The Teachers Lounge?

Question

I recently posted a question about my negative experiences in the teachers lounge. One teacher replied by saying:

I can understand how the op of this thread feels but I will tell

you, in my school staff rude behavior is the norm. Is now so bad that I want to leave. I am a teacher of 13 yrs in this school

and you will never find me eating my lunch in the lounge. I'd

much rather be alone in my classroom and go on line. The

teachers and the guidance counselors that began working in my school within the last few yrs or so are especially rude and

think that they are better than those of us that have been there

for some time. It's an attitude of thinking you've been doing it

all wrong and here we are to save the kids. I know you think

that it's because you are a sub. I was a sub for a couple of yrs

and I often ate in the lounge, not experiencing what you are. I

say it's sign of the times and rudiness is the norm. GL

What's your input?

Answer 1

I've taught for 23 years and have been in several teachers' lounges over my career.  I have seen the negative side in schools that simply lack pride; believe me, I knew after one visit to the lounge that I was in the wrong school for me.  I have had the privilege of being in some teacher's lounges where it was always upbeat and positive; lots of energy, lots of solutions, lots of school pride.  So it really depends on the school.

Answer 2

I was a teacher in public school for 3 years.  I really thought that I wanted to be a teacher, until the harsh reality of teaching hit me like a stack of books my first year.  I was fresh out of college, so the other older teachers regarded me as a babysitter who didn't know the first thing about teaching old school.  I hated it.  It didn't help that every teacher at my school was over 45.  I was 23.  I was a complete duck out of water.  The teacher's lounge was much like a chicken coupe: a bunch of old hens clucking so much it made you crazy. I would get my lunch, go to my room, and eat and get online.  Its crazy!  I do believe that in most places there are "clicks," and being new, you are definitely not in one.  It would've taken me at least 20 years to get in the "click" at my old school! So I just kept to myself, taught my lessons, and got the h**l out of there.  Ultimately, it really helped me decide that teaching was not the field I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. I've also realized that there is so much more that I can do with my degrees (Bachelor in Music and English) other than teach.  I'm having fun exploring all of the possibilities!

Answer 3

Wow. I cannot believe so many people have had this experience. I, for one, love the teachers' lounge. My building's staff are very accepting of new staff members and treat them as equals. I rarely see anyone treat anyone rudely or unkindly. Yes, there is the occasional complaint session in the lounge, but I think that can be said for any job in which a large group of people work together! I can't imagine a better place to work than in a school to be honest. It's really sad to hear that other people are having such bad experiences. I wish I could help.