It has become the norm, I think, for schools around the nation to require their teachers to submit their lesson plans at least one week ahead of time. I'm not really sure why -- none of the three schools I've worked at has ever explained the purpose. To make sure we're doing our job? To torture us? In case there's a substitute teacher? Probably just for liability's sake, I imagine.
So here's my question: if the administration is going to expect us to be Prepared Ahead of Time, shouldn't they also be held to the same standard?
We had this past Friday off for a glorious three day weekend. But on Thursday morning, we all got a note in our mailboxes: "On Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, we will have a half-day meeting to ramp up the rigor in our Reading/Language Arts curriculum. You will meet from 8:00 to 11:00 in room 103."
Whaa.........? This came as a total surprise to all of us: it wasn't on the calendar. So... we then had to frantically put together a whole morning's worth of sub plans and we only had ONE DAY to do so.
I wasn't the only one who thought this was unprofessional. Lots of other teachers were upset. It didn't matter though. Ultimately, we all made our plans and showed up to the meeting.
It didn't stop me from feeling resentful, though.
8 comments:
They gave no apologies or explanations for the lack of communication? Hmmm. Uncool. And unprofessional.
In my district, it depends on the principal if plans are actually expected to be turned in. I've had principals do random checks or ask that they be turned in every other month. I think it is kind of ridiculous and 99% of the time, I'm quite sure that one person doesn't have time to REALLY look at 20+ teachers' plans.
I'd be furious if a meeting was called with that little notice and no explanation for it.
I would be upset because of the late notice going into a nice three day weekend. You teachers have your hands full these days.
I hope you still enjoyed your weekend. :)
Amen.
That is definitely not fair! Especially when you are looking forward to a 3 day weekend! They suck! Want me to jack with their phone?
I'm having a heck of a time staying a week ahead of my kids. Schedule is eating me alive. I feel for you times ten.
I would insist on written feedback on each subject and a cc: to the school board to show I was in compliance... otherwise, it's a petty power play and can be stopped... meanwhile, get that old noggin' working on how to turn this foolishness around... and, then, come visit when you can...
I agree. Luckily, our school admin has been pretty good about giving us plenty of notice on things like that, but I think it kinda sucks that I only get like 2 planning periods out of my 5 day week for mostly pointless meetings.
We are required to turn our lesson plans for the week in by Monday morning at 7:45 am. I think it's ridiculous to have it in a week ahead of time, because chances are they are going to change significantly because of schedule interruptions that happen so often throughout the week.
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