I can't believe they didn't teach!?

Question

I'm crazy upset today. I was out with a sick child yesterday, so I called in for a sub. Well there was no sub available, so they asked other teachers to fill in each hour. We've all done that before, but here's the problem. The principal told everyone to "give a study hall" just because the first hour teacher said he couldn't teach the concept.

Now, middle school math isn't the hardest to teach. These are educated people we are talking about. Some of them were math teachers themselves! However, the principal thought they should remain consistent and give a study hall all day just because the first teacher didn't have a clue.

Lesson - finding a percent of a number.

25% of 300 would be 25% times 300 = 75

How hard can it be with a manual, lesson plans, and a calculator!

Oh boy I'm ready for summer vacation but I am extremely irritated with my principal.

Why is this here? I need a nice approach for the principal to keep a level head. Also, some words of encouragement!

Answer 1

I too am hopping mad!  I caon't believe it either.  Now the poster who says that you should do very little is probably correct.  It is good to have decent relationships with your colleagues.  And the principal who suggested "Study Halls" needs to be gently rermined that

KIDS ARE THERE TO LEARN.

How did the kids feel?  Probably glad actually, but I feel that the whole situation is grim and shows a shabby attitude to the profession of teaching.

This story has confirmed again what I know:  I can teach my sons and daughters BETTER in 4 hours daily than a government institution can in 7.  I am a home educating mother of 5.  Only one is still at home - 10th grader.  

Is the pay worth the effort you put into the profession?  If not, teach as a volunteer in another location - library classes, or other adult learning institution.  Teaching is my career too and I loved/love it.  Give thanks.  I have always found gratitude (for small things even) to be a great pill.medicine for gloom and sadness.  I love you too. <><

Answer 2

Would lazy be a word to use?

I think so... lazy because no one wanted to take time to explain the math.  My gosh... where are the extra work sheets that the teachers could have given out?  Sure school is almost out... but, when the students get bored that is when trouble starts and they get disruptive.

I don't think I would say anything to the principal...because if you are upset.. that will get you no where.

Just forget it and let it go.

Answer 3

I am just as dumbfounded as you.  That is totally unprofessional.

Makes me thank my lucky stars for the little bit of principal I do have.

Answer 4

That's one of the reasons I homeschool.

Answer 5

I was a math teacher for 34 years and I never had much expectation about would be taught when I was out. If nothing was broken in the room when I returned, I was satisfied. I wouldn't make a big deal out of this, unless you are on good terms with the principal and mention it in passing. It may cause more ill will among your colleagues than it is worth. You can be assured that it will get back to all the teachers involved.

It is a pain when one teacher has to sub for another, giving up a prep period or something they were planning to do.

Whenever I had either small or large "flaps" with fellow teachers, I always regretted my behavior.

One great thing about teaching is that every day and year, you can start over fresh and erase the missteps of the past.

Make a calendar of the number of days you have left, and X them out every night. It helps.

Answer 6

The first thing you should do is pat yourself on the back for being a caring teacher. Many teachers don't care what happens when they are out and take many days off and the students are the losers. I, too, taught math for many years and the subs couldn't even find the lesson plans I left. The kids just sat around and did nothing in math if I was absent. There were days when many teachers were out and students were sent to the library or the "band box" and were baby sat all day. You did what you were supposed to do and left work for your students. You have no control of what happens when you aren't there unfortunately.