Something Strange Happened to Me Today...

[Anonymous]

In professional environments, I have met black people from different parts of Africa and the islands, and they have a lot in common with AA. The problem really is a class issue but just like any bigot some people from Africa generalize about people and make it a racial issue. Either way, whether about class or racist, this person should not be teaching children. It agree with the people giving the equivalent examples for the OP. Sorry it is an inappropriate comment in any venue around anyone and if I heard her say it anywhere and knew that she was a teacher I would report her. She is definitely damaging these kids, they are in 1st grade. She is teaching them that they will never be judged fairly and as an individual. If you remove the fact that she said this about any particular group vs. all students, then she still should be removed from the system. If you don't believe that you can help kids or that the kids want to learn then you should not teach them. Does your school have an anonymous line, like an ombudsman?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Employment lawyer here

OP, can't you see that this is actually breaking the law? Discrimination laws protect our children, just like laws against touching them inappropriately, just like endangering their health and their safety. In fact, you have an obligation to report this. Doesn't your school have a no discrimination policy? Doesn't that policy in fact REQUIRE you to report this to the administration?

If another person (like a parent) reports this to the administration and it is found out you did nothing but stand there and listen, you very likely will be fired, suspended or otherwise disciplined. Your conduct and the fact you did nothing are exposing the school district to a massive law suit.

I would protect yourself and report this immediately. Send an email, talk to your supervisor, do whatever you have to do. If nothing else, do it to protect your own job.

employment lawyer

LOL!

You seriously think what you have to say ever reaches the trenches?

LOL!!!

If you have a good principal, s/he will handle it appropriately. If not, sub never returns and is only shuffled around from school to school. The OP isn't putting her job at risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Employment lawyer here

OP, can't you see that this is actually breaking the law? Discrimination laws protect our children, just like laws against touching them inappropriately, just like endangering their health and their safety. In fact, you have an obligation to report this. Doesn't your school have a no discrimination policy? Doesn't that policy in fact REQUIRE you to report this to the administration?

If another person (like a parent) reports this to the administration and it is found out you did nothing but stand there and listen, you very likely will be fired, suspended or otherwise disciplined. Your conduct and the fact you did nothing are exposing the school district to a massive law suit.

I would protect yourself and report this immediately. Send an email, talk to your supervisor, do whatever you have to do. If nothing else, do it to protect your own job.

This is exactly what I would expect from some sleazy lawyer. He takes a simple conversation between two people and turns it into a crime! I appoint Mr. Employment Lawyer to be the speech police. No wonder the public despises lawyers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

[Anonymous]

PC is an American thing. Weird but some of the most racist people are from other countries where they are part of the majority and don't know how to speak proper PC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

So since those who oppose her are just "the Thought Police," let me ask you -- would it be okay with you if she got up in front of kids and talked about Socialism and the benefits of living under Communism? It's just her opinion, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

Quotes:
A "a lot of black kids are bad." "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

B "Well, it just matters where you teach."

Response from B should have been nothing but hmm and a subject change since B's response could be construed the wrong way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

Would have been okay for you if the teacher had said, "I just don't understand why all these white kids like to bring guns to school and shoot in Columbine fashion". Do you think that is acceptable and should be reported. Or, is it free speach.

[Anonymous]

I don't like white kids they go up to be oppressor and are the 1%. They don't want to learn anything from an African Immigrant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

So since those who oppose her are just "the Thought Police," let me ask you -- would it be okay with you if she got up in front of kids and talked about Socialism and the benefits of living under Communism? It's just her opinion, right?

If you read the original post it was a private conversation between two adults. It had nothing to do with standing up "in front of kids". Teaching in a classroom is not protected speech. A private conversation is protected. This conversation was accurate but no one here would dare admit it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

Would have been okay for you if the teacher had said, "I just don't understand why all these white kids like to bring guns to school and shoot in Columbine fashion". Do you think that is acceptable and should be reported. Or, is it free speach.

It would be ok but that doesn't mean I would agree with her. Something that happens once in a lifetime is hardly the same as constant disruption of a classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

So since those who oppose her are just "the Thought Police," let me ask you -- would it be okay with you if she got up in front of kids and talked about Socialism and the benefits of living under Communism? It's just her opinion, right?

If you read the original post it was a private conversation between two adults. It had nothing to do with standing up "in front of kids". Teaching in a classroom is not protected speech. A private conversation is protected. This conversation was accurate but no one here would dare admit it.

OP subsequently clarified that there were kids all around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! I'm a teacher in my early 20's and I only have a few years of experience in the school system. I teach in Baltimore County and I'm white (it will be relevant in a moment).

There was a substitute teacher today who I spoke with on the playground. She was African American (as in she actually is from Africa). She was telling me about various schools she's worked at, and told me that schools with "a lot of black kids" are bad. She then went on to express (verbatim) that "those black kids are just bad. They just don't want to learn!"

This was a disturbing comment to begin with, and seemed even more unusual because I'm white. Was I expected to make a blatantly racist comment? I just told her "Well, it just matters where you teach." I didn't want to tell her that saying this on a playground full of 1st graders was just wrong; I had no idea how to respond! I was disturbed but didn't want to make a scene in front of all of these children.

What would you have done? Reported her to the office?

I know this comment may stir the pot, but I'm not a troll. This was just a really strange situation!

These are 1st graders, she should not be a teacher! PC or not I, would not want her in front of my child. Who is next? Hispanics, gays , women.


First of all she is not an "African American" if she has just arrived from Africa. Secondly its her opinion that her own race of children don't want to learn and they are "bad". Those who are suggesting that you report her to the principal are members of the Thought Police who cannot stand anyone that is not politically correct.

The truth is that there are many schools full of black children who are out of control and idealistic young white teachers leave within a year or two because they cannot maintain control. God forbid that they bring that up.

So since those who oppose her are just "the Thought Police," let me ask you -- would it be okay with you if she got up in front of kids and talked about Socialism and the benefits of living under Communism? It's just her opinion, right?

If you read the original post it was a private conversation between two adults. It had nothing to do with standing up "in front of kids". Teaching in a classroom is not protected speech. A private conversation is protected. This conversation was accurate but no one here would dare admit it.

OP subsequently clarified that there were kids all around.

Yes I am sure that all of those first graders on recess stopped racing around and contemplated what the sub said.

[Anonymous]

So you have never met a black kid who wanted to learn? I bet at this same school there are plenty of white kids who do not want to learn. Just like there are some from every racial group. A lot of 1st graders would rather play then learn. The problem with her comment was that it was said in a place were privacy would not been expected. It was said about 1st graders. My guess is that she is really reflecting her biases about a group and not her kids, which is what makes her point even scarier. Also she did not say some, she made it all,inclusive of every black kid. Sorry, I know plenty of black kids who want to learn. Sorry if you have never had the pleasure of meeting a black professional in your life or meeting a black family that cares about their kids education or black kids who want to be educated.