This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Extra Extra Etc.
I too has a constant battle between my program vs coworkers need. On a daily basis I am visited for various "favors". I been asked for everything from an addition to a retaining wall. I too understand everyone is attempting to save a buck or two here or there. However, I too have issues that I am dealing with that compete for my time. For instance, My child, my wife, ,my education, and restoring my recently remodeled home that has been damaged by a frozen water pipe that burst during the cold snap last month. I truely would like to help all that come to me for assistance, but realistically can't. What's truely insulting is when my coworkers recieve a realistic price for my time, they back out. Or, flat out tell you that they hoped I had some supplies just sitting around. When my coworkers see the supplies for my students lab activities, they assume, that they can be used for extracurricular activities. As a result, I'm through! I simply explian, without a shred of guilt, that I can't assist them because of my current obligations and I hope they will understand. I can't be everywhere.
It's funny because I always have co workers wanting me to do caterings for them on my own time. I have tried to explain to them that I do not have time and that my home is not set up to do catering. It is against the rules to use the school kitchen for personal income, yet they get upset with me when I explain this. Then they want me to do it through the school and come in on the weekends.
ReplyDeleteIt is tough because they are so mean when I turn them down. I actually had one teacher yelling at me because I would not cater an event over the summer months.
I was also told by another teacher that he thought my purpose was to do these caterings. I told him that I am a teacher first and then if I have time or if a catering will benefit my students then and only then do we do caterings.
It is sad because many times our co workers think they are doing us a favor by giving us some work to teach the students but when you are working with 28 students in a class, it is difficult to teach and make certain that the work is done correctly.
I am glad that you are able to say "no" and I am definitely going to try to use that word more often.
Hi, Vince - good to hear that you are focused on your students, and that now your colleagues know that. Sometimes it just takes awhile to get the point across and for them to come to know what you are all about. Your priorities are in the right place and you (and Ginger) will be appreciated for that by your peers . . . eventually.
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