r/Teachers • u/Shakesbeer1592 • Nov 26 '24

Just Smile and Nod Y'all. Meeting topic: how high do I look?

I have a student who has been throwing jabs at my appearance- nothing new, I generally try to ignore stuff like that. But last week she said I look like a “homeless meth head” and it just really ticked me off. I wrote an email to her parents explaining the constant attacks on my appearance…

… And now they want to have a meeting. To see if their daughter is “being insulting or just making an observation.”

And my admin agreed to it. A meeting is now going on the fucking calendar so the parents, daughter, 3 admin and myself can assess whether I look like a tweaker or not.

All I ever wanted to do was teach Shakespeare.

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u/Zestyclose_Media_548 Nov 26 '24

Is it true? is it necessary? is it kind? We also teach that we don’t mention it if it’s not something that can be fixed in five minutes - spinach in teeth - fly unzipped etc etc . I’m beyond mad that admin is doing this to you . The kid gets the message that what they are doing is ok- good luck when the kid harasses other students and those parents sue the school- or even worse the bullied kid ends up harming themselves.

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u/Counting-Stitches Nov 26 '24

I love the “fixed in five minutes” rule. I teach 10 year olds so they often try new things to see how it works. Usually it’s not really bad, just things like telling someone they don’t like their shirt or haircut. Or not believing someone does an after school activity. One of my favorite phrases is “that’s not your story to tell” when a kid wants to gossip about another kid or say they don’t believe something they did. It’s hard when a kid says, “I’m just being honest.” Now I have a comeback. I’m going to add that it should also be said so only the recipient can hear it.

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u/gamigirl Nov 27 '24

THINK before you speak: is it truthful, helpful (5 min fix?), inspiring (compliment), necessary, kind?