Smaller community?

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Home : 2002 : July : 18

Smaller community?
By Cathy-Dee

I'm guessing, although I could be wrong, that you work in a smaller community. Unfortunately in communties where parents live closer together teachers have to deal with the negative aspect of gossip.

You may have 1 or
2 parents who just do not like you or your style of teaching or the colour of your hair for that matter. And if they are "talkers", then they could influence how other parents perceive you. I've had that problem in the past (one parent who really doesn't like me and not for any good reasons either). I just smile, do my best and teach my students.
I decided a few years back that I

could either let these parents get to me and perhaps ruin my year if not my career or I could bite my pride and do my job in the best way I know how and ignore their pettiness.

Leaving your school and county may be the answer for you. Without knowing you personally and the area where you work it would be very difficult for any of us to know whether it will get better or worse for you if you stay. If you really dislike your school and area then try to get out if you can. But you will probably want to leave on as good of terms as possible so that you will get a decent reference for any new positions you apply for.

Good luck, I can totally understand your frustration and unhappiness with your neighbour.