this post was submitted on 19 Nov 2023
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I make 6 figures for 174 days of work every year. I've always had awesome admin until this year, but on the whole I have more fun watching them bloviate with that deer in the headlights look.
Most parents are awesome as long as you're respectful and give them the final say. Ultimately, it's their kid, so if we don't agree on something even after they understand my reasoning, I'll do what they ask. I'm sure there's SOMETHING I wouldn't cave on, but in 15 years as a science teacher it's never reached that point. But I think if you make it clear from the beginning that they have the final say, it's easier for them to trust you. So many of us think we know their kids better than they do, or that we know what's best for their kid. With that kind of attitude parents are going to push back. ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐คทโโ๏ธ Who can blame them?
Lots of people complain about teaching, and in most districts the job sucks. But there are still places where we're valued as professionals. And even in the bad districts, like where I began my career in South Florida, when you close the door it's just you and the kids. If that's your jam then it's fun as hell. I teach physics, intro and AP, and I have an insane amount of fun even though most of my students start out absolutely hating introductory physics (which all 9th graders have to take).
I'm glad you've had that experience, but it's completely inconsistent with everything I've heard from my friends. Granted, a fair amount are/were in south Florida. The horror stories I hear about parent tantrums are beyond any reasonable response.
Parent tantrums are the easiest thing in the world to avoid. First of all, when you're at a real impasse you should just do what they parent asks. They're not our children. But sometimes parents ask for this that are just not possible. If they get unruly then you let them go. They can't come meet with you at the school without permission, and you don't have to respond to their emails or phone calls when they're getting ridiculous. The minute they become unreasonable, all you have to do is tell them that if they'd like to continue communicating they're going to have to make an appointment to come see you at the school. If they do that you make sure there's someone in the room with you when they come. They hardly ever come. Then they can come get it out of their system for a half hour while the administrator or the counselor or whoever you have helps deflect them.
This is a skill that comes with time. You just don't have to argue with parents unless you choose to.
It really does sound like you work in an idyllic district. Again, I'm happy for you, but I suspect your perspective on the subject might be significantly biased by that notable privilege.