We are full distance learning. Two times last week, a general education teacher excused kids from zoom 2 hours early. She said she was tired and needed to go rest. I had my own opinions about that, but I kept it to myself.
I have 6 special education students in that class. 5 of the parents called me, extremely upset and downright angry about what the teacher had done. They said it was super unprofessional and told me they think she is lazy, in a nutshell. I told them they needed to contact the teacher about these concerns. They insist that *I* talk to the teacher AND the principal. I am not a “tattle to the p” kind of employee. I won’t do that. However, if you were me, would you tell the teacher what these parents have said?
. However, if you were me, would you tell the teacher what these parents have said?
Yes. If they’re planning to go to the principal before they go to her, I’d probably tell her.
She might have perfectly legitimate reasons and permission from the principal or she might not, but if they’re attempting to rile up others about it before approaching her, they aren’t interested in a productive adult conversation and she deserves fair notice.
It would completely depend on my relationship with the teacher. If it was a friend, I would tell her in a "heads up" kind of way- just so you know, I've gotten a lot of complaints and while I certainly won't say anything, these parents could go to the P. Otherwise, I wouldn't say anything. If 5 of your 6 families complained to you, I bet there have been complaints from gen ed families as well. And they wouldn't have a "go between" like your families have (or think they have).
It is not your place to talk to the teacher. If the parents are upset with her, they need to talk to her. It was NOT fair of them to ask you to say something to her. You are not in a position above her, not her administrator, etc, so you should not be the one talking to her about this.
Thank you everyone. She is a friend of mine. I think I will mention it to her on Monday. As a “heads up” without judgment. You are right, I don’t know what the situation was, so not my place to share personal opinions with her.
I would take a giant step back from this situation. You suggested that the parents contact the teacher, and that is what they should do.
There is no need to talk to the other teacher.
I don't feel it is your responsibility to get involved with this. You can direct parents to the principal with concerns if they feel they need too. Stay professional.
"It would completely depend on my relationship with the teacher. If it was a friend, I would tell her in a "heads up" kind of way- just so you know, I've gotten a lot of complaints and while I certainly won't say anything, these parents could go to the P."
I would run so fast. Why would the parent complain to you? You're not the other teacher's supervisor. If they are that upset, they can man up and deal with it like an adult and not go around the person they are mad at.
I think I made it pretty clear in my post that I had no intention of going to the principal or acting like her “supervisor.”
I appreciate everyone’s advice. You’ve all helped me look at this from different perspectives and after thinking about it, I’ve decided that I’m going to let the teacher know as a “heads up.” I’d hope a colleague would tell me if a parent was complaining about me.
I can understand why the parents brought it to your attention--they're used to you advocating for their child. Perhaps she was taking approved time off but didn't let the students know. I agree that if this is a close colleague and friend, I would also want to give a "heads up" notice. If not, I'd steer clear.
I’ve decided that I’m going to let the teacher know as a “heads up.”
I think you need to be prepared for those parents to possibly be upset with you because when that teacher addresses the issue with them, they will know you told her. I just wanted to make sure you realized that piece of it. Good luck to you--I hope it turns out okay.
They will likely just assume that the principal informed her.
Even if they don't personally contact the principal, they will think others have or that word just got around. I wouldn't worry about that aspect of it.
He apparently keeps putting on videos, then turning off his Zoom camera and disappearing. He ignores the chat box, the kids are confused about what to do, and I know because we're FB friends that he's NOT teaching at all during this time, because he posts on FB all day long--literally a post like every 5 minutes. One time when my kids were supposed to be in Art, he was posting on FB about his HIKE in a DIFFERENT STATE!!! Parents are hollering at me about this. I basically just said, "Here's his email address, I have no control over what happens in other teachers' classes, why don't you ask him what's going on?"
Emily26
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11-14-2020, 10:30 AM
