My employee's inflexibility put both our jobs at risk
Times have changed.
I’ve been teaching third grade for years now, got the curriculum down pat a while ago, but still, things change every year — because the students change. Things have simply evolved over time.
I sound like I’m in my sixties, but actually, I’ve only been in the field 12 years. Still, anyone who’s been in chinuch over the last decade — or anyone with open eyes and ears for that matter — would tell you the same. Everything’s changed.
I see it most with the parents.
Back when I started, most parents came to PTA with the attitude of we’re here to work together. They’d say things like how can we help my child, or they’d thank me for working on their child’s challenging behaviors. These days, many parents — not all, not even most, but a significant many — are just… defensive. They come in with a chip on their shoulder, like I, or the school, are out to get them. They’re ready to pounce on anything I say, ready to go to battle on behalf of their kid.
MYstudent Shira was the prime example of this kind of situation. She was the oldest child of very wealthy parents, a little spoiled and self-centered, but also a bright and attentive girl who enjoyed learning. Her parents, though, seemed to think she was way more fragile than any other child her age.
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