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WWYD workplace drama question (now updated with additional drama!)
So, there's a teacher at the school who's given me some grief in the past. She teaches grade 9 math (and she's a ? time teacher), who, last year told me that the grade 9s were idiots and the grade 8 English teachers weren't doing their jobs properly and were terrible teachers.
I exclusively taught grade 8 that year. So... I was less than impressed. And, once she realized that I was one of the teachers, she apologized. I didn't let her off the hook and say "that's okay", because it wasn't. I told her that it made me upset and hurt my feelings, and, more to the point, was grievable with our unions.
I spent the rest of the year steering clear of her, which was easily done as we teach on different floors and never have any meetings together. She's been known to throw temper tantrums at meetings too, so there's a repuation for volatility there.
Anyway, yesterday, we had our Terry Fox run, and to make things more interesting, I brought out a limbo pole for kids to go under during the race. It was a way of keeping them engaged and for them to get excited about coming back. I'd been assigned to one corner and took out three students with me who couldn't run because of injury to help set it up.
Volatile teacher was assigned to my area. She took one look at the pole and said, "What the hell is that?"
I responded that it was a limbo pole, which she called a stupid idea and rolled her eyes. So, I mentioned that one of our co-workers had asked if she could help out with the pole, and would be more than happy to switch places.
Volatile co-worker responds with, "You can't kick me out of this position, but I can kick you out."
Uh... what?
1) It's a limbo pole that you have no interest in using. I've given you an out. Why the attitude?
2) We're not playing king of the castle here.
3) We're in front of students. It's SO unprofessional to be saying that kind of stuff. Also grievable.
4) It's a freaking limbo stick. Like, really? We have a problem because of a stick? REALLY?
My feelings aren't hurt or anything, because I think she's a total tool, and getting hurt now would require me to care what she thinks, but I feel like I need to start compiling written documentation of her bullying behaviour. But then, I need to start thinking about what my breaking point will be with this behaviour and what I'm going to do about it.
What would you do?
Re: WWYD workplace drama question (now updated with additional drama!)
Wow, sounds like she is a PITA to deal with. I think at this point I would bring up her behavior to my superior or principal. She cannot be acting like this around the kids and much less be treating you that way.
ditto this. I know nothing about the rules/process, but I think it's time you start listing all the issues you've had and bring it up with your principal.
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I would just continue to document her behavior, and all incidents of unprofessionalism like this. The administration should already be aware of her 'issues' and outbursts, and it's probably just a matter of time until she's called out and reprimanded (or let go/not renewed).
Baby #2: Surprise BFP 9.19.12, EDD 5.24.13, natural m/c 10.19.13 at 9w
I'd probably opt for this route as well. I also prefer the path of least resistance. I tend to assume that I'll end up with a somewhat crazy co-worker with any job that I hold and therefore try my best to avoid the people that cause excess drama/stress.
Man, does must have sand in her vagina.
Ditto the others. Continue to document (and corroborating witnesses if possible) and if it picks up, bring it up with a superior.
We'll just not tell H about this little fact, m'kay?
I would start keeping a written record of the various comments with dates and witness names, if any. I wouldn't put up with it. You're adults working with children, and that's not acceptable. It sounds to me like she's upset that you didn't accept her apology and probably now thinks you have a problem with her.
I would also speak with the principal or whoever is in charge of handling grievances. She sounds like the type who is going to continue with the behavior unless it's addressed. Good luck whatever you decide.
Okay, so here's what I decided to do:
I talked informally with my school's union rep about what's happened and said that I didn't want to go ahead and persue anything formally, but that I felt like it was important for someone else to know what was going on. I was told that I wasn't the only one having problems with her. And my rep suggested that we just vaguely mention things (no names) to the principal.
Immediately after this, my best friend here at work came up to me and said that Volatile co-worker came up to her today and started talking about me - about how one of the other teachers is pissed off with me because I stole her drama class (because, you know, I'm a principal who makes up schedules) and that I'm somehow part of a big conspiracy.
Sweet Jesus, what a mental case. And see, the thing is, I actually am angry right now. I wasn't before, but I really am now.
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Dude.. Light her ass up!
For reals! I'm doing the same with my co-teacher who is a fing tool.
I think you took the right action in talking to your rep. I would also maybe document dates and incidents just to have on hand. Other than that, I think I would just ignore it unless it gets worse or happens in front of kids again.
We have a couple of teachers like this at school (2 now as one other retired last year) and I have to deal with them through the Teacher Leader position--sometimes they just feel the need to be difficult for the sake of being difficult--as though they need to assert that they have power or influence. As far as I am concerned they can complain and talk behind my back all they want, but when it is done in front of students, that is where I draw the line and where I would start documenting and go to the principal next time.
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