Job Discussion Forums

adamhams · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Sweden

I am going to sue ICRDA International School of Aleppo
If you are looking for a place where you don�t have to work, spend two years wasting your time and getting paid then this the school for you.

The high school principle lacks any knowledge of how to run a school, could not put a time table with enough hours to teach IB students, the timetable was changed three times in the first term, the evaluation criteria were changed twice, there are no evaluation procedures, you should not be surprised if you are asked to do things that are in complete contradiction with the IB program that you are supposed to adhere to. If you speak your mind you will be told that you are a bad teacher and you will be terminated regardless of how good you are doing and of course forget about your benefits.

This is not the worst of it. You should expect to be asked not to state your opinion in meetings. Some colleagues as well as I were openly asked not speak in meetings because our opinions did not comply with the principle. You should also expect to end every meeting with the principle stating: so it is unanimous. But of curse we were never allowed to vote over anything.

What was disgraceful though is that she would not hesitate to lie to staff members and give false information. I personally was told that a meeting between me and member from the school committee was cancelled. It turned out that that was a lie and that member was given a very bad picture of me.

Now that I am home and safe I am in the process of suing the school. I have no intention of allowing that school to have treated me that way and get away with it.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Where are you going to sue them? In Syria, in Rome where the FAO headquarters are, in Geneva because it's the home of the IB, in New York on the grounds that they are a subsidiary of the UN, or in cyber space because posturing on internet forums is the best you can do?

Still we have complaints about everything so why not about what is considered to be the best gig in the Middle East.

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

adamhams · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Sweden

You are right; suing in Syria is not an option. But, you see they are a member and accredited by the MSA. I have sent a complaint to the MSA. Their response was that my conflict with the school is not is within the scope of the Commission�s policies or Standards for Accreditation. I do believe that made the wrong decision and that school should not be accredited by them. So, I am thinking of suing the MSA on the grounds that I did accept the school�s offer because it was accredited by them and I rightfully expected certain standards. I am also in the process of doing something about the IBO. However it seems that the IBO do not care how proficient their schools are and they don�t hold themselves responsible if their schools are not carrying their policies.

Now about your statement �best gig in the Middle East� I assume your referring to ICARDA. Well, this is exactly the condescending mentality that allowed unqualified people to run a school and do things that they would not dream of in their homelands. Granted, ICARDA is doing an honourable thing and helping many, however the people who are running the school; IISA should not run it that way, should not treat teachers that way, should not get a way with it, should pay for their behaviour. Further, agencies, entities or organizations that accredit them share responsibility. ICARDA�s management were aware of my conflict with the school but I guess they had the same attitude as you and they felt that we teachers are not worthy of complaining against their school. Well, I disagree.

By the way I am already corresponding with few lawyers in Philadelphia regarding the MSA. Now for the IBO, well I have not decided yet but do you have any suggestions?

adamhams · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Sweden

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

adamhams · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Sweden

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Best of luck.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

What jurisdiction was the labour contract under?

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

I'm no legal expert, but it seems like you have a pretty shaky case. Don't know if it's worth the time, money and sweat to go through a lawsuit, is it?
The best revenge may be stating your case on internet forums so it's more difficult for them to hire professional teachers in the future.
Any lawyers in the audience?