hazelwood
06-09-2008, 07:33 PM
My question is how do you talk to confrontational non-supportive administrators who speak to you as though you are a 12 year old?
Background on me and my issues with this school:
I'm a newbie teacher. This is my second and a half year as a teacher. I've been to 3 different schools during this time period. The first two schools were in the toughest, roughest neighborhood but the administration and staff were incredible. This last school has given me so much grief. I used to cry at least twice a month because the vice principal used to come down hard on me about things like putting the homework online, finding grammar mistakes in IEP's, sending kids to the office with a referral, or my room was too cluttered. I teach 5 subjects in a middle school. I teach grade level content. I do not have a free period to check on kids, I am teaching. It feels like she's nitpicking on the stupid stuff and not supporting me in my actual teaching. I'm not a perfect teacher, there is a lot that I still need to learn, but the administrator makes me feel that if i make a mistake i am the worst, negligent teacher out there. Last year, there was a fight outside my room. I screamed, callled for help, no one would come. It took 3 min for adminstrators to actulally come to help. THe next week the vp informed me that it was my fault because the students hang out in front of my room and if it continues then I would have to supervize those 4 min of break. I tried to explain to her that I use those 4 min to set up for my next and very different class. She told me that it was my problem. I was told by other more informed teachers in the union that I should have called my union representative. I was too afraid, ashamed and angry (my feeling is there should have been supervision on my side, especially since this wasn't the first fight).
I've tried very hard to do a good job. But, I messed up today. I sent out invites stating the IEP was today, but when i wrote it in my planner I put it for the next day. I completly made a mistake, I acknowledge it but I know the administrator was mad and although the IEP was done I still felt unprepared and there were holes, i know it.
How do I handle the irresponsibility on my part and try to turn this around? It truly was an honest mistake. But I know she will reprimand me like a child because she can't relate to anyone as a peer. I know I'm venting but I just can't believe how non-supportive this school has been. I've never in my teaching career felt so alone and angry. I've always had help. Its 7 days till the end. I'm so over this crap.
Background on me and my issues with this school:
I'm a newbie teacher. This is my second and a half year as a teacher. I've been to 3 different schools during this time period. The first two schools were in the toughest, roughest neighborhood but the administration and staff were incredible. This last school has given me so much grief. I used to cry at least twice a month because the vice principal used to come down hard on me about things like putting the homework online, finding grammar mistakes in IEP's, sending kids to the office with a referral, or my room was too cluttered. I teach 5 subjects in a middle school. I teach grade level content. I do not have a free period to check on kids, I am teaching. It feels like she's nitpicking on the stupid stuff and not supporting me in my actual teaching. I'm not a perfect teacher, there is a lot that I still need to learn, but the administrator makes me feel that if i make a mistake i am the worst, negligent teacher out there. Last year, there was a fight outside my room. I screamed, callled for help, no one would come. It took 3 min for adminstrators to actulally come to help. THe next week the vp informed me that it was my fault because the students hang out in front of my room and if it continues then I would have to supervize those 4 min of break. I tried to explain to her that I use those 4 min to set up for my next and very different class. She told me that it was my problem. I was told by other more informed teachers in the union that I should have called my union representative. I was too afraid, ashamed and angry (my feeling is there should have been supervision on my side, especially since this wasn't the first fight).
I've tried very hard to do a good job. But, I messed up today. I sent out invites stating the IEP was today, but when i wrote it in my planner I put it for the next day. I completly made a mistake, I acknowledge it but I know the administrator was mad and although the IEP was done I still felt unprepared and there were holes, i know it.
How do I handle the irresponsibility on my part and try to turn this around? It truly was an honest mistake. But I know she will reprimand me like a child because she can't relate to anyone as a peer. I know I'm venting but I just can't believe how non-supportive this school has been. I've never in my teaching career felt so alone and angry. I've always had help. Its 7 days till the end. I'm so over this crap.