advice wanted

[C.]

I'm not sure if this should be here or on the Vent board, but here goes. I posted earlier in April that I might be the one to move to second grade, from third, and I didn't want to. I don't particularly enjoy teaching second grade. It was OK, but I love third and fourth. Well.....turns out the principal actually asked the other third grade teacher to take the second grade. And she wants to, but, and here's what is making me angry, she won't because she doesn't want to change rooms! Now, I know it's a pain to move rooms, I've done it, and I know she has a lot to move, but, she's hated the room she's in for two years now(it only has one exit, she wants two), has done nothing but complain about it. She doesn't like third anymore because of all the testing, has done nothing but complain about it. She doesn't go along with the school expectation of walking her kids to recess because our rooms, for her, are too far away and it takes five minutes for her to get there (maybe for her, for me it takes less than a minute), and has done nothing but complain about it. See a pattern? She could be in a room that would put her where the kids could leave through the back door (yes, it has two exits) and go straight to recess, she'd be out of the testing years, and she'd get out of her rut of doing everything exactly like she did the last few years. Now, because of her, I have to teach second grade, I have to put off a few of my goals (looping, a two to three year social studies project that I have to be at least a third grade teacher, some writing projects I wanted to do, and a really cool field trip I wanted to try). The main thing is, I have to go to a grade that I don't enjoy, and she does. So, I'm wondering what to do. I told the principal yesterday that I didn't want to transfer, there's a lot going on at our school that I want to be a part of, but after sleeping on it, or rather being up most of the night stewing over it, I'm thinking maybe I do want to transfer. There's no guarantee I'd make it back to third the next year. And I really don't want to be stuck in second for more than a year. Now, you're probably thinking why doesn't the principal force her to move? She could, but this woman would make life hell for everybody if she did. And I mean she would be telling everyone! She lives in our school community and believe me, the community would know she was upset. Not to mention us. But she has definitely lost what little respect I had for her and I won't be talking to her anytime soon. And if I hear one gripe about state testing I just might strangle her! Thanks for listening, and thanks for any advice you could give!

 

[Brooke S.]

moving

I hate that you are going through this. My principal promised another teacher and I that we could teach together (co-teach-in one room) since our other co-teachers are both leaving. Then she changed her mind and says we can do it if she can work it out. Now we are waiting in limbo to find out. I know how you feel, when it feels like others are getting to make choices about their career and you are just stuck. Please share what you don't like about 2nd grade. I would love to know. Maybe I could help with some suggestions for next year because I teach 2nd grade and absolutely love it!

 

[GB]

Talk to her

Tell her you'd love to switch and moreso in everyone's best interests moving rooms is the least of the worries. Offer to help her move and set up the new room.

I was on a 3rd grade team where two of the other teachers were best buddies. When E got a new job elsewhere, I was going to just move into her room. But T wanted E's room and got it. We both ended up moving and were in the same grade in the same area of the school. T and E were pains about everything together--it never made sense.

 

[NCteach]

Good Grief!!

That is rediculous. This is my third year teaching at the same school. Listen to this. I have moved 4 times, had back surgery before one move, and am moving 2 more times before school starts again this fall. Moving is not all that bad. It gives you a fresh start and a breath of fresh air. I am a little dissapointed in the principal. Doesn' t he/she have a backbone? I mean it is their school. HE/SHE decides who teaches what grade level and in what room. The teacher who wants 2nd, but not to move is just being selfish. What is in the best interest of the whole group...students and teachers? Good luck with this. I wouldn't transfer though. Don't sacrifice yourself over this petty thing.

 

[SusanTeach]

Moving

I used to say that I hated moving rooms - but after 4 moves in 3 years, I decided it was actually pretty cool - it made me purge JUNK and have a clean start. That being said, the other teacher sounds like she's just making an excuse anyway. Some people just like to complain, and there's nothing that will make her happy - she'll find something else to complain about. I wish your principal had a backbone. It's her final decision no matter what the other teacher wants. She won't make everyone miserable, the principal can do a "plan of improvement" and then let her go if she's still being a pain (again, if she had a backbone). Her top priority should be what's best for the students (including making sure they're supervised going to recess) - that's always the standpoint of my principal. If I can show that something is better for them, then she'll hear me out. How were your state test scores? Can you use that to prove your point to stay in 3rd grade? I like the suggestion of going to the other teacher and offering to help her move. You could even get a few friends to help you - and let the teacher know that all she has to do is give the word and you'll have her moved. Tell her it means that much to you, and see how much compassion she has. She might say no, but it's definitely worth asking about. If it's truly her "reason" for not moving, then she'll accept. If you like your school, I wouldn't consider a transfer. You'll just have someone else to deal with there.

 

[C.]

help was offered

The principal did offer to help her move. Thanks for reinforcing my thought that she is being selfish. I don't know if I want to go and talk to her about this or not. I am debating on whether to tell her that I'm a bit angry because I will have to hold off my plans because she doesn't want to move. Also, I want to tell her that I feel she should move too. But she is such a "yes, but" person and such a complainer that I don't know if it would do any good. I'm also wondering if I should use the Social Studies project I want to do as a bit of leverage with the principal. She had to OK me doing it so she knows about it, but I think she has forgotten about it. So I'm wondering if I should go in with a "how will this effect.." attitude. What'd'ya think?

 

[km]

talk with the principal

Your co-worker is just plain lazy - or maybe she is one of those pack rat teachers who has so much junk in her room that it would literally be too much to handle.

This school year was the first year that I didn't have to move schools or classrooms. I have been at my present school since it opened and have had more classrooms than anyone else there. Moving is not that bad. With the help that was offered it could even be fun. During one of my many moves I barely had to carry anything. Everyone came down and took a load or two before leaving for the day.

Anyway, I think you should bring up the social studies project. This is a committment that you have made and that she agreed to. Like the other posts have mentioned - bring up what is best for the students. I hope it all works out in your favor.

 

[SusanTeach]

Yes

Definitely bring up the social studies' project! Anything that will continue to prove your point (in a nice way, of course) is worth trying. Also, the principal will see even further how much it means to you. Don't give up too easily. In the end, you can say you did everything you could.