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RE: mentally ill teacher - 1/20/2010 5:08:39 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 891
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The brain is an organ. Just as the pancreas is an organ.
The medications that control diabetes also have side effects that might cause one to miss days of work. So, why should the case of a medication that treats and controls a similar physical brain function be any different than one that controls pancreatic function. I doubt you would be threatened with expulsion if it were YOU that had the diabetes and had missed 6 days in a semester.
And, compare their attitude to you compared to the federal regulations on childbirth!!!!
This fight is not about a single individual; but, about a principle of fairness and common sense. Unless they can produce performance issues that would justify your dismissal, they are simply living in the dark ages.
You might want to show them this.
http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/3-18-03b.cfm
or this...
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/adahandbook.html
Go to http://www.eeoc.gov/ and search for "Bi-Polar" and you should find the information you need.
< Message edited by TMeeks -- 1/20/2010 5:25:48 PM >
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 1/22/2010 5:05:34 PM
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RainbowSkies
Posts: 559
Joined: 2/28/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: heremainsfaithful
I have a question I am almost afraid to post. But I will grit my teeth and plant my feet to prepare.
I am in danger of losing my job as a music teacher. According to the administration, it has to do with excessive absences, but something else has come to my attention. Now before I go further, I am tenured, I have been here 10 years. I always get good feedback from parents, I collaborate with other teachers, we have great programs, and I believe that the kids enjoy music. The assessments I do show that they learn. My evaluations have always been very good.Here's the rub: one of the reasons I have missed more than some teachers is because of illness. I have bipolar disorder. I take medication, see my doctor regularly, and am not a danger. Bipolar isn't usually like it is in a Law and Order episode. But sometimes a med change will make me sick for a few days. Sometimes during a depressive episode getting out of bed is almost impossible.
H and I were talking, and he asked me, "Do you think that word has gotten out to parents that you are bipolar, and they are concerned? Could someone have gone to the central office and complained about it?" I don't advertise my condition, but I don't hide it either. I don't think this is the case, but it got me thinking. I have a very good case based on Section 504 and the disabilities act, coupled with the fact that I am tenured, to fight a potential termination. But if folks don't know I am bipolar now, they sure would if I went that route.
As a parent, would you freak out if you found out one of your kids' teachers had bipolar disorder?
I know I am jumping in late here. I don't know if I am bi polar or just depressed and high energy normally, but I do know that it is hard because I do take medication for depression and anxiety and I have had people who used to send their kids to me to babysit take them out once they found out. I think that someone who has a condition like this and acknowledges it is much safer because think of how many others are out there that are either undiagnosed, or know they have a mental health condition and choose not to do anything about it because of things like how it will look to others, or cost of medication, or just because they like being manic.
I hope things work out for you and as far as the school, be honest and direct. I am going through a medication change as well and it is not fun. I never thought it would feel like this and I would be unable to get through a day, but it happened to me and I know what that is like. I know that teachers get less paid time off due to the fact that their work year is shorter, but you still get time off and you should be able to take that time with no punishments.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 1/22/2010 9:08:30 PM
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loveydoveysmom
Posts: 499
Joined: 1/19/2006
From: Great North, Canada
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quote:
ORIGINAL: heremainsfaithful
I have a question I am almost afraid to post. But I will grit my teeth and plant my feet to prepare.
I am in danger of losing my job as a music teacher. According to the administration, it has to do with excessive absences, but something else has come to my attention. Now before I go further, I am tenured, I have been here 10 years. I always get good feedback from parents, I collaborate with other teachers, we have great programs, and I believe that the kids enjoy music. The assessments I do show that they learn. My evaluations have always been very good.Here's the rub: one of the reasons I have missed more than some teachers is because of illness. I have bipolar disorder. I take medication, see my doctor regularly, and am not a danger. Bipolar isn't usually like it is in a Law and Order episode. But sometimes a med change will make me sick for a few days. Sometimes during a depressive episode getting out of bed is almost impossible.
