Return of "Mark"
It’s been a full week and then some since the incident of assault, and something remains to be fishy. I spoke with my chapter leader only twice during the past weeks, once over the phone when he told me to press charges from my house, and I saw him last Wednesday for a fleeting in the halls where he gave me a number to call.
The phone number was incorrect, and I didn’t even know who I was calling. I ended up getting a phone number for a woman named Gail who is supposed to help me file a report with the UFT, but she’s always out when I call her, and she calls me back when I’m teaching. We aren’t allowed to use cell phones during the school day.
I bring this all up because Mark showed up in my class today.
He was removed by my para, bless her, and then returned refusing to leave my class. Once he was bodily removed from the class Mark left school grounds.
I just wish I could know this whole thing would end up ok. I’m still waiting for Gail’s call.
The phone number was incorrect, and I didn’t even know who I was calling. I ended up getting a phone number for a woman named Gail who is supposed to help me file a report with the UFT, but she’s always out when I call her, and she calls me back when I’m teaching. We aren’t allowed to use cell phones during the school day.
I bring this all up because Mark showed up in my class today.
He was removed by my para, bless her, and then returned refusing to leave my class. Once he was bodily removed from the class Mark left school grounds.
I just wish I could know this whole thing would end up ok. I’m still waiting for Gail’s call.
posted by Ms. C at 12:52 PM
6 Comments:
Ms. C., you need to follow what I and other experienced veteran teachers have suggested. You need to call the borough office IMMEDIATELY. You are underestimating the gravity of the situation. Mark should not be in the same room as you are EVER. You have to get an order of protection. Do not allow your imcompetent administration to run the show. They are sweeping this matter under the rug and your union rep is "one of them". YOu must go above your rep's head at this point. A "wait and see" attitude will not work. Mark will be good for as long as he can put up his "good" act, then his veneer will either wear thin or maybe , just maybe, the street will catch up to him. I am willing to bet he is involved on the street and probably has a short nasty fuse there too.
You were assaulted and you're worried about using your cell phone during the school day? On your prep tomorrow, lock your classroom door, or find a bathroom where you get a signal- ANYTHING, and get ahold of this Gail person. EVERYBODY is taking advantage of your youth and the fact that you are new to the system. The Fellows program doesn't care, your administration doesn't care, and your CL is following adminstration's orders.
You need to contact the
School Safety Department:
www.uft.org/member/workplace/school/
e-mail: uftsafety@uft.org
212-598-9287
Don't wait. This situation is clearly getting out of hand. You need to protect yourself- don't expect anyone else to do it for you.
"Fishy" is an understatement. I hate to say this, but it sounds like your principal is not on your side. We both came from the corporate world. But this world is in no way professional. I read your previous posts in which you relate stories about going to the principal with questions and concerns and being laughed at. Principals are not like managers. They don't want to be bothered. It's unfortunate, but the rule has always been "keep a lid on the classroom" and your principal will be happy.
Never, ever, block a child from leaving the classroom. Have you taken your Violence Prevention Course yet?????
Try the number 17 More Years left above. Also give Gail your home number and times she can reach you. Also ask her to leave times when she is available so maybe you can call her during lunch or your prep.
You may also want to go to the Brooklyn borough office after work. No way was this student supposed to be back in your class.
And, I am highly suspicious of your union rep too.
If this doesn't work, email Randi Weingarten directly.
I'm going to agree with all the advice above.
Particularly true is the advice that he'll act nice for a while and then revert to his ole self. A lost of teachers fall for that crap--don't you be one of them.
Don't just write about Mark here--make a report in the dean's office so there will be a record. And think order of protection because Mark has clearly learned nothing whatsoever.
All I can say, as a third year teaching fellow, is that I hope this terrible experience won't stop you from teaching. The first year IS the hardest one -- and it looks like yours is much harder than most. I agree with all the advice you received above -- you need to make sure this student doesn't get near you again!
And if it does stop you from teaching, who could blame you? No where in your job description does it say "become a human sacrifice".
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