Rant... a local schoolteacher...

[fuzziebutt]

I believe it's all gossip, too. But, don't mention any teacher's name, and find out if the teachers are drug tested. If they are not, then push for drug testing. It's a worthy cause, and you can find out what you need to know without coming across as a wanting a witch hunt.

 

[Dunkopf]

Pharmaceutical drug addictions are a big issue and need to be addressed. Children see Mommy and Daddy taking Zanex or Vicodin or the plethora of other legal prescription drugs and they think they're okay to take. It's easy to guide them away from pot until they're 14 or so. Hard drugs are even easier. look at those meth billboards all over the place. Harder to convince them Vicodin is dangerous when Mom takes one and it doesn't seem like it does anything to her.

Obviously this teacher had a pharm drug problem. If it's true at all. She needs treatment if that's the case. Most likely it's just an ugly rumor started by some kid or parent that doesn't like her.

 

[sourland]

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Not saying it's not true, but it reeks of hearsay, gossip, and possibly slander. I personally would be real careful about challenging this teacher. The possibility of innocence exists.

 

[debilorrah]

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Not saying it's not true, but it reeks of hearsay, gossip, and possibly slander. I personally would be real careful about challenging this teacher. The possibility of innocence exists.

Agreed. I think I would take to the principal first. Use no names either. No sense damaging a reputation without concrete proof. It actually sound to me like a parent who is mad at this teacher started something. Usually if it is too outrageous to believe, then don't.

 

[newfoundland]

I would contact the principle. Explain that I had heard these disquieting rumours and ask for an explanation. If the rumours are not reaching the ears of the principle he/she will be glad of the information. Whether there is any truth in the rumours or not, this needs to be dealt with both for the sake of the teacher involved and the pupils/parents.

 

[chickened]

I would meet with the accused and the gossiper and bring it out in the light, that will settle it.

ETA when I say meet I mean all 3 face to face sit down and talk.

 

[4Hchickenproject]

Thanks for your input, everyone. It's amazing how many people are making it a point to tell this. I haven't seen the teacher since ball season is over. I'm beginning to wonder if people are using the guise of telling me b/c my kids will be there in the fall, so I'll know what's "going on," or if they're telling me this b/c they know that I will cause a stink over the protection of my children when it is absolutely necessary... perhaps hoping I'll be "that mother," the one nobody wants to be, the one who stands up and speaks out even though the other mothers will likely turn on her. That's because I don't care about the "mommy politics" of small towns. But I WILL NOT ever, ever speak against someone without firsthand KNOWLEDGE, and I will never publicly berate someone, regardless of guilt or innocence... we all have our problems. I would without doubt go to her first, see if I could get confirmation from her that she is getting help, then go over her head after that if necessary. But I will continue to do NOTHING until I know... and hopefully, someone else will do something, so I won't have to.

I keep adding to this post because it does concern me, not even this one issue so much as just the general issues of drugs in schools, teacher/admin issues (which are not frequent), media, gossip, the list goes on and on. Rural living, staying home with the kids, does have some - few - disadvantages, and not having a close friend here to talk to in confidentiality is one of them. I have friends, but none seem to have the same ethics and values. I don't want to talk to them b/c I don't trust that they will be able to listen and not pass along what I say.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Call the principal and tell him that you have heard gossip about a teacher at his school, and are concerned if

1) there is any validity to the story and
2) if not, what if anything is being done to try to control the rumour mill.

Do not mention the teacher's name. If the principal says it's all a bunch of hooey, let him know that he needs to get accurate information out there to stop the rumour mongering.

I am a firm believer in openness. Trying to keep things "quiet" fuels rumours that are often worse than unpleasant truths.

Ifthere is truth to the rumour, then you need to let him know your position on your children attending the school and their teachers.

 

[mikensara]

and i thought the school district my children go to had issues. Back in the spring our former principal turned elementary teacher was arrested for assaulting a 5th grade boy in his class...... shocking and more disturbing was a runaway that was accidentally shot. The school held an assembly to help the students with greif counselling only to find out the girl never was a student there.

 

[bustermommy]

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