this morning.
I do appreciate the fact that you are taking time from your students to deal with the dress code and other issues. That does show that you are trying to be a team player. In the future, if I happen to miss a violation of any sort please feel free to address me outside of my classroom.
I thought I was being nice about the situation. Despite that, the more I thought about it, the more I thought I would apologize to clear the air. It went something like this:
I am sorry if you thought I was harsh or mean. That was not my intention. I also apologize for the confusion that i was talking about this morning. I hope you accept my apology.
I thought everything was over and I receive an email like this:
Mrs. Harris,
I do not appreciate you assuming that I thought you were harsh or mean. We have not even discussed the situation, so apparently, you are going off word of mouth. I am not easily offended, nor do I take things personally, however if you have a question or concern that involves me, I do not appreciate you discussing it with everyone except me.
I wanted to discuss the situation with you, but after 4 individuals, including my principal came to me with comments posed by you, I felt like it would be more appropriate to email you rather than come into your classroom again.
I do mean to be harsh, but I am really blunt and straightforward. I do not, or will not ever attempt to undermine your position. Whatever works for you in your classroom, is your business. The fact that you were offended, was worthy of an apology because that was indeed, not my intentions nor my style. However, the fact that you expressed your opinions openly to your class, and informed them along with other teachers that you would send me an email to express your concerns, was in my opinion, unprofessional.
There is much confusion and as adults, I feel that the best approach would have been a conversation between you and I. I honestly feel like it is a slap in my face to attempt to bring unity amongst the hall, and for this childish mess to be a result of it.
I do apologize for my tone, but please understand that I do not appreciate the assumptions and accusations. I will continue to do my job, and I apologize for the misunderstandings. If you ever have a question, in the future, please address me directly.
I thought apologies were supposed to make things better.
Despite her beliefs I did not discuss the situation with my students. That is unprofessional. I did discuss the issue with my co-workers to get some input on the situation. Completely confounded, I replied.
This will be the last I discuss this matter. God bless you!
All my teacher friends out there, was I wrong and what could I have done differently.
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On a completely unrelated subject, I am so proud of how much my little one has learned. He knows all of his numbers, letters (complete with what the "say"), shapes, colors and the continents. He is growing like a weed much to his mommies dislike. Here are some pics of him and a video. Enjoy:
