Hello Dr. Spilchuk,
There is new Director this year at my school. This
person said they had an open door policy and to feel
comfortable
talking about anything. I am teaching a number of different
courses and have a very heavy prep load because of this.
I finally asked if we could look at my schedule to see
how it could
be
made more manageable. The Director said "Your job is
to teach and you need to teach or leave in December.
Then
thd
Director lied about saying this when I talked about
it some days later and tried to accuse me of saying
things that I did not. Since then I have endured
constant criticism, reprimands, etc. Maybe I should leave
at Christmas break, what do you think?
Sincerely,
Gee
Dear Gee,
I'm responding to your email forwarded to me by the Editor
ISR. I understand that it is difficult to work in a relationship
that starts
with these circumstances; however, I would suggest that
you hang in there for the rest of the school year at
the very least. You would not be doing yourself any justice
by cutting and running so soon into the year. My suggestion
is that you lie low, do your teaching and make friends
with the staff in the school. Take time to enjoy the
country your school is located in. Make school only one
part of your life and travel the other. If you can diversify,
you will find that this problem will minimize in your
life over time. If at the end of the year, you still
feel the same way, you can reconsider at that point.
The problem with breaking contract is that your reputation
often follows you in the International teaching world.
A reputation of 'breaking contract' when things get
tough could minimize your choice in schools in the
future. If you received this contract through a hiring
agency, you will also be responsible to pay back a
large bond set upon your hiring to that agency. The
school might even sue you for failing to fulfill your
contract. The list of issues goes on and on.
I have learned over time that while I love teaching,
I should teach to travel not travel to teach. By reversing
my priorities, I am less likely to give up a job that
will keep me exploring what lies beyond the shores
of safety in my home country because of a conflict
at work. Here's a metaphor you might want to think
about:
Eagles fly long distances to explore the world; sometimes
they crash as a result of their explorations but what
they see is amazing! When they crash, eagles take time
to recover then get back up there and fly again. Sparrows
stay at home and twitter on the telephone lines. It's
a safer experience and they never crash, but it
is an experience filled with much less excitement and
adventure. Decide if you want to be an eagle or a sparrow.
It's always nice to know there is a friend out there
tracking your experiences, listening to your stories
and helping you make wise choices. All the best and
stay in touch to let me/us know how things are progressing
for you. I am here...ISR is here for you.
All the Best,
Barb
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Dear
Dr Spilchuck,
I read (and contribute to) ISR
and I would like to respond to your column on "To
cut and Run or Stick it Out"
Overall the advice is sound, however
I would hedge my bets if I were Gee. With the director
already demonstrating ease with lying, and targeting
Gee in a punitive manner, He/She may well be getting
set up for dismissal or forced resignation at the
end of the year as it is. I speak from experience,
and in this situation there is little you can do
about it except proffer the demanded letter and
GO (with a poor recommendation to be sure). Admin
will always be able to "construct" a
stronger case than you, the classroom teacher,
and no matter how well you document things there
is no hope of winning against a host of administrators
and a school board that has made a decision prior
to your walking into a meeting.
I would suggest that whilst "lying
low" Gee look discreetly for another job,
and foster relationships where a letter of rec
can be secured without any problem (dept head,
academic dean, IB coordinator, etc) in Lieu of
a director who may very well make decisions based
on personal opinions not professional observations.
Unfortunately, there are all too many of these
sort out there, and teachers need to remain one
step ahead of them.
Dr. B. |
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Dear
Dr. Spilchuk,
Never
trust it when they say they have an open door policy
or tell you that you can come to the office to
vent or scream...rarely do they mean it. it makes
an administrator look good when they say they have
an open door policy even if it's just lip service...careful,
most will throw it in you face or use it against
you. Always be extremely cautious with whom you
can trust; especially with those who appear nice
and caring. You could be dealing with a wolf in
sheep's clothing. Always wait and feel it out first.
|
 Does
Your School Support the International Educators' Bill
of Rights?
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