Why does my teacher friend seem to resent the fact that I got certified through an alternate program?

Question

I don't understand it. Sure, Jane went to school and majored in education, but she made the personal decision to become a program analysist* in the government. She makes equal, if not more money than me. She also likes her job.

I on the other hand majored in Journalism, but fell in love with teaching when they assigned me to the education beat.

I went through an alternative certification program and teach second grade.

Whenever I mention anything school related, Jane acts kind of hostile. Like I asked her to come in for career day and hang out with my class and she goes, "I don't want to be around those stinky, grimy kids".

Then she tried to laugh it off like it was a joke... :-\

Answer 1

She probably wants that and is jealous of you. That's the worst thing in the world. jealousy. It ruins friendships, marriages, anything you really can think of. Just let her be though, you know she's jealous now, so don't try to provoke the situation. Just back off a little bit of that in your discussion.

Answer 2

Jane is a ****, most likely. You shouldn't be friends with someone who is like that.

Answer 3

maybe she feels that she worked harder for  the certifaction that you both have b/c you took an alternet program (and there is nothing wrong with that at all) and she just prolly resents that fact

Answer 4

she probably thinks that you got to take the easy route and she's just jealous about that

Answer 5

On a different note than the others (which I agree is a possibility) When you say "alternative certification" did you get your degree in a summer? or a year or so? I know a lot of teachers who majored in education get annoyed that while they spent 4 years of college studying and learning how to teach and student teaching in a variety of settings, there are a lot of programs that allow people to take a couple classes and quickly become certified. Just a thought...

Answer 6

Because she thinks its wrong

Answer 7

Theyare just jelous tell them to stop acting like they are in high school and be more adult.

Answer 8

jealousy

Answer 9

Maybe she doesn't like her job as much as you think she does?

Answer 10

I agree with others.  It sounds like jealousy.  Maybe she hates her job and wishes she could actually be teaching.  Maybe it has to do with why she's not certified.  If she couldn't afford to finish her coursework, she might be resentful.  Maybe she couldn't pass the certification tests for her licensure and is angry that you could, even though you don't have the educational background for it.  

Whatever her reason is, you need to decide how much you want to put up with from her.  You can also try not mentioning anything school related (although that may be difficult, since it's your job).  You could always back off and spend less time with her.  She may or may not get the message, but it could save you some aggravation in the long run.  

Good luck!

Answer 11

Jealousy and Envy can get the better of anyone...even a friend.

Ha, she thinks Texas has better certification?  

Why do people think Texas is like this invincible and powerful state?

Answer 12

Well, your friend started as a teacher, right? Maybe she's upset that you found passion in it where she didn't, or that you are more dedicated to teaching than she was. Those who don't love to teach and become teachers really resent their choice--it's a tough job you HAVE to love. It's the whole "sour grapes" effect, where when a person fails at something or stops pursuing something they want, they just pretend it's nothing special. If you're really concerned about your friendship and want to improve her attitude, maybe you could ask her for a few tips? Not only will she behave a little more respectfully, but she might show a newfound interest in education! Who knows? Maybe you two could learn from each other. Maybe you were meant to become a teacher to help you friend out? Either way, don't feel like your profession is anything less than one of the most noble in the world--as teachers, we are charged with a responsibility that some could never even approach! I'm sure she'll come around!

Answer 13

Kick her as hard as you can in the v****a and say "GROW THE **** UP BEE-OTCH"

Answer 14

She may have changed her mind for some reason not to teach. Either the pay or the job. You did it which gets under her skin. That is all it is.

Answer 15

Have you asked her directly?

Answer 16

Perhaps she dislikes (or even despises) her job and envies you because you're doing something you love. I've heard that many government workers are not content because gov. work doesn't suit their personality.....there's nothing worse than counting the hours before you can leave work each day.