Job Discussion Forums

peewee1979 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 12:28 am Post subject:

The "teacher" in question is maybe about 30-35 and the admin didn't ask him to inform on anyone. The program pretty much runs itself but he makes constant waves and they often audit his class because of student complaints. So he has taken it upon himself to drag others down with him as he knows he is going down. Not in his mind but he must think that by him ratting on others may buy some time.

The school told me they want him gone but don't want to fire him as they don't have another teacher to replace him and they don't want to pay the penalty so they hope he quits.

And yes he is American - why should that be a point of contention?

I sent an email to the fao department and received some replies both by email and sms.

The one that got my attention most said: "Stay away from him, he's dangerous".

He's one of those people that have openly complained about everything and everyone since day one. Nonstop and over and over again.

I'm sure you know the type - he's one of those people who tell you how rich and successful they are and they don't need the job and they have houses here and there and so much money etc etc.

So it's still a problem as he is making my China experience at this school bad.

time to teach · Joined: 03 Feb 2011 Posts: 73 Location: Bangkok

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

time to teach:

The OP gave details that he thought were pertinent. He is asking for advice regarding how to handle this sort of person. He mentioned that he was an American. So what? What's the big deal? I'm an American. I don't feel offended.

What sort of conclusions do you think others will draw from the OP's post?

You're overreacting.

And it's a "moot" point, not a "mute" point.

steve b · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 293 Location: China

I would like to ask how the FT knows what is going on in other classrooms? Is he sitting in on other teachers? If so, stop it. Are students gossiping to him about you? If so, are you doing something wrong in your lessons that you need worry?

Send him to observe my classes - he will get plenty of ammunition because my style is unorthodox, but I can justify everything. As an instance, a couple of weeks ago three of my classes had a unit entitled "AIDS and homosexuality". I opened each of the lessons by announcing to the class that I was "gay" and asked them to tell the truth as to whether their opinion of me had just changed from five minutes previously. The approach made for an active discussion, I don't think any of my students believe I am gay and as far as I can tell nothing has been "reported".

I think the fact that anyone worries over what others may say about them displays either insecurity of their own tenure or just perhaps they really do have something to worry about.

Life is far too short to fret about gossip. As long as those that matter know the truth it is of little importance.

peewee1979 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 4:47 am Post subject:

I just love how some posters turn this into a " I'm the one at fault with issues" thing.

While there are typically two -or more - sides to any issue I am simply presenting mine and what I experienced.

I have no reason to make anything up or embellish the truth. My job is simple - teach and do the best job I can do doing that. When another teacher causes trouble for me without any provocation there is concern on my part.

Today I met with the fao - actually not about this but to get my passport with a new resident permit ( yes, finally...) - and after the exchange she had a brief discussion about this matter telling me that he has zero credibility with the school and the students and in the event he said something negative about other teachers again they would not accept his words ( fao statement).

The fao also told me the students submit comments and ranking about the teachers and he scored the lowest ( not a surprise) and I scored number 2 ( YEAH!!!).

But the thread is about what I can do to protect myself against false accusations - that is serious concern to me. I can't say I like this job but I know it and get along well with the students and staff so I want the choice of my working here again to be up to me - not decided by some a hole who's falling into a hole trying to drag others down with him.

steve b · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 293 Location: China

Peewee, I trust you did not garner the impression I was apportioning blame to any quarter?

Why worry about protecting against false allegations when you have been officially told no credence is attached to them? From the sound of it the "problem" will not be around much longer anyway. Just get on with your life and your job.

And it is common for students to give an end of semester report on all teachers (not just FTs) and the clout these carry should not be underestimated - students can (with FTs certainly) abbreviate a contract. Such a thing is happening here as far as I can tell. FTs who don't go the extra mile and try to attend corners, student concerts/parties etc when invited see this reflected in the "student opinion polls".

If you are number two I would suggest the only thing you REALLY need to worry about is getting to the top spot!!!

peewee1979 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:05 am Post subject:

Thanks Steve... ranking in the Top Three is ok for me.

I do my job and smile a lot.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

nomad-ish · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:47 am Post subject:

i've got a teacher like this at my school too. he doesn't rat out the other FTs, however at meetings in likes to air out his problems with the school/staff/students/curriculum in front of everyone. makes for a very uncomfortable meeting. things he should be saying in private to the directors.

anyways, i would try to inconspicuously ignore/avoid this person and distance yourself from him. if you get involved with his trouble-mongering, the school might look at you as part of the problem.

good luck. bad co-workers, we've all been there.

peewee1979 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 1:02 pm Post subject:

Beyond1984 · Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 462

"he was going to start spreading rumors that I am having relations with students." Shocked

-peewee1979

Isn't the Biblical penalty for bearing false witness death by stoning? If not, it should be Twisted Evil

-HDT

mrwslee003 · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 190

I think many of you got too sensitive and got the wrong perspective on this Ft who is advising the AO's (administrative officers) what he thinks of what is going on in the school: This Ft was hired to do a job, I think because this Ft have many years of teaching experience and the AO's want to know what his input would be to improve their school.

And being an AO with an open mind he loves to hear what he can do to improve his school. Nothing wrong with that at all. He might just said or request this Ft do whatever he has to do so that the AO would have the Ft's perspective on the school. So the Ft is doing what he is expected to do. Mind you the paranoic teachers think this Ft is ratting on them. If that were so then those teachers would have heard from their Bosses already, right? But none have and no consequences yet because that was not the objective of this Ft.

So chill it, paranoid teachers. Just go on and do what you normally do and let the Ft report whatever he sees. Unless of course in your normal day you are doing illegal things and unprofessional things.

There is a saying in Chinese "jin jin bu pa huo! Real gold does not fear fire!". So teachers, ct or ft, are you real gold or not?

Just be cool and enjoy your job and don't let others determine how you feel about your job. Because you have a strong feeling about your job and nothing someone else does will change your mind.

Shizzngiggles · Joined: 13 Dec 2011 Posts: 7

It's one thing to do your job properly, but quite another to have to do it in constant fear that one little screw up may have dire consequences.

If the one ratting all the time makes it known and is annoying then they need to be confronted before the job becomes a nightmare.

Real gold can with stand fire, but that doesn't mean that it wants to be thrown into the flames 24/7.

steve b · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 293 Location: China

Assuming this incredible scenario were true, reporting areas for improvement in any workplace does not involve grassing up fellow workers unless they are doing illegal things or malingering. It most certainly does not include tittle-tattle.

This theory appears to be spurious simply because not only is the ratter on the way out but the AOs pay no attention to him.

mrwslee003 · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 190

What I am saying is "fear" is unfounded. If all of the teachers are doing a decent job and your perceived trouble maker is giving you trouble means nothing unless your boss is reacting to his "ratting". Which seems to be unfounded as well. Because there is simply no "reaction" from your boss or bosses to you or any one of the teachers.

The rest of the teachers seem to be "psyched out" for reasons you stated but unfounded, no proof. I just feel these teachers are lacking in self confidence, self esteem, and self worth. Which leads me to question the
caliber of professionals they are.

Any tree that topples by a breeze does not deserve to stand.