Over 50--Get Out



It's the same shit no matter where you teach in NYC.  If you are over 50, they are out to get you.

Dinner tonight got me talking to a friend who teaches in a grades k - 5 school.  She has been there for 18 years and was always well liked.  Well, her once excellent school is not even a good school any more and administration is worried about the C the school got on its last report card.  The AP knows he better start shaking up the place or he could very well become an ATR. It looks like the shake up is starting with her.

Friend is teaching a grade 2 class.  She has already recommended five of her students for ISS classes.  Recently, a boy from another country (English speaking) was placed in her class.  He cannot sit still.  He scribbles on every test instead of trying to do it (he doesn't even know his alphabet).  He fights with the other children.  Last week, he pushed another student into the closet and closed the door on him.  He pushed a girl to the floor and pounded her with his fists.  He has assaulted my friend.  She has written him up many times.  Nothing has been done for the child.  The cluster teachers have also written this boy up and still no help or guidance has come his way.

Friend was told she is to meet with her AP tomorrow afternoon.  The AP has written friend up three times so far this year.  Infractions include not having written differentiated lessons for this boy and for not keeping him engaged during the class.  Yes, Friend is being disciplined, not the student.  Friend says the school has no room for him in the ISS classes and will keep making excuses to keep him in  regular classes.

So far the write ups have not been file letters and every one of her observations have been satisfactory, and although she isn't worried, I am.  She is thinking the AP just wants to offer advice and help.  I hope she is right.

Maybe I'll Try This

I love trucks and I love the beach.  Maybe my next career can be driving one on the beach, unless they are like the DOE and only hire the young.

Not Putting Up With His S*** Anymore (Not That I Ever Did)

"Ms. will you be upset if I throw a penny at you", said Problem Boy from the back of the room.  The class immediately jumped on him for making not only an inappropriate comment, but making one that was anti- Semitic as well.  I called to have him removed immediately.

The dean brought Problem Boy to Mr. AP, who I went to see as soon as the class ended.  Mr. AP said there is nothing he could do about him, there is no other class that fits his program.  (I know he would have found a class if the boy made a comment like that to one of his little cuties.)  Mr.  AP also found nothing wrong with the comment.  He said he questioned Problem Boy about the incident.  Problem Boy told Mr. AP that I was teaching when he made the comment and he and his friend were sitting in the back, making jokes.  Mr. AP looked at me and began, "I've told you time and time again, do not teach while the kids are talking and,,,"  At that point, I cut him off.  I said I am not going to listen, got up and slammed his office door on my way out.  With steam still pouring out of my ears, I found my way to a higher authority, someone who listened to me, understood that I had done everything possible to control the situation.  This person called Problem Boy in and dealt with the real problem, him, not me.

I know I am upset about Problem Boy, but he is a child and that I can deal with.  My bigger issue is with Mr. AP and his constant negativity and his demeaning of every female over 50 in the department.  (Yesterday's department conference is a prime example of his actions.)  Hopefully he heard loud and clear that his actions are totally unacceptable.  I don't believe he will ever learn.  Unfortunately, we all believe that life will go on and nothing with him will ever change. He'll leave me alone for a while but find someone else to attack, someone who won't fight back. And, before you know it, he will be on me again.  Only I don't back down.  He'll get a fight every time.