Teacher not tutoring....

Question

I'm a public school elementary teacher in a low socio school. The norm is that from Oct. to April teachers in the state mandated testing grades tutor OUTSIDE of their contract time on Tues. and Thurs. The problem is, on Tues., my daughter has dance team practice and I need to get her there on time. We'll be toting a baby to boot! SO, how can I ask my principal is it okay if I DON'T tutor OUTSIDE of my contract time anyway, on Tues.?

How can a bring it up in such a manner that she won't feel as though I'm trying to get out of doing my job. (I have had the best TAKS scores on my team since I have been at that school, but she might not know that- she's new.)

Answer 1

Well, if it is outside of your contract, they can't make you tutor.  That is volunteering and you can say no!  Just because it is the norm, doesn't mean you HAVE TO.  You can tell her all the info. you just shared with us, and if she doesn't like it, tough!  You can go to your school board or union and get out of it.  She will probably be willing to work with you.  Either another teacher can take your students on Tues. or maybe you could have your school change tutoring to Mon. and Weds. or something like that.  If that isn't possible... I would not tutor at all.  Family is more important than testing.

Answer 2

awww yes...the getting the employee to work for free because others do it trick.

teachers seem to be the biggest suckers of this trick....if you give in, then thats fine. its your gift to the state because they get hours of work that they dont pay for.  but if you dont want to or cant...there is nothing they can legally do about it...if they fire you for this you can sue the heck out of'em.