2nd Trimester

Discrimination? I need advice

Long story short- I'm a 9th grade English teacher. Last week I had a student yell at me that I was "(F)ing retarded" because I asked her to stop talking. When I took her to the principal's office she claimed that I "had started it" (yeah right). Anyway, the principal did not punish her and later went on to tell me that I clearly was not handling my class as well this year because I'm pregnant. What should I do?! I'm so furious!

Re: Discrimination? I need advice

  • WHAAAA? I would definitely be talking to someone in HR, or another adminstrator.  Im sorry, that totally sucks.
  • What on EARTH does being pregnant have to do with classroom management.  There are 3 pregnant teachers at my HS this year and two of us are actually on the discipline committee!  Did you tell the principal that you are a mom and who knows better how to handle wayward adolescents?!
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  • that is UNREAL... i am a teacher and if our principal wasn't behind the teachers, there is NO WAY we would be successful.. DEFINITELY take it up with HR... You are a professional and should be treated as such!
  • First, I would start documenting anytime someone at your school made a comment like - or an incident like that happened (relating to possible discrimination). Then, I would either write the principal a letter or talk to her in person (a letter would provide you with a copy for your files) basically explaining that you were surprised and disappointed with the comment made, that you are managing your class no differently than previous years, and you followed x procedure for misbehaving students (cite procedure telling you to bring student to principals office). And then I would end it with something like, "Thus far, my pregnancy has not affected my ability to teach in anyway - and I do not expect it to. If you have any concerns, please feel free to address them with me".
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  • I don't know if you're a member of your local teacher's union, but you may want to contact them as well.  They're pretty good at going to bat for teachers in situations like this.  Either way, a principal should stand behind his/her teachers.  Otherwise, the school is in big trouble! Good luck!
  • Yes, discrimination, and he's an idiot for saying that outloud to you. He is lucky you don't sue him. I would talk to HR immediately- that is ridiculous. Men who think that women become weaker because they are pregnant or become ANYTHING because they are pregnant make me want to smack them. Jerks.
  • Ummm, I am not seeing his logic.  You teach highschool.  I am sure you have had a student speak to you like that before.  The students behavior has nothing to do with you being pregnant.  I would immediately contact HR and as someone else mentioned report to your union.  What a dbag. Even if he thought that he shouldn't have said it out loud.
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  • I agree with pp who said that you should contact your local National Educatior's Association rep.  They are VERY good about instances like this from what I have heard (I've never had to use them).  If you are not, I would suggest going to your school board.  This is a clear cut issue of discrimination and you (nor any other person) should have to deal with it.  I understand 100% where you are coming from because my principals (2 out of 3) do NOT back the teachers at all.  They give teachers threats over the intercom during the announcements, they allow parents and students to be verbally and sometimes physically abusive towards the teachers.  They even tell teachers that they have to justify why students fail when the grades are put in black and white.  I hope you have a better outcome with someone over your principal.
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  • I agree with PP who said to start documenting.  I would also check with someone in HR you trust or your union rep.  That is very wrong!  GL!
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  • Awww... sounds like you have the kind of administration I had last year.  Go to your union rep and start documenting.  The principal should be supporting YOU!
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  • Thanks everybody. It makes me feel better to know that I'm so so right in this situation!
  • imageQmommy:
    Awww... sounds like you have the kind of administration I had last year.  Go to your union rep and start documenting.  The principal should be supporting YOU!

     This.  Outrageous.  

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