Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

As I'm starting to plan my year, I realize how resentful I'm starting to get about the same colleagues year after year using my stuff, my ideas, my hard work when they pretty much contribute nothing to those of us who do. I come up with new ideas, methods, plans, labs, activities, etc. One other colleague does share, but her stuff is meh. Another colleague uses her kids as an excuse. She comes in late, leaves right at the bell, always using the kids as an excuse, but still has the nerve to ask me for my stuff for "blank" unit. Then she goes on and on about how she knows she doesn't put in as much as I do, and how she wishes she could have more time, but the kids, blah blah blah. I hate to feel like this, but enough is enough.

In the past I've tried being vague about what I have. I'd stall and tell her I'll look, but never get back to her. Even that has grown old.

How do I tell her "no, can't use my stuff" without it sounding d!ckish?

Message edited 8/13/2011 12:37:29 AM.

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

Wow what nerve. Do you have a time where you can both common plan so she is doing some of the work?

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

I have no advice on how to handle the situation, but I just want to say I am so sorry you have to work in that type of environment. My colleagues and I are really good about sharing everything, but if the sharing was not reciprocated that would be very frustrating. If people were not willing to share with me, I would probably just not share with them.

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

Can you say something like "Ive spent hours working on my plans, and I dont feel comfortable sharing them anymore, or until Ive tested them out myself (white lie)." But then offer to spend time with her helping her create her own plans? This way, she knows she needs to carve out some time, either by herself or with you to make her own stuff.

Im sorry you are going through this.

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

Such a frustrating situation. Can you maybe try to "assign" her some tasks. For example, tell her, you'll come up with this certain lab and lesson, can she make the test. I know it's not the best if you don't like the materials other make, but it would give you a head start. I think it would also give her the idea that you're not trying to cut her off entirely but that you want things to be more fair.

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

Thanks Unfortunately we don't have a common prep period during the day. I do work with a couple of other teachers before and after school on plans here and there. I didn't mind it the first year she taught science, but it's been at least 3 years and she is still not pulling her weight.

Teachers like this give the rest of us a bad name. She is totally phoning it in and it's not fair. I'll distance myself from her a bit and maybe she'll get the hint.

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

There are quite a few teachers like this in my school and it creates a lot of animosity between teachers. The result has been a very cliquey environment where those who work hard to plan share their stuff and those that don't talk about them behind their backs! I sympathize with you. Try to distance yourself and stick with those who work the same as you. And when you find something good to share that you didn't create yourself then do that. Because of course some people have good intentions and really are overburdened at home. Throwing those people a bone once in awhile is ok i think. Unfortunately you can't always be friends with everyone and you have to draw lines so you aren't taken advantage of.

Re: Colleagues taking, but not sharing.

I'm lucky that I'm currently in a very cooperative school...and our district encourages it and will get us time to collaborate.

But I have been in a school like this. I have to tell you that I just got over it. I think my work is good and if I can share I changed my thinking to be happy to help