Attendance pressure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

I don’t know where you got this idea of “withholding”. When a teacher goes above and beyond for us, we make sure they’re recognized and appreciated. But the definition of above and beyond lies with the parent, not with you.

Your responses don’t paint you as an appreciative person, or even a nice one:

“Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.”

This, after multiple illustrations of going “above and beyond.”

We remain different people.

You’re right, I don’t need this level of validation for just doing my job. I understand that’s what the paycheck is for.

Again, the definition of above and beyond does not lie with you. You will be happier when you realize that. If the parents believe you’re going above and beyond, they will thank you.

I don’t need validation for doing my job. I do it well every day. This is a separate issue, regarding doing additional work beyond contract.

I made one small comment two pages ago that simply said a “thank you” for the extra effort teachers put in for families’ vacations may warrant a small show of appreciation in the form of two emailed words: thank you. Seriously. It’s just eight letters.

I was quickly put in my place. That’s a HUGE demand, apparently, and clearly a sign of entitlement.

Meanwhile, I’m the type who thanks parents for emailing me, responding to my emails, sending their kids to my after school study sessions. I thank parents for their continued support of my classroom efforts.

So I don’t understand being dismissive just to be dismissive. I guess that’s just not who I am.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

I don’t know where you got this idea of “withholding”. When a teacher goes above and beyond for us, we make sure they’re recognized and appreciated. But the definition of above and beyond lies with the parent, not with you.

Your responses don’t paint you as an appreciative person, or even a nice one:

“Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.”

This, after multiple illustrations of going “above and beyond.”

We remain different people.

You’re right, I don’t need this level of validation for just doing my job. I understand that’s what the paycheck is for.

Again, the definition of above and beyond does not lie with you. You will be happier when you realize that. If the parents believe you’re going above and beyond, they will thank you.

I don’t need validation for doing my job. I do it well every day. This is a separate issue, regarding doing additional work beyond contract.

I made one small comment two pages ago that simply said a “thank you” for the extra effort teachers put in for families’ vacations may warrant a small show of appreciation in the form of two emailed words: thank you. Seriously. It’s just eight letters.

I was quickly put in my place. That’s a HUGE demand, apparently, and clearly a sign of entitlement.

Meanwhile, I’m the type who thanks parents for emailing me, responding to my emails, sending their kids to my after school study sessions. I thank parents for their continued support of my classroom efforts.

So I don’t understand being dismissive just to be dismissive. I guess that’s just not who I am.

Yes. It May. If, in the parents’ judgement, it does. Believing that you’re the arbiter of who deserves what appreciation is entitlement.

You carry on thanking whomever you’d like. Parents will continue thanking those teachers who are going above and beyond for our kids— we know who they are. Perhaps all the forced appreciation weeks is why you feel entitled to make additional requirements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

I don’t know where you got this idea of “withholding”. When a teacher goes above and beyond for us, we make sure they’re recognized and appreciated. But the definition of above and beyond lies with the parent, not with you.

Your responses don’t paint you as an appreciative person, or even a nice one:

“Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.”

This, after multiple illustrations of going “above and beyond.”

We remain different people.

You’re right, I don’t need this level of validation for just doing my job. I understand that’s what the paycheck is for.

Again, the definition of above and beyond does not lie with you. You will be happier when you realize that. If the parents believe you’re going above and beyond, they will thank you.

I don’t need validation for doing my job. I do it well every day. This is a separate issue, regarding doing additional work beyond contract.

I made one small comment two pages ago that simply said a “thank you” for the extra effort teachers put in for families’ vacations may warrant a small show of appreciation in the form of two emailed words: thank you. Seriously. It’s just eight letters.

I was quickly put in my place. That’s a HUGE demand, apparently, and clearly a sign of entitlement.

Meanwhile, I’m the type who thanks parents for emailing me, responding to my emails, sending their kids to my after school study sessions. I thank parents for their continued support of my classroom efforts.

So I don’t understand being dismissive just to be dismissive. I guess that’s just not who I am.

Yes. It May. If, in the parents’ judgement, it does. Believing that you’re the arbiter of who deserves what appreciation is entitlement.

You carry on thanking whomever you’d like. Parents will continue thanking those teachers who are going above and beyond for our kids— we know who they are. Perhaps all the forced appreciation weeks is why you feel entitled to make additional requirements.

+100

[Anonymous]

Does anyone find it ironic that one of my child’s teachers has left for overseas and is having a sub all next week?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

If the vacation is excused, yes, your job. I don’t see how that impact your quality of life so much that you keep fixating on it. It’s very easy to get an excused absence if that’s really going to make you much happier.

How do you get the vacation excused?

A PP a few pages back said she would get a doctor's excuse for mental health or something like that.

So lie or get someone to lie for you? And teachers are then obligated to help catch your kid up (but not be thanked for it).

[Anonymous]

Two of DC’s teachers have been out all week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone find it ironic that one of my child’s teachers has left for overseas and is having a sub all next week?!

Ironic? No, that is not ironic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two of DC’s teachers have been out all week.

Two of my child's teachers have been, as well.

One left because her father unexpectedly died overseas. My heart breaks for her. Losing a parent is never easy, but for it to happen right before the holidays is especially difficult.