H and I were talking, and he asked me, "Do you think that word has gotten out to parents that you are bipolar, and they are concerned? Could someone have gone to the central office and complained about it?" I don't advertise my condition, but I don't hide it either. I don't think this is the case, but it got me thinking. I have a very good case based on Section 504 and the disabilities act, coupled with the fact that I am tenured, to fight a potential termination. But if folks don't know I am bipolar now, they sure would if I went that route.
As a parent, would you freak out if you found out one of your kids' teachers had bipolar disorder?
I hope I'm not late on jumping in as well.
I have read through the posts and I am not familiar with tenure. I don't understand what it is.
As a parent though I would have absolutely no problem with a person diagnosed with bi-polar teaching my children. I suffer depression yet I am still able to manage my household superbly, walk my kids to and from school, help with homework, bedtime, baths and start the whole routine over again.
You sound like a fantastic teacher and this must be undoubtedly stressful for you and your family. I pray God will be very discerning with you as to which avenue to take either to fight it or move on but it sounds like you may be already in the process of fighting it. If you are then good for you! May the Lord protect you diligently through this process, guiding your every thought, word and action. May He lift your spirit up to the heavens allowing you grace, joy, peace and happiness with your endeavours. May we be blessed to have more Christian, spiritual teachers such as yourself filling our schools with their presence. Your His precious child and He will protect you.
Six days away is nothing.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/4/2010 8:35:49 AM
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heremainsfaithful
Posts: 1137
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From: Alabama
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Prayer request
Right before Christmas break, we were to complete our "letters of intent." We check whether or not we plan to come back next year. In light of what was going on, I checked, "I would like to discuss this matter with my principal." This morning I got an email saying she wanted to meet about it tomorrow. It was cc'ed to the asst. principal and the personnel director. I called my mom, who is very wise and used to be s superintendent, and she said go ahead and meet if it is just the principal and assistant, but if others are going to be there, ask to wait until I can bring representation. I have prayed (trying not to wig out), and that is going to be my course of action.
My big prayer is that I not "borrow trouble." I did, after all, check that I wanted to discuss it. I also want to be professional and respectful (which isn't usually a problem for me), but I don't want to "cow" either. However this goes (and I know Whose hands it is ultimately in), I want to know I have done the right things and shown good character.
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Jer. 29:11, II Tim. 2:13, Jude 24, 25
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=58896
Eihstein's IQ may be higher than mine, but God's IQ is higher than anyone's.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/4/2010 8:54:05 AM
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Nutty4God
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HRF, I'm not too familiar with the educational process in public schools these days, as I have no children, but I'm praying for you that things will work out on your behalf.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/4/2010 11:00:43 AM
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Auben
Posts: 1123
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From: Where pines tower and cranberries float
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Praying too.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/4/2010 2:25:30 PM
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thisistheday
Posts: 3916
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Praying
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/4/2010 3:27:14 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 2737
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You've got a great track record for all the things that count in a teacher, Heremainsfaithful, so I don't see why anyone would worry about it.
I have ADHD, and my middleschool classes were a little... adventurous?... at times. Kids never knew when I was going to suddenly change the subject... like a boa constrictor in my briefcase... hey, they learned about snakes that day. Too bad it was a English class. But it kept them alert, and they learned just fine. They learned paragraph writing using reptiles.
quote:
As a parent, would you freak out if you found out one of your kids' teachers had bipolar disorder?
No, but I would just want to know what it was. You have all the things a fine teacher needs, so not a problem.
Please notice I said "I have ADHD" not "I am ADHD." 
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People died to give you the Bible in your language.
Read it. Eat it. Dwell in it. Rightly divide it. Live it.
Laugh, dance, praise your God, and go read some more. And God bless you.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/5/2010 1:55:28 PM
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heremainsfaithful
Posts: 1137
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From: Alabama
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Asked to resign. If I do it today they will pay me for the rest of the year and I don't have to come back. Board meeting on Tuesday night will vote to non-renew me. Called H, not sure what to do. Hate life. Please pray. Gotta go sing with first grade now.
