Hi...I'm back, but still in hell

[brioche]

So I've been gone for a while...things have gone insane in my life.

I started with the new grade 2/3 class that my principal put me with as a punishment for not leaving the school and it's hell. I had all flavours of behavioural problems. They've now taken two of them out of my class, but I still have 4 left...
The employee assistance people thought I should go on stress leave in October, but if I do I will eat up all my sick leave and then not get paid for almost two months before short term disability (hah!) kicks in...
I had to get the Union involved when my principal decided to examine my report cards, then wanted my marks book, then my reading level records for the kids, then every single piece of work I had used to get these marks...
She stressed me out so badly I'm seeing two therapists, the psychologist in January for a review of my meds, my meds had to be changed, I had to take a dose in the morning that made me into a zombie before just to bring things down to an even keel.
I'm so tired and demoralized and depressed that I'm stuck with her for another sick months and that she has the ability to suck the joy out of the only career I find rewarding. It makes me want to quit. I was fantasizing about slitting my wrists and throat and it was pretty much to get away from HER.
So - that's why I 've been gone.

 

[FurryFury]

*HUG*

You know you need to find another position under a boss that doesn't make you contemplate suicide. No job is worth that. Trust me.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

You need to document *everything* that happens, from any slightest harassment/criticism/praise/assistance (in other words, any interaction) from the principal to misbehaviors (and your responses) by students, to any comments by co-workers (pro or con your situation), on a daily basis. It would be best to do so in a manner that shows the daily documentation, e.g., typing it out in an e-mail and sending it to yourself so that you have the send date/time on each one.

You also need to speak to a union rep regarding your alternatives, and all the services that the union is able to provide. You may have to be firm that you want full service from the union in return for all the union dues you've been paying for x years - sometimes the unions are less than happy to provide all the services they've been promoting because it costs them some of those dues they've been collecting and hoarding. (Not saying that *your* union is this way, but many have been known to discourage members from using all the available services, especially teachers' unions. They claim it's to "protect you" from such services being documented {counseling, shrinkology, meds, etc.} in case it comes to a disciplinary or other type of hearing.) That's bull. If you have the documentation regarding harassment, etc., (first paragraph), then the services become a logical and necessary result of what has been done by administration.

Third, you may want to speak to a spiritual counselor of whatever persuasion you are comfortable with. One big advantage here is that if it's a member of the clergy, in most states they are *forbidden* to reveal anything from such sessions except in cases of child abuse or revelation that you are planning to break the law and/or injure someone.

Last - but definitely not least! - remember that it is only six more months that you have to put up with this, and that (in most venues) you will have the option to move to a different school and administration, and you will have one more year of seniority and experience to enable that move.

Best of luck to you, and may 2008 be a much better year for you, as I hope it is for all of us.

 

[brioche]

You need to document *everything* that happens, from any slightest harassment/criticism/praise/assistance (in other words, any interaction) from the principal to misbehaviors (and your responses) by students, to any comments by co-workers (pro or con your situation), on a daily basis. It would be best to do so in a manner that shows the daily documentation, e.g., typing it out in an e-mail and sending it to yourself so that you have the send date/time on each one.

Yeah - I'll do that - I was smart enough to save every single Email she's sent me, and most of my replies - and they're also compiled in a Word file, since she can "Unsend" them in our system. I also talk to her less so that more of her requests are Emails.

You also need to speak to a union rep regarding your alternatives, and all the services that the union is able to provide. You may have to be firm that you want full service from the union in return for all the union dues you've been paying for x years - sometimes the unions are less than happy to provide all the services they've been promoting because it costs them some of those dues they've been collecting and hoarding. (Not saying that *your* union is this way, but many have been known to discourage members from using all the available services, especially teachers' unions. They claim it's to "protect you" from such services being documented {counseling, shrinkology, meds, etc.} in case it comes to a disciplinary or other type of hearing.) That's bull. If you have the documentation regarding harassment, etc., (first paragraph), then the services become a logical and necessary result of what has been done by administration.

My Union has been great. they were the ones who assured me that the counselor was confidential (unless I'm going to hurt myself or a child or they are subpeonaed) and they called two superintendents and the provincial Union offices to make sure they got things straightened out. She's changed from being punitive, which wasn't permitted, to "How can I help you?" after the second call, to her superintendent, who knows her, and knows me. If she changes back, I am to call them back.
Best of all, I have called the Union with questions and support over this situation since last August, so they have records too.

Third, you may want to speak to a spiritual counselor of whatever persuasion you are comfortable with. One big advantage here is that if it's a member of the clergy, in most states they are *forbidden* to reveal anything from such sessions except in cases of child abuse or revelation that you are planning to break the law and/or injure someone.

I think the counselors I'm seeing are fine, with the above provisos. The Board, who is paying for it, doesn't even know who is going, just that someone is.

Last - but definitely not least! - remember that it is only six more months that you have to put up with this, and that (in most venues) you will have the option to move to a different school and administration, and you will have one more year of seniority and experience to enable that move.

Yes - I have the option and I will be exercising it. But it's still a long time at this point.

Best of luck to you, and may 2008 be a much better year for you, as I hope it is for all of us.

Thanks, you too.

 

[VelvetDarkness]

I'm sorry to hear what you have been going through. I have a friend who is an English teacher in the UK and his situation sounds similar to yours. You'd think that in a sector like teaching, colleagues and particularly superiors would be more supportive but it really doesn't follow.

I do hope that everything works out for you next year.

 

[bandelero]

a hug

Just sending a hug and a sincere wish for a little joy to enter your life.

 

[myinnerslut]

i am so sorry. i hope you find some way to let the joy of teaching outweigh the evil administration. i feel for you. all i want to do is be in the classroom, and i cant imagine how horrible it must be to have that sapped from you becuase of an administrative bitch. *hug*

 

[graceanne]

*hugs* I'm so sorry all this shit is happening.