How should I respond to this?

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

I have been teaching as an adjunct for a college for 9 years. That's 18 semesters of classes. Some semesters because of their scheduling issues or seniority issues I was bumped repeatedly out of classes I had been promised. I have had classes cancelled at the last minute. One semester I had my class taken the morning of the class! This is a loss of income.

I am always there, I am always prepared, I always go the extra mile for my students. I backed out ONCE!

Then we had this e-mail exchange.

On Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 6:13 AM, > wrote:
Thank you Kathy, I'll sign on for the Soc 212 The Family on Mondays at
NERC What is the recommended Text for this course these days. Last
time I taught it was some time ago and the text is out of date. Or may
I choose my own?

Her response:

Sharon - you can select your own, but I want you to confirm that doing the class is a first priority and that an opportunity to teach somewhere else won't preempt this. If we order the book you select and then I have to find another teacher, it will be a mess.
Let me know the name, publisher and ISBN and we'll order it.
Kathy

I am really POd at this. But, I don't want to respond when I am angry. Should I respond to this or just ignore her snarky tone?

 

[miss_thenorth]

Just do what she asks--she asks you to confirm that teaching this class is a first priority.

No attitude. And then tell her the text you have selected.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

When you are cooler, I'd respond that since you had never backed out of a class in the past, she can rest assured that you don't intend to start now.

That will address her question in a dignified manner, and hopefully point out that her subtle accusation was unwarranted.

Good luck!

 

[HennysMom]

How about something along the lines of that teaching every class you sign up for has always been a first priority and comittment and while you understand that getting another teacher would indeed be a hassle upon ordering your preferred book of choice, in the past that has not always been your choice due to the college bumping your class at the last minute, causing undue hardships for yourself and the college.

?

Of course, reword it however you speak and not so blunt

 

[smom1976]

hmm.. well just reply nicely then add a subliminal message at the bottom..

like .. I commit whole heartedly to each and every one of the classes that are committed to me from the college.

 

[redhen]

i try to ignore the snarky tone...already been there this a.m.,..

.....i just said to myself..ignore it wendy..dont respond back negativitly....dont feed them...

..

 

[therealsilkiechick]

only answer back what u actually need to and that is just what books u need ordered. i'd just put teaching the class is my first priority and leave it at that. don't write anything u don't want to bite u in the butt later.

 

[patandchickens]

Man, what a butthead. Is that an administrator, faculty or a secretary? (just cuz the tone of your reply would have to depend on that)

I'd personally be very very terse, something on the order of "As you know, I have never backed out of a teaching commitment and will not do so now. Please order <name etc of text>. Thank you."

It is pretty stupid IMHO for her to say it'd be a 'big mess' if they had to change instructors while going with the text you'd ordered. People deal with this *all the time* in academia. (I used to be a college professor). Sheesh!

Sounds to me like you've ticked someone off somewhere (not necessarily this person -- consider the rumor mill?). You could consider a brief discussion with this person where you face-to-face say, in a dignified and calm but slightly ticked-off way, Is there a problem here? OTOH it depends how you deal with such things and what this person is like and what the climate of the department is and so forth and so on.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

Quote:
That's my concern. I ticked off this person when I backed out that one time, and the classes I have been offered since have sucked. This is clearly evidence that she is holding a big time grudge. Part of me wants to address it, but part of me is afraid that if I make an issue out of it she'll just get worse. (Technically, this woman is my boss.) She has total control over my schedule. I am one of the most reliable adjuncts she has and I know it! I don't cancel classes all the time, I once kept open a building when NO one else showed up to run the place because of bad weather! I stayed until all of the students and security and all could be handled. I am always on time with documentation. AGH!

I am just too mad to respond now, but I appreciate any help with what I should do.

 

[coffeelady3]

Maybe it has nothing to do with you. Maybe someone else backed out on a commitment and it caused a ruckus? Money's tight these days. I can see them being a bit more cautious and ensuring the money they are going to be spending will be put to good use.

Just let them know that you'll be there, that it is a priority, and don't take it personally.