Wednesday, September 26, 2007

You Don't Work For Burger King


Last week we got a paper asking us to list our top three C-6 assignment requests. The administration promised to do their best to give everyone one of their choices and if this was not possible, they would be able to refile and request a second time. By the way, we were only given 24-hours to complete the form.

Assignments came out today. I did not get one that I requested, even though I am one of the most senior members of my department and the school. When I spoke to the APO I was told "speak to your chairman". When I spoke to my chairman I was told "speak to the APO." I told him I had already done that and I had been sent to him. He started his usual double talk and then got to his favorite expression when he is talking to me "you are always complaining." At this point I walked out on him.

Now, my options include grieving or just going along with the latter. I'm copping out and going along with the assignment. It was given to me for the period I requested and I really do like tutoring the kids. I just don't like being forced to do it. I know that if I grieve, I will probably lose, at least on the first few steps. And, on the chance that I win, I win the battle and lose the war. The rewards of winning this time are not worth the risk.

My biggest problem with all of this is the paper I filled out in the first place. The school had no intention of letting me, or any other teacher choose our own assignment. This being so, there was no reason to ask me what I wanted. But, I guess they have to go through the charade of honoring the contract. Oh well...I feel it is just about time to get out of this business while I still have some of my sanity left.

4 comments:

17 (really 15) more years said...

We go through the same dog and pony show in my school, with teachers choosing from a menu. Push comes to shove, everybody gets the same assignment (in house suspension). Nobody grieves ever.

JUSTICE not "just us" said...

We are infantilized. Treated like stupid children by moronic adminstrators. No wonder that we are in the state we are in!

I find keeping a sense of humor to be the best antidote and to lampoon them to their faces. After all facist do not have a sense of humor

Anonymous said...

We were told what to pick. Now monthly conferences are held weekly.

Anonymous said...

That's exactly what I felt about my assignment request last year. I didn't even bother to fill it out because they're just going to pick me for whatever they want anyways, so then why even choose?

You're making cogent arguments. Keep doing you ...

p.s. - Because of my fluctuating layouts on my page, if you ever need to increase or decrease the font, you simply hit CTRL+Up or CTRL+Down. That should help you out. I don't have much static fonts on my site.

Peace ...