Aides who don't know their place.

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Home : 2002 : November : 2

Aides who don't know their place.
By E

First, you DON'T sound like a B*t*h. Don't be so hard on yourself. I've have worked with aids and they can be the greatest . . . then there are those who can be horrible pieces of work . . . the ones that make your year
miserable, the ones that the school can't get rid of because of regulations. And when they know they can't be dismissed it can make them even more horrific. I had one aide who was hated by every other teacher in the school...I mean that sincerely, but they couldn't manage to get her dismissed or transferred. I was asked, by the vice principal to write a letter of complaint because the

VP wanted this aide gone . . .did I write one, NO WAY! If the aide is that bad that the both the principal and vice-principal want her gone they should do something and not look for others to ake over "their" job. This may not be the case where you are, but it was for me.

As difficult as it is, and believe me I know, you need to have a conference with your aide. Make a list of all issues you want to discuss. If she doesn't want to abide by her contract and your requirements then maybe she'll quit. If she doesn't quit then you MUST keep on her. Consistently tell her what to do and when she isn't in the room when she is supposed to be --- You HAVE TO let her know....as difficult as that can be for you. Remember, "You" are the teacher, "you" are in charge, she is there to assist a single student or more, but also to assist "you." My advice is to practice being the teacher in charge...as silly as that may sound, truly, practice in front of a mirror or a friend, spouse (if your married) this should help with feeling more confident when/if you do approach this aide to let her know why she is in "your" class. Just remember, you can spend the remainder of the year feeling as you do now, or you can stand up and take charge.....GOOD LUCK!!!