Should I let my co-worker have this one to avoid tension?

Question

I just met my new teaching partner today. I also got a new classroom, so the teacher who left said that I could have anything that was left in her room. When my teaching partner and I walked into my room, there was a literature organizer and she said, "Oh, I want that if you're not going to use it." (I was thinking that I definitely did want it since it is the metal kind an they're roughly $300-500 new.) I didn't respond, but another teacher walked over later and said, "If you're not going to use that, I sure could." Just as I was going to tell her that I was keeping it, my teaching partner said, "Oh, no, girl. I already told her that I need it in my room." So, should I just let this go and give it to her, or should I speak up and tell her that it is mine? I want to keep it, but how can I do that without causing tension before we even begin working together??

Answer 1

You need to speak up immediately if you don't want to cause trouble.  Keeping quiet is only letting people think that you don't want it.  You notice that both the teaching partner and the other teacher were very quick to speak up when they wanted something.  If you don't clarify right away that the item is yours, they are likely to assume that you were fine with their taking it.  You should already have said something, and now it will be a little more awkward to keep the organizer.  If the thing is still in your room, you can put your things in it and make it clear that you had laid claim to it.  If they object, you can say, "You didn't give me a chance to say that I definitely did want it."  You probably can't use that line after first thing tomorrow morning, though.  Giving the organizer to your teaching partner would not relieve tension - YOU would be the one who would be tense and resentful!

Answer 2

Speak Up and tell them it is yours.

That will settle it.

Tell them it was offered to you 1st.

Answer 3

Don't give it to her. In education you NEVER let anyone have furniture or organizers unless you have no intention of ever using it. Simply say it was offered to you. However, if you share rooms offer to let her use it too (if that is feasible)