More Contract Issues September 5, 2008

Yesterday, Thursday, at around 2:45 p.m., the new AP came around with a half-sheet of paper.  On it were the directions for dismissal and a note that the 7th and 8th grade teachers were to stay after school for a meeting from 3:15 – 3:45.  Contractually, the school day ends at 3:04.  I have another job on the other side of the city at 4:00.  So, I had to write a note declining participation.

Personally, I feel disrespected.  A last minute meeting like that makes me feel like you didn’t care enough to consider our needs earlier.  And it was not phrased as an “if you are available, will you please join us.”  It was phrased as a directive.  I dislike directives.

My Principal Really Said. . . September 3, 2008

“Folks, we’re going to be working every second prep period.”  When you have that period, “it won’t be used for planning”, organization, or classroom time.  You’re going to be in meetings, figuring out how to help your kids.  “And (Union Rep), I know this is against contract, and I don’t care.”

I’m going through the year counting up the contract violations.  I have no problem sacrificing those periods; I already did.  But the idea that he would just order us as a whole to do so?  Isn’t happening.