[cptjway]

I am just finishing my classes for our state gifted teaching endorsement. I've had a lot of experience teaching gifted students, but have not worked as a gifted education specialist. Here's the problem: my principal wants me to take over the gifted teacher position for our school, and move the gifted teacher to 4th grade! She's been a GRT for 12 years, and I'm a novice. Her philosophy of gifted services doesn't fit with what the admin wants (exclusive pull-out vs school-wide enrichment), and they've been battling for the past two years. Do I take the job? Yes, I want to be a GRT, but not like this! How can I be a novice GRT with her in the building? It's an amazing opportunity, because GRT positions are rare in our district. TIA for any advice! My prince wants an answer this week!

[janiebird19]

Take the position. I know that her presense in the school will be awkward, but you have been working toward being able to teach in this area. When you deal with her, act polite and professional. I'm sure you won't intentionally rub it in her face, but if her relationship with the principal was strained anyway she may be relieved to be out of the fray.

[ccarlton]

I would take the position that's being offered to you. This is an administrative decision, it's not personal. Yes, this other teacher might feel upset about being moved, but it's a business decision by your administration, not personal.

[magoosmom]

I would also take the position--if the principal isn't happy with the teacher, chances are he may move her anyway and if you don't take the job, someone else might get it.

[cptjway]

Thank you all for your support! The current GRT told me today that she was going to fight the switch, including contacting a lawyer. We don't have a union, but an association, and they provide lawyers for teachers. I'm in the middle of a soap opera!

Why would she contact a lawyer? With the way the economy is, she should consider herself lucky to have a job, much less dictate what she wants to teach in the school. Isn't it up to the discretion of the principal who he puts where? Maybe she's afraid she won't cut it as a regular classroom teacher..it's a tough job!

[janiebird19]

Just curious to see how things are playing out. Have you talked further with your principal about taking the position or is everything on hold because of the other teacher's plan to fight the change? I hope it works out okay.

[cptjway]

My prince wants me to make an appt with him to discuss the situation, and that's going to happen Thursday. I'm thinking of telling him that I would love the job, but hesitate to take it from her. She insists that she is going to stay one more year, no matter what. I would like to have the job when she leaves. We'll see. Thanks for checking. I'll know on Thursday.