Yesterday I learned that the administration had changed my schedule over the summer. This isn't all that surprising, though, as changes can happen up to the first week of school, depending on the needs of the students. What is surprising is that I found out about the changes yesterday--two days before school starts. I was in no way included in any decisions. Plus, I feel really upset about why the changes were made.
When I left for summer break I was told I would teach 4 different classes, or preps. I teach two college preparatory classes (one for 7th grade and one for 8th grade). I was also to have a college prep language arts class for two periods, and an honors language arts class for two periods. Yesterday they said they had taken my honors class and given it to someone else. They gave me a fundamental language arts class in its place (students average a reading level of 2nd-3rd grade).
In the back of my mind I had wondered if they changed my class schedule because I am pregnant.
Today, the school assistant administrator called to "explain" what had happened to my schedule. She confirmed that the took the honors class away because I would be out and they thought that my schedule would be too tough for a substitute to handle in my absence. I wasn't shocked that that was the reason because I had already come to that conclusion, but I did say it would have been nice to have told before now.
Now, after thinking more about it, I am annoyed. Quite ticked to be exact. I have been penalized because I am pregnant. Now how do I handle it?
Had the administration talked with me, I most likely would have been open to a solution to my maternity leave. I am willing to cooperate with the admin. and I appreciate the needs of the students. I in no way want to "hurt" the education of my kids with my maternity leave (the belief being that an experienced teacher-me-is much more qualified than a substitute teacher). I get that.
By giving me a fundamental class, is that saying that "those" students would be okay with a substitute, but the higher achieving group would not? It seems to me that a more consistent environment would greatly benefit the fundamental group, and if any group would be able to handle the potential disruption a long term substitute would cause, it would be the honors group. ***
PLUS, they gave the honors class to a teacher who is not as qualified to teach the class. I had to have special training to be considered for honors classes. I took night classes, along with ten of my colleagues, to be certified in teaching gifted and honors students. The teacher they gave the honors class to has not had the training. This is especially frustrating because we were told that only certified teachers were going to be able to teach the honors classes starting this year. (Which is why we did the classes for a year and a half!)
I jumped through the hoops established by the district and school. I earned the certificate they wanted. The other teacher didn't. Yet, she gets the class.
My substitute for my maternity leave is going to be my ex-student teacher. I love her and feel she is an excellent teacher! She is well acquainted with my style and management and will be able to replace me without a whole lot of disruption. She would deliver my lesson plans. So, how is it going to be too tough?
The more I think about it, the more irritated I get.
I haven't decided how to handle the situation yet. I don't really want to make a big deal about this, yet I don't think that the situation was handled appropriately. At some point I will need to discuss this with the administration and voice my concerns...not sure if that will make me feel better or not. I sure hope it does.
***I also have to add that the fundamental classes are generally filled with students labeled as difficult both behaviorly and academically. I have taught fundamental classes before and am not unhappy with the fact that I was assigned to teach a fundamental class. I tend to enjoy this level of students as much as I do the high achievers. Instead, I am unhappy with this situtation suggesting that the fundamental kids are somehow less important than the honors kids. I am of the opposite opinion: the fundamental students are often much more fragile and deserve to be treated as such.
I am not a teacher, but I am a mom (of twins), and married to a teacher. I would be steamed if my assignment had been changed without notice just two days before school begins. How on earth do they expect you to prepare for this new assignment?! My husband would be SO upset--he spends all summer preparing lessons and if all that time had gone to waste he'd be irate. I don't know how you can handle this-not my strong point either, but you have thought it out quite well. My kids are honor students, and it is frustrating when they don't get good teachers, but especially at the middle school level, they'll find their way through. (Their second grade teacher was woefully inept, but they're still here--a few emotional scars, but they survived academically and learned a few lessons along the way.) Underachieving students need good teachers, who are trained to meet their needs, just as honor students need teachers who can meet theirs. It is awful that you have gone to all the trouble to line up an excellent substitute, and that has been disregarded. I don't think the admin. considered that she might not want the assignment if it has changed. I think the parents of the honor students who thought you would be teaching thier children may be upset as well.
ReplyDeleteYou are obviously very committed to your profession, and which ever students have you are lucky. Good luck.
I would def speak with the administration and voice my concerns. You have nothing to lose. Everything you have stated here makes perfect sense. I think you would feel a lot better talking to them and getting your point across, even if it does not change anything right now (it may in the future).
ReplyDeleteStacie that SUCKS! Isn't that illegal? It sure would be down here in Oz. I hope you get it sorted out.
ReplyDeleteLook at your ticker! You are almost halfway, WOOT!! xo
Unfortunately, I see it as the underachievers have already been left behind, so they no longer count.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the honors students would do better with a sub.
(Okay, this is a joke) Maybe the underachievers have been choosen for the privledge of sharing your pregnancy since they'll be knockedup sooner and can gain skills for coping.
I thought the law was clear that they couldn't base decisions on pregnancy. You can holler discrimination from the rooftops.
Sue - proof that you can get a Masters (MS) without being able to write or spell.