Working with New Teacher

Please just ignore the evil ones and they will get theirs. The unions are impotent, but if it gets too bad, just make a report with the union. NEVER get in a verbal argument with anyone. There are some crazy folks in the schools.

There are also some very wonderful people in the schools. "SMILE AND DRIVE YOUR ENEMIES CRAZY." IT IS OR IT SHOULD BE ABOUT THE CHILDREN. MANY PEOPLE WHO EARN MORE MONEY DO FEEL THEY ARE BETTER THAN OTHER PEOPLE, BUT LIFE WILL TEACH THEM A LESSON. KEEP LIVING.....
"PEOPLE REAP WHAT THEY SOW."

I can sympathize, and empathize with you. I work as an aide in an elementary multi-handicap room. This past year was the first for both myself, and the teacher in the room. I noticed things were not going to be smooth from about the third week of school, when she came in and told us (myself, the other aides, and the room's nurse), that she is the teacher, we are there to be her helpers, and we do not question her on any subject. Do not question her decisions, do not talk to each other, etc. We were all in shock, but since it was my first year, I didn't really know how things worked yet, and also I don't have tenure, so I chose not to say anything. One of the other aides, who does have tenure, finally spoke up when she had us sign the paper that we had read the IEPs, but then she wouldn't allow us to read them She only did that when the assistant principal told her everyone who works with those students is to read and sign the IEP. She refuses to work with any of the students, except for a 15 minute circle time every morning. The AAA students were sent to our room every morning for reading and language, and again in the afternoon for math. She didn't work with them, either. She finally had to start doing their morning reading instruction (I still did the language part), after someone from the school board came and told her she has to, as the teacher, instruct each child in some manner, every day. I could count on one hand the times she instructed the other five students throughout the entire year. About a month before school ended, she took my lunch break away from me, with no explanation, didn't touch anyone else's, and didn't give me another. I asked her why, and she said she was writing IEPs and didn't have time to take care of the kids, so I would have to do that during my lunch break. I asked her when I would get my 30min break, and her reply was I guess you just won't get one. I went to the principal, finally, and he talked to her, so I got it back, although at a different time. It didn't take long to notice that while I was taking care of the child, she was eating her lunch, not working on paperwork. There were countless instances like that throughout the year. None of the other teachers are impressed with her at all, and I am not sure administration knows what is going on. There were even parents who took their children out of our class because they didn't like her lack of interraction with the children. I am not sure if I should go to administration, or just keep my mouth shut. I do want to be rehired for next year, but I do not want to work with her under the same circumstances again.

Hi Janelle, I have read your email and I sympathize with your feelings. I am sorry to say this but the principal is right you can be replaced and that statement has been made to many an aide throughout the years. I am presently disabled but I am a veteran with over 25 years of service plus I was a union rep and executive for many years. You mentioned in your email that she was a para herself and has no teaching experience but neither do you. She's qualified because she has the necessary creditials that qualify her to teach and change the classroom around. I worked with in special education for many years. Those students are in school to be taught on how to accept change. They will adjust because they have to live in the real world. I know you love your students but remember that is why they are in school is to learn the tools needed to make it in society. To keep them sheltered because of their handicaps is not fair to them in the long run. As far as her treatment to you, you don't have to stay there and take it. Ask for a transfer. That degree qualifys her to teach but not to mistreat. I on occaison made my feeling known to supervisors, principals, teachers, etc. that I demanded the same type of respect that they did. I am also a college grad (twice) and I loved my job but no job to me was worth being mistreated and I spoke on it and I never lost my job infact the person doing the mistreatment appoligized to me. Always remember, we as aides are hired to help them. Without us their job becomes harder and I am sure she needs you to help her maintain order in the room. If you find it is too much stress for you then you request a transfer into another situation. You do have that right so exercise it. Take care and I want to know how it goes. :D You are important to you. :D