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Calling all teachers, and all parents, at that...
I teach middle school chorus. It has an audition-only select group. I had about 60 kids audition, I took 35. Here's the problem:
The guy I replaced took ALL of the 6th graders last year, and several, when they auditioned for me this year, were not up the level they needed to be at to make the group. I had a second music teacher sitting in with me, and she felt the same way when we compared our notes.
I went to the AP and told him my problem. I said that I was still learning the culture of the school and that I would do whatever he and the principal said I should do. We talked for about 10 minutes or so and he played devil's advocate, just wanting to understand my POV, when he said that he agreed with me, that as a coach, just because you make it one year doesn't mean you make it the following year.
I asked them if I would have their support to make these cuts when parents called complaining, and they said they would stand with me and support my decisions. Ok...
I posted the list today 8th period and RAN from the building - I did NOT want to be there when that list went up. I get home from a music get together and guess what's in my school email inbox? The first parent complaint. She was one of the 6th graders was in it last year, and apparently, she was also in the musical (but they took EVERYBODY!), and she did NYSSMA, but I wasn't impressed with her score.
I can handle the kid Monday. I'll find her during her lunch and ask her if I can sit down and talk with her. And I'll call the parent Monday and ask for a good time to reach her, and I'll explain musically where she was lacking and what she could do better. So here's my rant/question:
Teachers: Are you SICK of parents questioning how you do your job? I can't freaking stand it! I hate auditions more than the kids do!
Parents: I understand that in this case, the kid was in it last year so there's confusion, but why is it that most parents right now assume that the sun shines out of their butts and that their kids are the best at everything?
Sorry, I hate audition result day!
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You made my wedding day complete.
Re: Calling all teachers, and all parents, at that...
YES I am sick of parents (and especially other teachers) questioning how I do my job. I'm sorry you are stuck with the task of dealing with all of the complaints. They probably won't understand why things are different and that their child couldn't make it.
I think all parents want to think that their child is the best in every way, but in reality, they are learning life lessons...they won't get everything they want. I'm glad you have the support of the AP and hope that he has your back if you need it!!
I'm not a teacher or a parent, but both of my parents are middle school teachers, so I totally understand your frustrations.
So many parents these days fight all of their kids' battles; it's ridiculous. They want their kids in honors classes. Then, they want the teacher to accommodate their kids so they can get A's in the honors classes they don't belong in. Then, they tell you how to do your job.
Your students should learn that they need to work hard to be included in the select groups. They will not always get everything they try out for. That's life.
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As a parent...I've got your back on this one!!! I'm so sick of kids getting into everything just because they show interest. If you're not good enough...you don't make it...end of story. Kids have no clue how to handle disappointment or even have the basic understanding that sometimes you have to actually work for what you want! Drives me nuts.
I think you are perfectly right explaining to the parents that their child may have potential, but this is where they need to improve. Good for you! And kudos to you for getting the other teachers and principal on board with you too!!!