Pricey We Are Academics,
Lately, a good friend despatched me a video going viral on TikTok. A pupil had been recording me all year long and created a sequence of clips highlighting my Midwestern accent. It’s harmless sufficient and I’m not offended by the content material (I do have a robust accent!), however I do really feel uncomfortable that these recordings occurred in school with out my information or permission. Once I introduced it as much as my principal, I obtained a lukewarm response. Ought to I push again? What are my rights right here?
—Not for Netflix
Pricey N.F.N.,
You’re completely proper to really feel uncomfortable. Even when the coed didn’t imply hurt, being recorded with out your information or consent crosses a boundary. And whereas this occasion might sound benign (Midwestern accents are charming), the following one may not be.
Legal guidelines range by state, however many states have two-party consent rules, which means each events should comply with be recorded. Even in one-party consent states, colleges typically have insurance policies towards college students filming employees with out permission—particularly if the footage finally ends up on-line.
Additionally, your principal’s lukewarm response will not be nice, however sadly, it’s not unusual. To me, that is much less in regards to the content material of the video or the coed’s actions and extra about what may very well be a legal responsibility in your college sooner or later. Right here’s what I like to recommend:
- Loop in your union (if relevant). They will help you navigate your rights and even talk together with your admin if wanted.
- Doc every thing. Save the video and screenshots, and report the date you first observed it and introduced it to your admin’s consideration.
- Examine your district’s coverage. Look into pupil gadget use, social media conduct, and privateness pointers. This provides you firmer floor if you wish to escalate.
- Push (respectfully) for a response. Body it as a security and precedent-setting subject. If college students really feel empowered to movie academics with out penalties, that opens the door to extra problematic content material down the road. (Elevate your hand for those who lived by means of the “Devious Licks” TikTok trend of 2021.)
You might have each proper to set boundaries round your privateness in your classroom. And also you shouldn’t have to fret about your hallway “Ope!” or “You betcha!” making it to the For You web page.
Pricey We Are Academics,
I’m a seasoned trainer with over a decade within the classroom, and I lately determined to discover new alternatives. I’ve been making use of for roles in numerous districts and even just a few tutorial coach positions. The issue? I freeze in interviews each time I get a curveball query.
I can speak all day about my educating philosophy, classroom administration methods, and the way I construct relationships with college students. However the second I get requested one thing surprising—like how I’d deal with a colleague undermining me in a PLC, or how I’d enhance a curriculum I haven’t even seen—I really feel my mind short-circuit. Abruptly I’m rambling or, worse, giving a obscure, forgettable reply.
I do know interviews aren’t pop quizzes, however that’s how they really feel. How do I keep grounded and articulate when a query throws me off my recreation?
—All A’s Besides in Interviewing
Pricey A.A.E.I.I.,
Boy howdy, do I really feel seen.
You’re not alone. So many people stumble when the interview shifts from “Inform me about your classroom” to “Faux you’re a curriculum director at a college you’ve by no means seen.” As soon as throughout an interview, I used to be put in a room of arts-and-crafts supplies and requested to make a recreation about my educating philosophy. (Whilst an enormous arts-and-crafts fan, I wished to throw up.)
First, give your self some grace. Interviews are bizarre. They don’t all the time showcase the strengths that make you nice at your precise job. However listed here are some methods that will help you keep grounded while you get thrown a curveball:
- Apply curveballs. Ask a trusted good friend or colleague to toss you bizarre interview questions. The aim isn’t to have excellent solutions—it’s to get comfy pondering in your toes.
- Use AI. Our list of ways AI can help you nail an interview consists of hacks for producing interview questions and practising an interview with a robotic(!).
- Don’t concern the “I don’t know.” If you happen to’re requested to resolve an issue with lacking variables (like revising an unfamiliar curriculum), it’s OK to say: “I’d need to collect extra knowledge first, however right here’s how I’d start that course of.”
You’re clearly a reflective, skilled educator. With a bit of observe reframing the way you reply to the surprising, you’ll be as assured in interviews as you might be in your classroom.
Pricey We Are Academics,
It’s nearly August, and I’m staring down the identical to-do checklist I made in Might.
Narrator: She didn’t do any of it.
I had such noble intentions to arrange and get forward. However as an alternative of checking issues off, I’ve been testing. I learn some books (none skilled), binged 4 exhibits I can’t even suggest in well mannered firm, and obtained very invested in reorganizing my spice rack by coloration, which was by no means even on the checklist.
Now, with the varsity yr looming, I really feel a mixture of guilt and panic. Ought to I attempt to cram productiveness into this final week? Or is it OK that I let myself relaxation?
—Rested however Regretful
Pricey R.B.R.,
Can I simply say your summer season sounds form of excellent?
That checklist you made in Might? That was aspirational. You thought June You was going to be a productiveness machine. However Late July You didn’t account for the truth that Might You was working on fumes, thereby affecting her logic. OK, abandoning the month pronouns now. That’s complicated.
Let’s reframe this:
You learn books. You allowed your mind to relaxation. And your spice rack is now a color-coded masterpiece.
That doesn’t sound like failure. That feels like restoration.
If you happen to’re feeling the itch to do one thing, choose one small factor that might make your first week again smoother (like prepping your syllabus or writing a dad or mum letter). However don’t attempt to cram a summer season’s value of to-dos into the ultimate days of summer season break. We don’t dash our option to peace of thoughts.
Do you’ve a burning query? E mail us at askweareteachers@weareteachers.com.
Pricey We Are Academics,
I get that incentives can encourage college students, however I’m so over the infinite sweet rewards system. It looks like each time I flip round, there’s one other bag of sweets being handed out for the smallest factor. Not solely is it unhealthy, however I’m frightened it’s educating children to anticipate treats for primary habits as an alternative of growing real self-discipline. Plus, I’m the one trainer attempting to supply non-food rewards, and actually, it’s exhausting and looks like swimming upstream. How do I push back on the candy culture without sounding like the fun police?
—Fed Up With Candy Offers
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