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Question: Three years ago I decided that I wanted to teach Middle School in a local rural community. I love the kids but hate the parents. You see I had an issue with one parent a couple of years ago and ever since then she’s spread rumors about me to the other parents. I want to let my principal know but honestly I think he will just “brush it off” to me being young and sensitive. What should I do?
It is unfortunate that one parent is able to smear your name to the community. However, just as she had the power to smear your name, other parents and your fellow co-workers have the ability to overpower that negative image. The more you become involved in the school and local community, the faster others will be able to get to know the real you and will dismiss the rumors that were spread years earlier. Consider becoming the teacher representative in the PTA. Hold curriculum-themed open houses with light dinner in your classroom to showcase what your students have recently learned. Math and science nights showcasing a specific topic are becoming more and more popular in schools.
As far as discussing it with your principal, if the community is that rural, don’t you think he’s already heard the rumors? As long as what’s going on with this parent is not affecting your job performance, I think you should leave it alone. If the principal has not called you in for a conference, I would consider it a non-issue.
Stay focused on your teaching and the community will talk about your innovative ideas instead of rumors from the past.
Oh wow great post. I know parents can be difficult. Principals already have enough to deal with so I am sure he would brush it off but just make sure you are in the right and doing the best you can.
Parents can be quite the bully on the playground! I work in a school where parents make it a social event to swap teacher stories. They turn new parents in the community against you if they didn't like you. The principal allows them to question a teacher's reputation by granting moves to different classes. Quite the firestorm. It all belittles the teacher who has done nothing except have high standards.
Hello I am a parent of a 4 th grader and 7th grader! This school year 12/13, I have switched my 4th graders school. I also just switched my 7th graders social studies teacher! Believe me coming to the conclusion to switch your child for their best academic needs is not easy! My 4th grader, I have to drive and pick up every day now! My 7th grader now learns SS under and educated who loves this subjects and takes pleasure in her students achieving! So when a parents switches its not always personal! It's usually academic!
I am a student (high school) and the vice principal of the elementary is saying bad things about me ex. I’m on drugs, having sex, etc. (which aren’t true) to the parents of kids in my grade, also her daughter is in my grade. Is this allowed?