Showing posts with label subject matter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label subject matter. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Changes

I just got off the phone with one of my team teachers and the shit has officially hit the fan! I'm 3/4 of the way certified as a 5-8 grade Humanities teacher (I work at a charter school which does not require their teachers to be certified at the time of hire). Please explain to me why:

--I may be teaching 6-8 grade Science (I have NO experience with science beyond my k-12 education. Hello, my degrees are in African American Studies and Gender/Cultural Studies!!)

--I called the principal yesterday and explicitly ASKED him if I would still be teaching 6th grade Humanities as I want to be prepared with lesson plans for the first 2 weeks. According to that conversation, he said that I'll still be teaching 6th Humanities.

And the kicker
--The principal has not called me yet! Rather, these changes was relayed to me at least 2 times removed (school secretary, team teacher).

I have to curb my initial reaction to this bullshit and calmly explain my position tomorrow. Here's my initial script:

I am concerned about some recent changes to the Middle School staff at H______ Charter School. In the interests of the students and preparation for the State examination, I would prefer to remain in the subject matter that I have some expertise in: Humanities. I understand that change is inevitable, however, if at all possible, the school should retain/attract a teacher with more direct experience teaching or working in a science-related field for the Middle School level. I hope that you take my concerns into account while preparing for the new school year.

Fellow teachers, I need your feedback. How would you handle this situation? Should I get my certification, give my 2 week notice, and leave these suckers in the dust? Has this ever happened to you?