So, I was talking to a friend regarding this blog and although she knows everything that has been happening to me, she worried that I may be retaliated against . I thought about it and then said, "What else can they do to me?" By them, I mean my current administration who have made me feel like I am not a good teacher, writing me up for the most ridiculous things.
They have managed to break my spirit and let me tell you, I have gone through a lot in my life and always come out a little stronger and definitely better for it. Yet, my current principal has managed to do so because she has hit me in a place where my self esteem thrived.
I'll explain. I am a strong woman with strong convictions, and when it comes to my students, I use my strength to be their advocate. I identify with them. I feel for them. I understand them. They like me and not because I let them get away with anything, but quite the contrary. I push them and expect them to do better. I want them to do the best they can. Oh, and I set limits and they know that I do so in a fair manner so they respond. I am very proud of the way I reach kids and a lot of my self esteem comes from there. My job is my life. I have done so now for 27 years. It wasn't until I started at this school that I received an unsatisfactory rating for an observation. Well, when I first started teaching, I received one. I was brand, spanking new to teaching in a high school setting.
My current administrator has been quite critical, actually negative every time she has observed me. Not because my lessons aren't good enough, because she doesn't like me. It is about my personality and the fact that I carry myself with high regard. I am also not one to back down when I see inequalities and unfair practices, sticking up for others who don't have a voice.
The relationship is very complicated. Actually, there is no relationship even though I have tried to make small talk on many occasions. She looks right through me and doesn't even acknowledge me. The beginning of this tumultuous 8:00 am to 2:50 pm started innocently enough. It all began with being in the wrong license. I will tell you all about it in the next post!
I am going to try very hard to not use the names of the administrators because right now, I just want New Yorkers who are so sure the problem lies with the teachers to become educated. I am working on some grievances and hoping to fix the situation at the school. I have even reached out to the new chancellor. It's been a week and no response.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Hello
I have decided to give this blog a different direction. Definitely not what I started but most relevant to me right now.
So, for those of you unfamiliar with the plight of NYC teachers, I am going to give you a taste. I am actually going to backtrack a bit to give context to the situation and although this is my experience, many other teachers are facing the same issues if not worse.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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