Job Discussion Forums

[october]

Iain,
A principal cannot touch a student. In order to expel him, she must contact his parents, wait until they arrive and then expel him. She is not permitted to expel him more then 3 days, and the students themselves admit that expelling is one of the best punishments, since the parents usually do not support the decisions of the principal (What? my little angel did what...?) and they let the children do anything they want at home - so what is the point of expelling. What i think she should have done was use reasonable force to escort him out of the class, with the explanation (later on) that she felt he endangerd class mates and the teacher. But, this principle has no back bone, so students will continue to disrespect her and us as teachers.
On that same subject - we are not allowed to take out students from the lesson if they interupt the lesson, they know this and take advantage of this. so when i say that we have no "power" it really comes down to the fact that we have no respect from students or their parents.
Do you feel that you are in a respectful environment?

[J-Pop]

october,

It is sad to hear what happened. I agree with your analysis of what the principal should have been. Sounds quite reasonable.

And yes, it is ironic how you were recently commenting on the subject of violence in the classroom, then lo and behold . . . A difficult situation.
Let us know what happens.

I hope it doesn't happen again!

[dduck]

October, that really blows.

If I were me, I wouldn't be able to work in an environment like that. I don't believe violence should ever be permitted. If the Principal didn't so anything about it, I'd tell her that in the future I'd get one of the students to call the police. I realise as a foreigner the police would probably not be interested to help, get a local to report the crime. Also, if the families arrive explain to them that their child runs the risk of going to jail if the bad behaviour continues.

Iain

[october]

Believe me, I'm still thinking about how to respond. The principal and i are meeting the parents in a week. (a week after since there is a week holiday...bad timing). i refuse to teach this boy any longer! but who am i to decide?

Also, if i could leave the school, I would. Not only because of the principal (if you can call her one) but the whole atmosphere between the staff is pretty low. But I can't leave for a few reasons the first being that i need the money...
Iain, I'm actually not a foreigner, I'm an American-Israeli, born in the states and when i was a kid my parents decided to move here. (Actually, I'm thinking about moving back to the states and work there...). What i'm thinking of doing is saying that if this boy is not punished i will file a complaint. The problem (of many) is that his parents do not think that this situation is serious and they are both psychologists!!! How funny is that??

It's also easier to say "if i were you..."