Today was the first day back at work.
As is the norm of late, we started with a Staff Development day. This is generally a talkfest/ group activity/ feedback series of exercises.
Today was no exception.
But my observations today were not of the subjects covered, their use to my life or teaching or the way co-ordinators look down upon the workers.
No... today I was looking at the shitkickers themselves. I am one of them. And yet, I do not feel as one.
We, as a group, are supposedly a group of caring, compassionate individuals, who are united in the shared ideals of education and of getting the best out of a group of students who may otherwise be left behind or given less opportunity to succeed. I would believe that what we do is noble.
How we respond or behave towards each other, however, leaves me quite unhappy. And I admit straight off that I am highly emotional and easily disheartened.
Today, many of the staff headed straight towards the people with whom they work most closely. This is normal. These are, more often than not, the people with whom we have the most connection. The ones who know us best.
Those who have worked in the same place for longer, potentially, have wider networks with whom to interact.
I have worked in my current job for over 15 years. And I am finding this process more and more difficult.
I am finding now that these groups not only exist, but have become so closed in some cases, that it is impossible to even speak to other people.
In two cases, I have two former teacher aides who I see constantly. One of whom I worked with extensively, in an unfamiliar environment, and grew quite close to. The other whom I worked with for some time, and did significant amounts of shopping for when I visited Mexico some years ago. These two women are now incapable of providing even eye contact with me.
Why is this?
Several years back, some other staff members defriended me on Facebook. This happens. But, we still see each other at staff things and briefly speak. We speak civilly. I am not sure what the defriending was about and it doesn't seem I am hated by these people. But maybe I am.
Why is this?
The problem with these mysteries is that people turn the cold shoulder attitude on. But so often, you never find out why. And that drives me insane.
What I found today though... or what I perceive, is a bunch of absolute bitches who just get through the day, with their closest colleagues; imagining they are the authority and the ultimate in teachers; carrying on and bitching about others and hating what their own lives are becoming.
I stay in this job because I love what I do.
But outside of the people I am working with, and the few that I have worked with, who have given me the chance to really know them; and who realise I am not whatever it is that some people clearly perceive me as; I really don't know what is wrong with the rest. Pack of bitches really need to grow up! You are adults!
The ones that shit me the most though; the ones who are "facebook friends", who ask for Union advice, who say what a great colleague I am, who say how much they would love to work with me... all online. But who can't be bothered to even speak to me in my presence. Why is this industry so fake and so pathetic?
I was genuinely hurt by an incident that happened the weekend past by one of these people. But at least it opened my eyes to the continuing and growing politics of teaching; secondary is bad, primary worse, but special Ed. Good god... talk about social skills deficits!
As is the norm of late, we started with a Staff Development day. This is generally a talkfest/ group activity/ feedback series of exercises.
Today was no exception.
But my observations today were not of the subjects covered, their use to my life or teaching or the way co-ordinators look down upon the workers.
No... today I was looking at the shitkickers themselves. I am one of them. And yet, I do not feel as one.
We, as a group, are supposedly a group of caring, compassionate individuals, who are united in the shared ideals of education and of getting the best out of a group of students who may otherwise be left behind or given less opportunity to succeed. I would believe that what we do is noble.
How we respond or behave towards each other, however, leaves me quite unhappy. And I admit straight off that I am highly emotional and easily disheartened.
Today, many of the staff headed straight towards the people with whom they work most closely. This is normal. These are, more often than not, the people with whom we have the most connection. The ones who know us best.
Those who have worked in the same place for longer, potentially, have wider networks with whom to interact.
I have worked in my current job for over 15 years. And I am finding this process more and more difficult.
I am finding now that these groups not only exist, but have become so closed in some cases, that it is impossible to even speak to other people.
In two cases, I have two former teacher aides who I see constantly. One of whom I worked with extensively, in an unfamiliar environment, and grew quite close to. The other whom I worked with for some time, and did significant amounts of shopping for when I visited Mexico some years ago. These two women are now incapable of providing even eye contact with me.
Why is this?
Several years back, some other staff members defriended me on Facebook. This happens. But, we still see each other at staff things and briefly speak. We speak civilly. I am not sure what the defriending was about and it doesn't seem I am hated by these people. But maybe I am.
Why is this?
The problem with these mysteries is that people turn the cold shoulder attitude on. But so often, you never find out why. And that drives me insane.
What I found today though... or what I perceive, is a bunch of absolute bitches who just get through the day, with their closest colleagues; imagining they are the authority and the ultimate in teachers; carrying on and bitching about others and hating what their own lives are becoming.
I stay in this job because I love what I do.
But outside of the people I am working with, and the few that I have worked with, who have given me the chance to really know them; and who realise I am not whatever it is that some people clearly perceive me as; I really don't know what is wrong with the rest. Pack of bitches really need to grow up! You are adults!
The ones that shit me the most though; the ones who are "facebook friends", who ask for Union advice, who say what a great colleague I am, who say how much they would love to work with me... all online. But who can't be bothered to even speak to me in my presence. Why is this industry so fake and so pathetic?
I was genuinely hurt by an incident that happened the weekend past by one of these people. But at least it opened my eyes to the continuing and growing politics of teaching; secondary is bad, primary worse, but special Ed. Good god... talk about social skills deficits!
Unfortunately it happens everywhere. People you are good to turn out bad. it's hard emotionally but you just keep your head high and move on. I've experienced it. Heaps of others have to. But those people are not worth it. And don't try to be friends and do things for them. Tell them sorry I need to have a enema on that day lol at least it's better than doing something that they won't thank you for
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