Job Discussion Forums

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:43 pm Post subject:

The best attitude for many problems, both on this forum and in professional EFL life, is silence. Listen, and learn from much more experienced betters. There has already been plenty of unclouded and solid advice afforded.

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 4:12 am Post subject:

Sharing a viewpoint is one thing - even a naive one. But what is happening on this thread seems to be another thing entirely.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:15 am Post subject:

This thread is, or supposed to be, about a bad reference. Celta tips are on another thread, aren't they?

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 1:56 pm Post subject:

We don't want, like or need trolls on this board.

We get rid of them very quickly.*

Should a troll appear again on this thread (or any thread), members are requested to advise the Mod Team promptly by PM or Report Post.

*To include their IPs.

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

I wanted to thank everyone for their comments.

School A did and does give short contacts. So, at the end of the contract I didn't stay to continue employment. School A is saying that they asked me to leave. When that is said to other schools it ironically leaves out the fact that I would not have signed another contract. It's a kind of play of words that shed a negative light on me.

In the future I will and have already removed school A from my resume. And I'm adding this information because I feel like its relevant... The other teachers at school A were actually afraid to even talk to me my last couple days. They were afraid for their job I guess. They didn't want to give the impression to school A they were talking to me or planned to keep in contact with me when I left.

As far as any rights go for a non Mexican citizen such as myself... I was told by more than a few Mexican citizens not to push the issue. This leaves me in a bad spot feeling like I can't or should not do anything concerning this situation on my behalf. I was leaning towards getting a lawyer involved but I was told to procede with extreme caution because I am a non-Mexican. Another words I'm not in Kansas anymore and I have to respect that.

I can't ignore the owners of school A have much more power and money than I do. And its true what the school says is taken as gospel. But, what I say based on school B should be taken as a I'm trying to cover something up. I haven't really decided the best way to address the issue at hand to be honest other than bring it up during an interview so it doesn't look like a cover up.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

Openly fighting with a school, especially in small town, could really backfire on you regardless of nationality (and regardless of the outcome).

I haven’t been sure of what to suggest here, but IMO, low-key is the way to go if outright avoidance is not possible. Would all the other schools in town automatically contact school A? If you think that’s likely, then raising the thorny issue yourself in interviews is probably for the best.

If you worked at school A on a short-term contract and worked until the end of the contract, then those details can go on any resume in which you’re still acknowledging school A. In the interview you can point out it was a short term contract, which you completed. You’ve been given good advice and ideas on how to go about broaching sticky issues.

Have you ever been asked to give a free demonstration lesson? You could consider offering this, but it’s not a risk-free strategy, especially if you’re new to teaching. My other thoughts were to commute to work in the next nearest town, if possible, and/or to try to get private students for a while who could give you references. Good luck with this.

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

I agree with artemisia. Another suggestion would be to comment your experience spots on your resume. For example, beside your School A's experience, you can add a colon and explain in few words what you had to do in there.

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

Be aware to keep a positive tone all the way even if you have to "sublimate" the school as being "the most wonderful teaching experience you've ever had but unfortunately for probable school's funding resources problems your contract hasn't been renewed". It could be a good way to put the ball on school's A side: if they ever deny your positive comment, they'll be the ones who'll look aggressive and problematic, then, not you...

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

You can also sublimate this experience in a cover letter, as well. You'll have more space to do it. Not mentioning this school in your resume or waiting for the interview to cover up will definitely seem completely suspicious, whatsoever. Don't forget the golden rule in such conflicts: the school is always right and the teacher is unfortunately always wrong.

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

You can also sublimate this experience in a cover letter, as well. You'll have more space to do it. Not mentioning this school in your resume or waiting for the interview to cover up will definitely seem completely suspicious, whatsoever. Don't forget the golden rule in such conflicts: the school is always right and the teacher is unfortunately always wrong.

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

It might even not get you a chance to be contacted for an interview at all! So, positivity is the only solution, I guess. Keep your resent for yourself as it won't help you in your teaching career. At least, you can annoy your family and friends with it in private if that could make you feel any better! (lol)
(sorry for the split message: unsolved technical problem I'm really not responsible for!)

scepticalbee · Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Posts: 93

I forgot another good point which would definitely get you out of the mess: try to get your students' written testimonials, as well. It is really a valuable reference which can be even more valuable than the school's one.
It really works if your students were adults.

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

Thank you all for the advise. I am taking it all into serous consideration. At school A I taught children not adults.

I do feel handling the issue not being negative is the way to go. The town I'm in is a very close net society. If I put school A down it could be a huge mistake. Meaning, in this town you never know who knows each other and how everyone is connected. For this reason I do feel I have to handle the situation with kids gloves. I know some people asked before about me going to the next nearest town to teach. But, there is no next nearest town unless I drive about 9 hours each way. I would literally have to move. Maybe next year I will move.

One of the things I have decided to do at least while I'm in this particular town is that I wish to teach adults in a language school setting. I do feel this could create some distance for me from school A since it was a primary school. Again, I do appreciate everyones advise.