Recently at one of my clinical sights I was put in an uncomfortable position. The classroom teacher wanted to talk to me about one of her assistants. She complained about her in almost every aspect you could think of! No matter what, it seemed that the teacher simply did not like this particular assistant. Most of all, it seemed to me that it was simply a matter of personality conflict more so than anything else. Then, the other classroom assistant began complaining about this same person to me, as well. Eventually, both the teacher and one of the assistants would pull me aside to "gossip" about the other assistant. This made me feel so uncomfortable, but I felt like all they wanted was someone to listen to their gripes. I always listened, but still felt really badly for the other assistant. At times it was almost obvious that she was the person being talked about! Not only did this seem really unprofessional, but I lost a little bit of respect for my cooperating teacher. I wanted to tell them both to get over it and do their jobs! But I was a guest in their classroom, so I just listened...
Here's a good site for professionalism on the job:
http://www.helium.com/items/695254-student-teachers-tips-for-maintaining-your-professionalism
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I see this kind of thing a lot in public and private schools, as I'm sure you do. Makes you scratch your head, doesn't it? I hope that there were no children within earshot, even very little ones. We all give off certain vibes, and I wouldn't want any of that negativity to rub off on the kids.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's a tough position for you to be in, because you really are a guest. But thanks for the website link. This should be standard reading for all teachers, because it's so easy for some of us to get caught up in gossip. I wonder if there would be a way to send those gossipy teachers that link without giving away the source (i.e. you). You should set up an anonymous blog and obtain their email addresses so that they could be bombarded with website addresses and blogs that speak to this issue. If you want, I'll help you with the plan. We must save the children from these evil people!
I know I find myself saying not nice things about friends, family and colleagues, but we really shouldn't do it. Sometimes we need a way to voice our frustrations, anger, etc. When we do, it feels so good. I suppose we're trying to regain that relief when we start gossiping. Unfortunately, it doesn't solve any problems.
ReplyDeleteI actually was exposed to a little gossiping at the program where I've just finished up, and it felt a bit shocking at first. All of a sudden it just came out of no where. Luckily, the person gossiping wasn't confiding in me but was rather venting to the staff at large. It sucks when you hear bad things being said about someone that isn't there to defend him/herself. We have to ask ourselves what purpose the gossiping is going to serve in the end.
If the people at your school were so opposed to the assistant, then they really should have brought it up to her first, and then to the director. Isn't that what the Code of Ethics tell us? Complaining really brings the energy level down in the room, too.
I think your link is one that should be mandatory for all student teachers. I'm thankful that you've shared this with us.