Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

I have to opportunity to chaperone a trip to Quebec for 4 days - all expenses paid. It would be with juniors and seniors, I taught them all in 7th and 8th grade French. They are all honors kids - many of my former favorites.

It was supposed to be myself, another French teacher and our department chair. I recently found out our DC isn't going and I backed out as well. I just don't feel comfortable going out of the country without a higher-up present. Is that ridiculous of me? I don't want/can't handle the responsibility - god forbid anything happens. I have a family and a house to think of. What if I lose my job over something stupid one of the kids does?

I still have time to change my mind. Am I crazy for not going, or do I have a solid reason for backing out? I do have to mention that horrible bus accidents linger in the back of my mind.....

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

My school also hosts trips abroad (Spain, France, Germany, Canada). At our school, the DC only goes to France/Canada as she teaches French. Although not out of the country, the honor society/cheerleaders go to Disney and the music department goes to Virginia.

If given the opportunity, I would love to chaperone one of these trips. At my school, the students/parents have to sign many waivers and permission slips, etc. They also only let non-troublemakers go. I think they usually have 12-18 students go.

As for being abroad, something could happen on a local trip as well. My school goes to NYC several times a year and it is a 2 hour bus drive. The students LOVE going and even the students who do not seem overly responsible "man-up" when we go and behave really well.

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

I don't know, my dear. This is a toughie. It sounds like such an amazing experience but at the same time, I certainly understand your concerns. I know, I'm not helping!

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

I think you're making the right decision, especially if you expressed that you don't wan't to/can't handle the responsibility if something were to happen. Let's face it anything can happen. Just think of your own family vacation mishaps, DH had forgotten his passport, my dad lost his luggage, I was hopsitalized overseas for health reasons, then you throw in all the other safety issues and responsibilities of watching teenagers including alcohol, drugs, security in the city, etc. For that reason, I think that most school districts have unfortunately put a stop to hosting trips out of the country. Honors students aren't necesarily angels either

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

I don't blame you. I probably wouldn't go either. If you did go I'm sure everything would be ok though. I just feel that its not worth it if it'll give you that nuch anxiety and worry.

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

Considering I know the players involved, I absolutely think you made the right decision. With the current climate of our district, the kind of trip involved (especially considering it's the first trip abroad), an administrator should be going on this trip. So many things could come up, not necessarily go wrong. Even on our GK trip, which is self-contained, things come up that an administrator is best to handle it.
It could have been a great trip. Maybe someone will step up...

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

you are DEFINITELY making the right decision!

what are they thinking not having an administrator attend? you're right--god forbid anything happens. you shouldn't have that responsibility. it's way above what you should be responsible for. it's not like you're going to Jersey--you're going to a different country!!

i'm sure it would be so much fun, but i would absolutely make the same decision you did.

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

I know the horrible bus accident you speak of and it was a trip to Quebec that it happened on. I teach in that district now. Anyway, I would not back out, unless you are tenured. You say you don't want to lose your job over a kid doing something dumb but you could lose your job for backing out. I would go. If a kid does something dumb, you discipline the kid. Remember it isn't just you on the trip and the kid did something stupid. You can't control that. You can only discipline after. They are required to sign a behavior contract before they go so I'm sure there are ramifications and if the kid is such a problem, he or she should not be allowed to go. If you aren't tenured, DO NOT BACK OUT! It looks worse if you back out than if you go and a kid gets in trouble.

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

Re: Field trip out of the country.... WWYD?

It is interesting to see how things differ from district to district. I'm glad it worked out for you.