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Post by tchrmom on Mar 1, 2005 18:23:40 GMT -5
I have a question, what rights do parents have in guarding against their child being the topic of conversation in teacher's lounges? I am a teacher and I have seen this happen. I know that it's unprofessional but that doesn't stop that from happening. Recently I heard my own child was the topic of a group's lunch time chatter. Any advice?
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Post by tridlette on Mar 1, 2005 19:08:23 GMT -5
 I think most parents sort of know that conversations take place like that, but we also know that it isn't right. We get really nasty with our hat and broomsticks when we know... but you are in a tight spot. I can't think right now what the pneumonic is about the education privacy act, but you might want to print it up in BIG AND BOLD PRINT and post it in a very obvious place and tell the principal that you are just helping him or her CYA. It is no wonder our kids like to talk about people behind their backs when adults do it too.
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Post by tchrmom on Mar 1, 2005 19:26:26 GMT -5
Actually that's what I was looking for, something to remind them to be professionals. The privacy act is FERPA and from what I gather it only covers a students records. My principal was informed today on 2 seperate occasions about what is going on, hopefully he will address it somehow. Thanks for the support.
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Post by Linda on Mar 1, 2005 20:00:40 GMT -5
Good luck to you. I have seen this first hand and it makes my blood boil. You are right...it is not professional and not all teachers do this. Some of them actually remember the word integrity and it sounds like you are one of them.
Talk to the principal about this and hopefully it will stop. I wonder if the shoe was on the other foot if some of the teachers would have the same attitude. No one wants their child to be talked about in a negative sense.
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Post by savvymom1 on Mar 1, 2005 21:16:28 GMT -5
I'm a teacher assistant at my youngest dd's elementary school. I've been there 6 years and over the years I have eaten lunch with teachers from various grade levels, and have a wide range of experience socializing with our staff. (We have approx. 30 classroom teachers at our school).
I don't know if our school is the norm--but the teachers here are extremely careful about what they say in the teacher's lounge among other teachers. They have been very guarded when talking about students. If someone does mention a problem or concern, student's names are not mentioned. I really feel like these teachers are professionals.
I hope this is the way teacher behave everywhere (but expect it is not). We all like to gossip. Thank heavens many of us still have a conscience!
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Post by camismom on Mar 2, 2005 15:28:21 GMT -5
Back when I worked at a middle school, I wouldn't go into the teacher's lounge for lunch for that very reason. One day I was in there and that was going on. After having heard enough, I finally interrupted and asked them, "hey, don't y'all have anything better to do during your planning period than sit in her and bad mouth your students." They shut-up real quick like. But I'm sure as soon as I left they picked up where they left off.
When Cami was in elementary school, per arrangments from her principal, she was allowed to go to the office to a small room and work on homework after school. The noise in the cafteria (where the after-school program took place) was too distracting to her. She would come home quite often and tell me of how teachers would congregate outside the room she was in and talk about kids. Several times it was kids she knew. I went to the principal with the info and they got a good talking to. There again, I'm sure the only thing it changed was them being more aware of nearby ears when they did it again.
My dd has an extrmeme mistrust in teachers for this very reason. She thinks, if they'll talk about so-and-so behind his back, then they'll do it to me.
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Post by Linda on Mar 2, 2005 15:49:44 GMT -5
Christy....Hate to say it but Cami is right....that girl of yours has a lot of insight.  |
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Post by camismom on Mar 2, 2005 16:05:42 GMT -5
She gets that part from me. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Linda on Mar 2, 2005 16:08:30 GMT -5
Could have fooled me ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by camismom on Mar 2, 2005 16:10:36 GMT -5
Gee, thanks.  lol |
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Post by Linda on Mar 2, 2005 16:14:34 GMT -5
Yeah right ;D
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Post by tchrmom on Mar 2, 2005 23:08:26 GMT -5
Well someone must have complained to the principal because he sent out an email addressing the issue and reminding the staff of appropriate conduct. Problem is, the ones involved will more than likely just ignore the email or make fun of it. I have to say that this is a small, small portion of the staff. Most everyone is very professional and have the kids best interest at heart. |
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Post by Linda on Mar 3, 2005 6:57:35 GMT -5
I guess what it comes down to is ....no matter what a persons profession is their will always be people that can't keep their mouths shut.  I hope things improve for you. |
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Post by songwriter on Mar 3, 2005 12:48:06 GMT -5
O.k., I'm feeling a certain amount of conviction, here as I have been guilty of talking about the clients in our residential facility after they have gone to bed. I guess there is a fine line between VENTING and GOSSIP. Some days are so trying that we would go nutso if we didnt get to vent a little. I am making myself a promise that I'll not speak of them in a belittling way any more. I also take back everything I've ever said about you all.  |
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Post by Linda on Mar 3, 2005 13:40:48 GMT -5
And I take back what I have said about you ;D ;D
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