Share the Worst Job You've Ever Had
After teaching 40 years I returned to teach during class size reduction. I'd been an innovative teacher. My spelling program had been written up in a few education magazines. In my new school, the Ass.Principal (no typo) with 4 years teaching experience was trying to force me to use a spelling workbook. I was arguing with her about how effective my program was and she inferred I was insubordinate to dare dispute the worth of the district workbook. She stuck her finger in my face and told me if I argued, I'd be fired. (They threw out the workbook the next year!)
What Made This Job Your Worst Job - Ever
The fact that I was not respected for my doctorates (two) and my years of successful experiences in three other districts. She continued to harass me and I (who was not a drinker) actually downed three cocktails a night just to survive and deal with my frustrations and anger. She became a principal in another school the next year and the teachers complained to the superintendent about her attitude. The rest of my five years in that school was great.
Tips and Tricks
- I could only put up with it because I was deeply in debt and I was making more money than I ever had earned before as a teacher. It was changed to a positive experience because I had forgotten what most teachers live with all of their lives. It has helped me in my teaching of my intern and student teachers as I am able to help them live with what is, but help them to do what is possible!
