accused

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Home : 2002 : February : 17

accused
By Cathy-Dee

Hi Natalie,

First thanks for the post above, I'm not sure if I always make sense, but I appreciate your kind words.

This is a difficult situation especially being in a small rural district. I work in one and I know how
those rumors can be. The nice thing is that they usually do die quickly.
If you are comfortable with your Principal for the most part I would suggest talking with her. Ask her why she decided to move the student (She may have thought you'd prefer the move as well)? Also mention in a gentle way that you were not sure if the parents realized or believed that you did not swear at this

student, and that you really feel uncomfortable with the student being moved because it makes you feel that others will automatically decide that you were at fault. If you word it in such a way that you are not attacking her decision she may be open to discussing it with you in a positive manner.

As far as the move, the parents may have been making everything into a much bigger issue as well and again your Principal may have thought she was doing you a favor. Sometimes I wish our Principals would just talk with us before they make decisions to at least know what we are actually feeling and thinking.

You didn't say how long you've been at the school or the Principal either. I know small towns often have their own sets of rules. It is difficult for a Principal to keep the balance between staff, students and the community.

If the conversation works out between your Principal and yourself, perhaps ask her to let the staff know and your parent council that the child was moved at the request of the parents and that you were not in any way responsible for the move nor did you act or say anything inappropriate in your classroom. That should get the message out.

If your principal is not willing to talk, etc., I would write a letter then to have included in your file. Send a copy to the superintendent as well as your "teacher's association". Keep it very simple with general information, especially as it will go into your file so you want it to be very professional.

Something along the lines....

In regards to the incident on . Child A accused myself of swearing at her. This incident did not happen. I do not use inappropriate language in my classroom or around my students. Those who know me, colleagues, friends and family can confirm that it is not part of my personality to use that type of language. The student has since been transferred to another classroom without my input. I would like this to be put on record as I feel it is important for myself to have my voice heard and my reputation as a fair and caring teacher not be tarnished by this incident.

I hope things work out for you, please feel free to email me if you would like to chat further.

One last note, I do think it is important for you to be heard and to ensure that at least your principal and colleagues understand that you did not do this thing. As far as the community is concerned, no matter what is said there will be those who believe the student and those who do not. The parents of your past and present students know you, they will be supportive. I had a similar situation (not with language) but with misunderstood communication and while one parent did everything she could to make my name have a black mark in the community, it didn't work. I had a good reputation with my other parents and they were quick to jump to my defense. Hopefully the same will happen with your situation and then it will blow over that much quicker.