PRO-FESS-ION-AL

I work in a senior public school – only grades 7 and 8.

In theory, teachers at this level are usually thick skinned and are not really “primary student minded”.

I called the kids “guys” (I know – not PC). I don’t call them lovey or duckey or sweetie. Simply because they are not six.

I have certain expectations with respect to behaviour because they are 12 – 14 years old and they need to be prepared for “real life”.

I refuse to coddle and baby them OR to treat them like they are in kindergarten.

This usually isn’t a problem unless your principal belongs in a school dedicated to 5 year olds.

When said principal, who shall remain nameless, came to our school, she introduced herself to all of us (us, being the adult -aged teachers) as if we were 6 year olds.

** I will assign her a different name here, just to be respectful.

She came in and said, “Hello, my name is Mrs. An-der-son”.

Not only did she break her name down into syllables orally, she also tapped them out on her arm, starting at her wrist and moving up to the inside of her elbow.

AN DER SON

When she did this, the room full of adults to whom she was introducing herself either gave each other “the eye” or looked at the floor, not knowing what to say in response.

The ironic part is, you could use the same 3 “taps” if you wanted to respond:

WHAT THE F # * & ??

Lesson Learned: Treat professionals as professionals and do not talk down to people.