Tenure
And the guest posts just keep on comin'. Here's one on a subject that is near and dear to my heart, courtesy of fellow teacher, Fred.
One of the things about working in the teaching profession is that you achieve tenure after a certain period of time (three years here in my district). Tenure, which is foreign to those of you in the corporate world, generally means you have achieved a position that is difficult to eliminate, unless you completely mess up. Examples of messing up? How about striking a student, or even something as disgusting as carrying on an affair with a student?
To stay below the radar and glide into this tenure thing without any issues, teachers may sometimes behave in a manner opposite of their normal reaction. You want to say one thing, but you reconsider, remember you're not tenured, then say another.
A few examples of non-tenured thinking and non-tenured responses:
1. Can you cover my class? Are you serious? I've got papers to grade. No problem, I can grade my papers in your class.
2. Can you stay late for a quickie staff meeting? You mean, another waste of time due to your lack of planning? I'd love to.
3. Can you sponsor another club for us? What about the other 80 teachers who don't have a club and are too lazy? I'm sure I can squeeze it in, thanks for asking.
4. Can I borrow your lesson plan on that subject?You've been teaching this subject for three years, can't you come up with one yourself? If it will help the students, that's OK with me.
5. How'd you like to go to the cafeteria with me? Are you kidding? You're a complete bore. Sure, let's talk about the upcoming finals.
6. Do you want to serve on the planning committee? What a waste of time - it's already pre-determined by the bureaucrats. Wow - what a great opportunity - thanks!
Non-tenure (or probationary period in the corporate world) - does it make a difference in the way you act?
One of the things about working in the teaching profession is that you achieve tenure after a certain period of time (three years here in my district). Tenure, which is foreign to those of you in the corporate world, generally means you have achieved a position that is difficult to eliminate, unless you completely mess up. Examples of messing up? How about striking a student, or even something as disgusting as carrying on an affair with a student?
To stay below the radar and glide into this tenure thing without any issues, teachers may sometimes behave in a manner opposite of their normal reaction. You want to say one thing, but you reconsider, remember you're not tenured, then say another.
A few examples of non-tenured thinking and non-tenured responses:
1. Can you cover my class? Are you serious? I've got papers to grade. No problem, I can grade my papers in your class.
2. Can you stay late for a quickie staff meeting? You mean, another waste of time due to your lack of planning? I'd love to.
3. Can you sponsor another club for us? What about the other 80 teachers who don't have a club and are too lazy? I'm sure I can squeeze it in, thanks for asking.
4. Can I borrow your lesson plan on that subject?You've been teaching this subject for three years, can't you come up with one yourself? If it will help the students, that's OK with me.
5. How'd you like to go to the cafeteria with me? Are you kidding? You're a complete bore. Sure, let's talk about the upcoming finals.
6. Do you want to serve on the planning committee? What a waste of time - it's already pre-determined by the bureaucrats. Wow - what a great opportunity - thanks!
Non-tenure (or probationary period in the corporate world) - does it make a difference in the way you act?
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