Teacher who still has no classroom...?

Question

So, I posted a question on here around three weeks ago about not having a classroom. Well, I am still in the same boat. I just need to vent, I guess. We are about to start week 4 of school here, and no one from the school board staff has been sent to repair the portable that is supposed to be mine. I have to float from room to room and teach a different lesson each day to each class (so in essence, I teach every subject, as I would with a classroom, but to different kids each day). To make it worse, on Friday, the school board mandated that I be given a classroom role, since I am on payroll (which I can completely understand). So, a group of kids were put on my role and I am to keep up with their attendance and grades (on the computer system our school system uses), even though they are spread out between six other classes at the moment. I also don't HAVE a computer (or a desk for that matter) on which to record said attendance and grades. How long would you wait before you seriously complained to the school system? Or, would you at all?

Answer 1

Have you spoken with your union representative?  That is if you are in 'unionized' district.  If so, you should definitely take this to your union rep and they should be able to help you out of this situation. Good luck to you for a peaceful and successful school year.

Answer 2

You will not get anywhere.

My air conditioner has been out for three years. They make lists, call them in, send people out to look, actually had a worker once who didnt fix it...

anyways.. districts are bureaucracies. This is why I installed my own white boards, and brought my own fans - you wait for them it wont happen.

Here is your biggest problem - I assume you are a new teacher... until you are permanent they do not need a reason to not ask you back - unfortunately I have seen it a number of times - you could be the best teacher...just not on their playbook.

Do what you can - I say ask an admin to put in writing where exactly you should be at which time frame, and where you should take roll.

The good news: Even with all that mess I described above - I love my school. Teachers are the institutional memory of schools. you will be there long after the ineffective admins move on. (and when you get a good one - cherish that time and do whatever they ask)

Answer 3

Have you gone to your local teacher's association to let them know?  I would think this is a change of working conditions, and they should be able to do something for you.  They are the ones who are going to look out for you -- the school district is just going to look at the bottom line.

Answer 4

I am a teacher and I wouldn't have put up with this at all. Someone is not paying attention to you.  I would have complained three weeks ago after the first week of school. Period.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, most of the posts are right-on.  Say nothing.  Just be thankful that you have a job in education.  There are so many unemployed teachers right now.  Do what I have done...during conferences, if a parent complains about something pertaining to what you have written about, encourage him/her to call the school and/or board.  I tell my parents that me complaining doesn't help and if they want to see change, they need to call.  They do and I get whatever it is that I need.  

Answer 6

As a non-tenured teacher, do not complain to the administration.  Contact your union representative.  Your union is your voice and can get changes made for you.  You are completely getting dumped on, mostly because you are a new teacher.  Likely you will still be "a la cart" but they may be able to get you a laptop or eliminate that extra duty for you.  Side note:  First year teaching is the most difficult and is lots of work.  If you expect it and prepare yourself for it, you'll survive much better.

Answer 7

About a computer, I'd ask the tech dept. at your school if they have any laptops that you can carry around.  Sure, they may be prehistoric, but its better than nothing.  

Complain?  It would depend on how many years you have at the school.  Seriously.  I wouldn't make any waves if you weren't tenured.

Answer 8

I agree with previous poster. I would ask and inquire and get all the information you can, but not anything major, if you are not tenured or have a limited contract. In many school districts, if you are not tenured, they can dismiss you without reason. Find out the laws in your state.

Honestly, if you worked where I am, there have been teachers teaching off a cart for at least one or two years, because work was not done or simplybecause there was no space.