Job Discussion Forums

[artemisia]

NCTBA wrote:

[Mrs McClusky]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Cairo Chica]

Just a question: When your students ask a question that you deem stupid, do you respond to them with sarcasm and contempt? Do you make irrelevant jokes rather than answer the question directly? Do you share the question in the teachers' lounge so others can pile on? If you treat your students the same way you treated my initial post, I feel very sorry for them.

For the record (not that it will matter, as I'm sure it will be used for additional fodder), the person who directed me to have documents stamped is not Egyptian, nor is she a native English speaker. She is dealing with Egypt bureaucracy and put it in the best terms she could. If I asked her for clarification, I wouldn't have received it.

I am an avid researcher and do not jump to forums to ask questions which can be answered by a simple google search. I searched for what I thought they were asking for, and came up with nothing. I posted the question here, knowing that teachers have probably been asked for this in the past, and would know what was meant by the uncertain terminology.

I have to say that in one way, I am surprised by the responses here. Is it a mentality of, "Let the newbies find their way like I had to"? Or are you so jaded by the experiences that you've had, that you can't help but be sarcastic and unwelcoming?

On the other hand, I'm sad to say it's not that surprising at all. I didn't choose teaching as a profession. I've lived in Egypt before and when I decided to move there permanently, I discovered that my current and beloved profession simply doesn't exist there. The only option for, yes, a NON-DEGREED American native English speaker is teaching. I took the CELTA, passed, and have had two job offers so far. You will be relieved to know that I will not be earning the same as a degreed and experienced teacher. Some of the teachers I've encountered while embarking on this new profession have had similar bitter and unhelpful attitudes such as yours. The others have been apple shining kiss a**es. I can't appreciate either.

Veiledsentiments, you offered a nice response in the other thread I posted. I'm disappointed to see you pile on here.

You sound to me like a group of bitter expats sitting around the British Club. There are many expats in Egypt who congregate to discuss their hatred of the country and culture. I ask why they remain? There are definitely challenges with living in Egypt, which I've experienced first-hand. Their negativity overflows into all areas of their lives, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of you are of the same disposition. I can't see myself belittling someone on an internet message board for any reason. Whatever gets you through the school year, I guess.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Lady...I jes' read yer post in full...you are, indeed, the cannon-fodder...

NCTBA

[AGoodStory]

Well, I think she makes one or two fair points. However, Chica, you are still missing the main point. The attitude you find so offensive was not a response to your original reasonable post, as you seem to suggest. It was elicited by your own hostile words and tone of voice when choosing to take offense at one poster's attempt at humor. If you can give a little thought to your own part in bringing this about, you might learn something important about how people react to you. When you speak angrily or dismissively to someone, you have no reason to expect them to respond with warmth and helpfulness. You can't ask someone for their help, treat them offensively, and then get mad at them for not doing what you were asking. (Well. . .I guess you CAN, but you see the results!)

Since you brought up the classroom analogy, consider the possibility that one of your students may someday make an irrelevant comment or poorly timed joke. Now consider the wide range of responses you might make other than jumping down his throat. . . hmmmm. . . Perhaps you will agree that some responses might serve your goals much better than others--and be much more effective in helping you get what you want?

[veiledsentiments]

[artemisia]

You're right Cairo Chica, at least about my response, which had little to do with your original post. I was amused by a comment that struck a chord with me, that's all.
I know how stressful it is preparing for work overseas and trying to get all the paperwork done in time. I apologise for my joke and wish you well in Egypt.