Students in class whos parents are also teachers

[spyle]

I have had 4 complaints about the amount of homework given in my class. The 4 complaints are from Teacher's I work with. No other parents seem to have any problem with the amount. Upon conferring with my principal, he agreed that the amount was more than reasonable. I was told by another colleage that I was being conspired against in the bleachers at a football game and also on several other occasions. These teachers who are complaining all work together inthe same elementary building. How can I deal with this gang that appears to have it out for me?

[Chef Dave]

I sympathize with your problem.

When I took this job as chef instructor, my predecessor and her husband began a whisper campaign against me. It was (falsely) alleged that I was incompetent, that my kitchen was unhygienic, and that nobody liked the food we were serving in the student operated restaurant.

I proved this couple wrong by doing a better job than my predecessor. Without going into a lot of details, some of which have been covered in other threads, I will say this. I rewrote the culinary arts curriculum, revamped the menu, reorganized the kitchen, and changed several procedures.

The end result was that our restaurant has attracted more business. Gross revenue is up. Teachers who never previously ate at the restaurant are now loyal customers. Two positive articles have appeared about me in the local newspaper. The whispering campaign was brought to a crashing halt largely because the new revitalized culinary arts program has been so successful.

How does any of this pertain to you?

I think you will have to do what I did. Hang in there ... do your job ... persevere ... and prove these people wrong by being the best teacher that you can possibly be.

Don't resort to making petty comments of your own. With the possible exception of politicians, nobody wins a mudslinging fight. If you resort to making comments of your own, you'll look as petty as these others.

So ... be professional. Remember that you have the support of your building administrator with regards to your homework policy. Hang in there and let time prove that your detractors are wrong.

Best wishes,

David

[spyle]

Thank you chef, that makes a lot of sense.

[teach1027]

If your principal backs you up, that is a big plus. Like Chef said do your job, if your homework reflects what is being taught, then it is fine, students should have homework every night in all subjects (my school does). Just out of curiousity what grade do you teach? I would also like to say that this is new for me to hear teachers complaining about the amount of homework. I usually have them ask me for extra.

[kingrichie]

I know this sounds cliche, but don't let it get to you. If you keep worrying about it or battling these losers, then they have won.
Keep your head down, do your job and this too will pass.

[spyle]

All good advice. I teach 7th grade. I actually looked at the first quarter to see if maybe they had a point, and I only gave 11 hw assignments the entire 9 weeks. In fact, I only gave 20 total grades in that 9 weeks. An average of just a little over 2 grades a week seems more than reasonable. I did find out that the conspiricy was concocted at a 7th grade football game in the stands one night when I had given homework. The teacher's with the problem all teach in the same building and I guess have nothing better to do than sit and talk about how I run my classroom. Odd thing is, I really like their kids and it seems like their kids really like me. I am a 13 year veteran and I cant figure this one out.

[mopar]

Keep doing what you are doing. Getting the kids involved is the most important part. Also, try talking with the parents about the wonderful things that their children are doing. Call or email them with positives as much as possible. After awhile, if you are still having problems with these parents, ask them about the homework assignments or projects sent home. Don't open yourself up for attack, but ask how it is going or if they feel that their child needs more homework...etc.

Keep in mind when their a big games at the school or large events and try to not send as much homework on those days. It is hard to keep all this at the forefront but if you listen to the students, they will let you know.

I have occasionally questioned a teacher when they assign a writing newspaper project for a weekend with a school sponsored event. It just seems like a lot to ask.