IMO, you did the right thing (m)

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Home : 2002 : November : 28

IMO, you did the right thing (m)
By Bren

It sounds like the boy may have a history that you're not necessarily aware of. But regardless, I tend to take the same stance. You can't punish for something you didn't see, and as a teacher who is not in the classroom regularly,
"he said, she said" doesn't work. Even if there are "witnesses" I have seen students as a group lie to the sub to benefit a popular student. And when he wouldn't let it go you were looking for the best and quickest way to deal with the problem. Again, I think your response was appropriate.
When I read your story I immediately remember an incident with my own 3rd grade teacher

that has stayed with me. There were two popular girls in the class who didn't like each other. One day they decided they were going to fight on the playground. I ran right to the teacher and told him they were going to fight. I don't remember his words, but he didn't seem concerned. So I added, "NOW!" so that he knew I wasn't kidding...In my 3rd grade mind I was sure these girls were going to hurt each other. He basically sent me away. I was devistated. I wasn't usually a tattle tale, but I was afraid of confrontations. Looking back on it as a teacher I can see that there wasn't much for him to do unless a fight ensued, and that it was quite possible he was well aware of the situation all along and just wasn't sharing with me what he was doing about it.
My point was that I thought he was a terrible, uncaring teacher to let these girls go to the playground and fight. As an adult I see the situation much differently. You did the right thing.
Bren