One has been out with what my son suspects could be Norovirus. She got very ill on Monday, while in his class. She was out the rest of the week. Poor woman.

See how easy it is to show empathy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone find it ironic that one of my child’s teachers has left for overseas and is having a sub all next week?!

Apparently there are tons of teachers at my school who are going to be out all next week and as a teacher I do think that’s crazy. The day or two before winter break ok, but the whole week before a 2 week break?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

If the vacation is excused, yes, your job. I don’t see how that impact your quality of life so much that you keep fixating on it. It’s very easy to get an excused absence if that’s really going to make you much happier.

How do you get the vacation excused?

As examples (I have never needed to do any of these things) while traveling in Europe visit universities your high schooler may be interested in attending. For short breaks in the winter I would call in the child as being out for mental health (excused in FCPS) and for a longer trip our pediatrician would provide the “Name is under my care and will return on Date” note.

LMFAO. I would be so embarrassed to ask my pediatrician to write a note implying my child is in a consumptive state in their personal care just go to Turks and Caicos omg. Some of you are shameless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone find it ironic that one of my child’s teachers has left for overseas and is having a sub all next week?!

Apparently there are tons of teachers at my school who are going to be out all next week and as a teacher I do think that’s crazy. The day or two before winter break ok, but the whole week before a 2 week break?

Well, that falls on the principal for approving that many people to take off before a break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Two of DC’s teachers have been out all week.

Two of my child's teachers have been, as well.

One left because her father unexpectedly died overseas. My heart breaks for her. Losing a parent is never easy, but for it to happen right before the holidays is especially difficult.

One has been out with what my son suspects could be Norovirus. She got very ill on Monday, while in his class. She was out the rest of the week. Poor woman.

See how easy it is to show empathy?

The PP didn’t lack empathy. She didn’t say I’m so mad or the teacher shouldn’t be allowed to go.

I think the implication is that she would like the same benefit of the doubt afforded to her when she wants to spend time with her family, not bullying emails from the principal about the sanctity of attendance in sub-taught classes or DCUM-special teacher lectures about how its so much work on the dedicated teaching staff for children to miss school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

If the vacation is excused, yes, your job. I don’t see how that impact your quality of life so much that you keep fixating on it. It’s very easy to get an excused absence if that’s really going to make you much happier.

How do you get the vacation excused?

A PP a few pages back said she would get a doctor's excuse for mental health or something like that.

So lie or get someone to lie for you? And teachers are then obligated to help catch your kid up (but not be thanked for it).

None of the examples given were lies. Mental health is excused in fcps, college visits are excused, and kids are under the care of their pediatricians. Saying “my kid has flu” is a lie.

Again its never been needed because I don’t have this kind of power hungry teacher in my kids orbit (elementary school so maybe that’s why) but I wouldn’t let their problems become my problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone find it ironic that one of my child’s teachers has left for overseas and is having a sub all next week?!

Apparently there are tons of teachers at my school who are going to be out all next week and as a teacher I do think that’s crazy. The day or two before winter break ok, but the whole week before a 2 week break?

Well, that falls on the principal for approving that many people to take off before a break.

Leave of up to 5 days don’t have to be approved.

Page 19: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/DCJR5C6C4BC7/$file/Collective%20Bargaining%20Agreement%20FEU-FCPS%20Licensed%20.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh I should add as well. Some of the best teaching I do as a parent is when we travel. Language, geography, history are all supported by raising kids who are aware of being in a wider world. I don’t ask teachers to thank me for that when I return either.

Why would they thank us for parenting? Everything you listed is what we should do as parents. Teachers dont need to thank us for parenting by teaching our kids when we travel any more than they need to thank us for toilet-training our children, supplying toothbrushes to our children, or clothing our children. It is our JOB as parents.

Agreed— and providing work to a child who has been absent is their JOB as teachers. No special thanks needed.

Well, there’s absences and there’s absences. Sick? Definitely my job to provide work. Vacation? No, not really… but I’ll do it anyway.

And there’s “providing work” and there’s teaching. If you want me to say, “check online! It’s there,” then I provided work. If you want me to stay after to teach the lesson to your child because he was on vacation, then that’s additional teaching.

So you can withhold your thanks in a “I’m going to stick it to that teacher” kind of way. That’s fine. Meanwhile, my daughter was sick earlier this week. I sent an email to her teacher, she responded with support, and I thanked her for it. It took me about 3 seconds.

We are different people.

If the vacation is excused, yes, your job. I don’t see how that impact your quality of life so much that you keep fixating on it. It’s very easy to get an excused absence if that’s really going to make you much happier.

How do you get the vacation excused?

A PP a few pages back said she would get a doctor's excuse for mental health or something like that.

So lie or get someone to lie for you? And teachers are then obligated to help catch your kid up (but not be thanked for it).

None of the examples given were lies. Mental health is excused in fcps, college visits are excused, and kids are under the care of their pediatricians. Saying “my kid has flu” is a lie.

Again its never been needed because I don’t have this kind of power hungry teacher in my kids orbit (elementary school so maybe that’s why) but I wouldn’t let their problems become my problems.

DP. Love that simply suggesting a thank you for additional work is considered “power hungry”!