Blog Entry #4: The other day, Mrs. Hogarty mentioned to me that she was tired of parents talking behind her back. Turns out that for so long, the faculty in the school have known her as the one who "will get your student straightened out" because of her character. Whenever another student from any grade will misbehave, they would sent that student to her classroom. Apparently, this reached the ears of many parents and began talking negative things about her. It got to the point where she even heard the parents talk about her in the parking lot. Ever since, she decided that she will be no ones babysitter. No more students are allowed in her classroom.
It’s understandable that as a parent, one will be disappointed to know that your child’s teacher is the “mean lady who screams at you”. But at the same time, there should be no reason for further judgement upon her. Now, I am not saying that I agree with her raising her voice all the time at the students because I honestly think it is unnecessary. I’m just saying that the parents only know her based from rumors. But if they were to sit down in the classroom and witness the times where she shows the students that she cares and when she throws in some jokes here and there and the kids get a kick out of it, they would realize that Mrs. Hogarty is not the teacher who they think she is based from rumors (God only knows what they really say).
My response to her was “Mrs. Hogarty, people will always talk bad about anyone. Those parents do not know who you are in the classroom like I do. I must admit, I was “iffy” about your teaching style and being strong with the kids until I realized that discipline is necessary and it’s not like you are always like this. You have a kind heart and you show it. I see the way the kids enjoy having you especially when you joke around with them and make them laugh. You show balance by being firm yet loving with the kids and that is good. If a teacher is too nice and not firm, then the students will step all over him/her.” After that we had a good, rest of a conversation. Then I realized that I caught myself using my strengths “developer"- seeing the potential in others, and "positivity”- generous with praise, always on the lookout for positive in the situation.
Lesson learned:
1. People may not like you or your teaching style and talk behind your back. Learn to deal with them. At the end, what people say about you does not determine who you are, but what matters is who God says you are.
2. Don’t give people a reason to talk negative about you either.
3. Your teaching style will vary depending on the group of kids you have every year.
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