[PokerBob]

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A student who I had as a junior and just graduated was appalled to hear that TTWC will potentially be teaching all the advanced classes, and offered to get some of the best kinds in the school to go piss in the principal's ear about TTWC's incompetence. Do I accept this offer?

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From an outsider (of the school system) looking in, it seems to me that to accept this offer would be “standard” (as they say here on the forums). While this might accomplish your goal (and it probably will, especially if enough noise is made) it is unprofessional, imo. I don’t have a better plan of attack, but I’ll try to think of one since I don’t want to just give a negative opinion.

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curious to learn why you think this would be unprofessional?

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Maybe I am bringing some of my bias to the discussion, so let me give you a bit of my point of view. You can then take my opinion for what it is worth.

I volunteer quite a bit of my time at my (Catholic) church. We have a school. I also live in a relatively small town (20k+) so I hear “everything” that goes on in our school district. I have been “involved” in our parochial system for maybe 15 years

FYI, teachers as a rule aren’t my favorite people - and for the record my wife, whom I love, is a retired school teacher. Also, one of my best friends is a teacher. I admire you guys. And I am sure you are a teacher like any number of good teachers I had growing up that certainly helped to make me the person I am. When I say teachers aren’t my favorite people, you probably know exactly what I am saying. You describe in your OP what I mean.

Generally speaking Administrations aren’t pro-active, they are reactive. (I wish they would at least be active, if they can’t be pro-active.) Things aren’t problems if no one makes any noise. It isn’t until rumblings are heard that any problems gets resolved. This is what I mean when I say if you accept this offer, you will probably accomplish your goal. The students and all those who know you will make noise and the truth that you (and more importantly, the students) are getting shafted will be known. The powers that be will probably correct the problem and fix the teaching schedule.

In my history at my parish, I have seen teachers band together to get rid of one teacher or another. I have seen them (and parishioners) ban together to get rid of some of our pastors and a principal Some of what has been done has been justified, some was outright “criminal” behavior. For the most part the reality or “truth” of the particular situation was always left in the debris of the aftermath. Their m.o. has always been to garner support from parents or students or whoever would help their cause. The end result has always left some wounds in the parish then never heal. Too much stuff gets said. Tempers flair. It is always a mess.

The teaching community is unique environment. It is not a totally private, nor a totally public domain. It is quite often a community similar to a family - for the most part a dysfunctional family (do you agree?). As with family problems, matters like your particular situation, I think, are best resolved behind close doors.

I do think you should fight for your rights - if not just for yourself, but for the students who will benefit from your teaching. I just think we have to come up with a better plan of attack.

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great post. i agree that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease", and i know that there is a lot of politics and BS in this profession. i have experienced some of the things you mention in your post. i am in a weird spot, and simply looking for options. thanks for the reply.