was called hurtful things by co-workers

My staff is very friendly! I chose the school I work at because of this.

Well, yesterday, at our weekly happy hour celebration my 2 grade level co-workers made comments to me that hurt me greatly.

When I said how I was going to get a certain group of troubled students next year (we have leveled/tracked classes and I am the AIS classroom teacher) my 4th grade team member said "of dont worry...."other teacher" will get that group beacuse shes a STRONGER teacher"



Then my other 4th grade co-worker, who I look up to as a mentor said "yeah she'll get those kids because she doesnt vacillate (sp?) like you do"

I said "what are you guys talking about?"

She replaied- "well you change your mind and your style of teaching too much" and then the topic was switched.


I've been labeled by them as being a weaker, flip-floppy teacher because I'm flexible, adaptable, understanding of my students situations, loving, and caring.
I'm like a mother-type teacher whereas they are very strict/boot camp type teachers.
Does this really make me a bad teacher????

It not like I dont have a discipline plan that I follow every day. also many special teachers have commented to me on how improved my students have been and how hard they see me working with them.


So I ask you all:
1) Am I the only teacher with this type of personality?

2) Does it make me a bad teacher?

3) do my co-workers have a point?

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

NO, I'm that way too. I hate when teachers think they are the BEST teachers cause they are so structured, rigid and anal. Women are such b**ches sometimes. I know it's hard, but don't take it personally.

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

I am definitely a "mother type" teacher too. I taught pre-school for 3 years and kindergarten for 2. How can I not be? I teach 2nd and my kids respond to it very well. Several parents have even commented on how grateful they are for it.

I think what it boils down to is that most women are B**CHES and always talk SH*T about each other. Unfortunately we work with almost all women. Tyr not to let it bother you (I know, easier said than done)

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

Something that always cracks me up (and not in a good way) is when teachers say/do things to put down other teachers. It really makes me wonder how they treat their students, if they are insensitive to them also.

I assume you're a younger/newish teacher since most of us here are 20s/30s and have lots of more experienced colleagues. And that makes us prone to be on the receiving end of advice, which is fine, but it really sounds like those women were being mean and not helpful. Personally, feedback is always appreciated, but only when constructive.

I too have been on the receiving end of things like this too.



ETA: Sorry I didn't really answer your question. But ultimately, I think ALL of us need to be who we are as teachers, personality wise. When I first started, I tried to be a hardazz (I work in the South Bx) because others told me it was the only way. And I am so NOT that way, and it made things worse. So I say be who you are, but also be open to ways of doing things that will make your work more manageable.

Kids see right through you when you try to be someone else.

Message edited 1/20/2007 7:24:21 PM.

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

Being an AIS teacher, you have to flip flop every minute. Also, it might be differiniating instruction... which is AN AMAZING thing to do. People who have been in a classroom for w a while are sometimes, not eager to change. I am an inclusion teacher and I FLIP FLOP and change hourly!

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

Thank you all so much for those supportive words.

I hate when a comment makes me question who I am as a person and as a teacher.

I know I am damn good ....my kids know I care, have high expectations, and obviously my administrators don't have a problem with my style.

Still, Its great to hear that there are teachers out there just like me.

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

Sometimes when you are the new kid on the block and good at what you do, people get nervous and defensive of their style.

11 years ago when I started I was critizied by my coworkers for being differnet in the style that I teach in, for using the props that I do etc. Now 11 years later 90% of my department has copied my classroom set up, including my new chair as well as my reward system and my props. Guess I proved them wrong.

On a side note I showed my AP a picture the other day from my classroom taken back I think in 98 might have been 97 and I was showing how my kids all had to wear sunglasses because we didn't have any blinds and I face the south east (there was a mistake that year when they ordered the blinds) The sunglasses he didn't notice but the room arrangement in the picture he did. He asked what year the picture was from I said about 98 might have been 97 and he said you were ahead of your time.

People were afraid then and now they are all doing. Teachers tend to be creatures of habits sometimes. Don't let them get to you! If your kids are succeeding that is all that matters!!!

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers

I think it was ridiculous for them to say this to you. Don't let it get to you!!

Re: was called hurtful things by co-workers