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.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Open mic Issue
Well lets see ,I have had an issue with another teacher at our school. I teach the Cosmetology class at our school and some of the teachers just look down their noses at the CTAE dept. I have a major issue with this she came in and asked if I had a student that was willing to work as an apprentice at a local spa learning manicures and pedicures. I told her that I had a girl that was interested that I though would be great at it. She decides to come down to my class and check out the student. The first thing she does is reiterate the fact that it was at the spa and that the student needed to look a certain way. While doing this she starts talking to me like I am beneath her. She asked which student it was so I told her and she looked at her and said isn't their some one else . She walked up to another student that she thought more fit her idea of what they should look like. That student told her she was not interested in the nail area she wanted to do the hair end of cosmetology. At this point I looked at her and said I am sorry but my students are not going to work in a place for someone to look down at them and treat them as if the are 2nd class people every one has the right to be treated the same. The nail interested student has since transferred back to another school, but the whole thing has put a bad taste in my mouth about recommending anyone to her for her work placement programs.
Kristie, this was a very unfortunate situation and I can understand why you were so upset. It is very sad to know that some people are so blinded by how someone looks instead of getting to know the person for who they really are. It is good that you took a bold stand and advocated for your students. We need more teachers out there who care enough about the students to handle those sensitive issues. We have to make sure that we use those moments as examples to educate our students on just how "ugly" the real world can be.
ReplyDeleteKristie,
ReplyDeleteBefore I got my position at Cherokee I worked as a supply teacher at a middle school in Cobb County.
About 98% of the teachers were great team players and the rest were so full of themselves they refused to even say hello or good morning to me as we passed in the hallways.
I quess my point is that there are all sorts of folks in teaching. It is regretable that this individual is in such a critical position. Hang in there. MZ