i wouldn't want to....

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Home : 2004 : September : 18

i wouldn't want to....
By tia

stir the pot--but i'd be curious about what other teachers are saying/thinking...and the administrator...

perhaps she is getting all these things donated?...(i play devil's advocate really well, sorry!) does she have a
sickness...is she a shoplifter...seems weird..
if nobody else is wigging out about this, let it go--seriously, it's not your place and you'll probably get yourself in trouble somehow.
what i'd be concerned about is students acting like YOU owe THEM something--you might need to have a class meeting to talk about what makes them more proud--a phone call home, pats on the back, doing well--or

the tangible reward; it's possible that they really do understand that they're being bribed and that it doesn't necessarily feel good.

you might casually mention to this other teacher that over the summer you read a really interesting book by alfie kohn--punished by rewards--that gave a lot of information about how we are doing a disservice by paying kids (and adults) to do things. (i don't totally buy into his message, but it was something to chew on--however, an incredibly long read!)

if i were in your situation, i would bring it up to my principal--but i trust her and we have a great working relationship...i guess it depends on your situation

i may sound a little bit like Coach here, but, maybe you should get to be good friends with this teacher...maybe you'll end up with a nice Prada handbag! ha ha ...seriously, good luck!