Teacher Problems... Had Yours Lately?

[cognos]

School is almost finished for the year in Canada, and I have not seen my wife in 5 months, so will fly to Phuket the day after school is out... Here in Vancouver if teacher does get into a problem ( I have in the past, NOT with a student..with a colleage) we have a VERY strong Union. They back you very well ( unless you REALLY screw up ) in times of duress, especially if they feel you have a good case and/or are perhaps getting F'd over by the administration ( it happens) . I used to work in construction while taking 10 years of night school and then going into teaching. Some like me who did other careers, especially physical labour jobs in the elements sometimes have to be careful in our interactions with teaching colleagues, although I have learned by now how to survive and thrive in a dysfunctional system.. by flying UNDER the radar as much as possible..my strong area has always been working with the at-risk students and their parents..no problems there..it has been colleagues from time to time over the years..often MY fault, but I have adapted to the system and no longer have issues with anyone, so its smooth sailing.. so what did you do before you went into teaching? Have your problems in the profession ( if any ) been colleague or student-related? What did you learn from the adversity? Problem example: true story.. a colleague of mine was almost charged on a false allegation because a student was angry with him trying to get her to do some work. She later admitted she was lying that he tried to molest her. He ALMOST got fired.Take good care..

[Ijustwannateach]

Teaching attracts a lot of dysfunctional types. It is best not to give them what they want, which is usually some form of attention, often conflict. Document what you do, cover your a**, and if someone is difficult make sure that the number of persons who are involved in the situation increases so that public attention is on the dysfunction- if they can't hide, they'll either expose themselves or be forced to behave functionally.

[cognos]

Teaching attracts a lot of dysfunctional types. It is best not to give them what they want, which is usually some form of attention, often conflict. Document what you do, cover your a**, and if someone is difficult make sure that the number of persons who are involved in the situation increases so that public attention is on the dysfunction- if they can't hide, they'll either expose themselves or be forced to behave functionally.

yes, good points. I tend to be a bit of a loner at work as opposed to the clique-type groupings that inevitably occur in every school..I like to be friendly but maintain my distance to a degree..as I cannot relate to most of them, and them to me I am sure.. I usually talk to the custodian ( janitor) the most.. as many teachers seem to be in some sort of "Academic Ivory Tower", however they are "nice" people in general...out of here in 2 weeks to LOS

[bungy007]

Teaching attracts a lot of dysfunctional types. It is best not to give them what they want, which is usually some form of attention, often conflict. Document what you do, cover your a**, and if someone is difficult make sure that the number of persons who are involved in the situation increases so that public attention is on the dysfunction- if they can't hide, they'll either expose themselves or be forced to behave functionally.

yes, good points. I tend to be a bit of a loner at work as opposed to the clique-type groupings that inevitably occur in every school..I like to be friendly but maintain my distance to a degree..as I cannot relate to most of them, and them to me I am sure.. I usually talk to the custodian ( janitor) the most.. as many teachers seem to be in some sort of "Academic Ivory Tower", however they are "nice" people in general...out of here in 2 weeks to LOS

Cognos, I find it's worth building a group of support amongst your peers - this could be achieved by giving them a helping hand when needed, having a beer after work, taking a small interest in their private lives. The problem you face is that you are a 'stand-up-guy'/'salt-of-the-earth' type with whom I can easily identify with and respect. However, as you mentioned, many of your peers are a little 'stand-offiish'. I advise finding a way to bridge the gap which pleases you. Unfortunatley, any faculty around the world is a 'political mine-field' with cliques which constantly evolve and consume themselves. Continue to be your own man but watch your back. congrats on sticking it out with ten years of work to get into teaching - that's committment! Hats off and enjoy your hols