Frustration

Frustration.

I spent months being told by a parent that my behaviour management techniques are not appropriate (standard stuff, keeping children in at break-time etc). My head backed me up but suggests finding other ways of dealing with behaviour so that the parents feel they are being heard. I ask for some suggestions. I am told to ‘use my professional judgement’.

Got it. So that is exactly what I do. I research other ways. One way caught my eye, I use it. Class response is good. Does the job. Member of staff sees and doesn’t like it (clearly not everyone’s cup of tea), tells Deputy. Now I’m hauled in for using a method the school won’t condone. Now I’m in trouble.

I can’t win.

On top of that, the child in question was being naughty. I get told that I should be nice to him, as his parents are the kind that might cause trouble.

A) How am I to know this. Am I supposed to be a mind reader?

B) Does this mean that I have to treat differently the children whose parents cause the most fuss?

What I have learned: don’t ever believe anybody who says ‘use your professional judgement’. It means ‘the school don’t want to take responsibility for your actions’.

Next steps: In future, will double check and triple check any new Ideas I have to ensure I am not leaving my integrity as a teacher open to judgement.