_____________________________
Jer. 29:11, II Tim. 2:13, Jude 24, 25
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=58896
Eihstein's IQ may be higher than mine, but God's IQ is higher than anyone's.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/5/2010 2:08:59 PM
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garsyt
Posts: 1932
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From: the bottom of the laundry basket
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Oh sweetie! Now did you ask to resign or did they ask you to resign? Just wanted of verify.
I'm praying regardless.
Hold your head high - You've done right by those kids and YOU know it!
Blessings,
Garsy
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My Blog: www.moredayslikethisplease.wordpress.com
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/5/2010 2:34:04 PM
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Kath
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I'm sorry. Did you have representation with you?
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/5/2010 3:27:48 PM
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heremainsfaithful
Posts: 1137
Joined: 10/14/2009
From: Alabama
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They told me I could:
1. Resign today and not come back and they would pay out my contract
2. Resign before Tuesday and finish out the year
3. The board is meeting Tuesday, and my non-renewal is being recommended
I would love - in the flesh - to just say bye, take my paycheck, and walk out the door right now. But what would that say about my commitment? We have 3 programs and a big play this semester that the kids are looking forward to. I can't just abandon them.
I didn't have representation. I had no idea that it would be this dire. I expected some discussion, but not an ultimatum type situation.
It's weird. God is never surprised. I have had all sorts of kids hug me and say I love you and say they love music today. And tomorrow is DS's b'day, and we have a great day planned. So I won't have to sit around and be all broody. And I just bought the new Casting Crowns CD, which has such uplifting music on it. I know I will cry and rant and have a hard time with this, but I also know it is an opportunity for a CHOICE to trust when I can't see. I haven't really had to do that in awhile.
_____________________________
Jer. 29:11, II Tim. 2:13, Jude 24, 25
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=58896
Eihstein's IQ may be higher than mine, but God's IQ is higher than anyone's.
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mentally ill teacher - 2/5/2010 11:53:30 PM
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pink..
Posts: 10554
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From: Indiana
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((((HRF)))) I am so sorry.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 12:27:17 AM
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Kerrlaw
Posts: 5257
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You are a tenured teacher.
Get to a lawyer ASAP.
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That which does not kill us makes us fatter. ~ crankius
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 2:38:47 AM
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deermousie
Posts: 2737
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quote:
ORIGINAL: heremainsfaithful
Asked to resign.
Yikes. I'm sorry I didn't see this before, but I'm sorrier you're having trouble with the school folk.
You are correct, this didn't surprise God, and He has good plans for you.
But I think it would be a really good idea, like Kerrlaw said, to go see a lawyer and make sure what the school is doing is legal and ethical and in your best interests. I don't trust administrations and I think you shouldn't, either. What is this going to do for your work record when you want to hire on elsewhere? Try not to brood on this, just see a lawyer, dear one.
I'm glad your mother can provide you with support and inside information. She may know a good lawyer for this, too.
Lord Jesus, I lift HeRemainsFaithful to You and thank You for undertaking the things that concern her. Please work this situation out for her good and Your glory, and I thank You in Your holy name, Jesus, amen.
(((HUgs)))
_____________________________
People died to give you the Bible in your language.
Read it. Eat it. Dwell in it. Rightly divide it. Live it.
Laugh, dance, praise your God, and go read some more. And God bless you.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 5:40:19 AM
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manda59
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Praying for you.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 9:27:09 AM
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Auben
Posts: 1123
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From: Where pines tower and cranberries float
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Have faith in yourself. You have not done anything to deserve this.
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~Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time~
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 11:19:32 AM
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garsyt
Posts: 1932
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From: the bottom of the laundry basket
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kerrlaw
You are a tenured teacher.
Get to a lawyer ASAP.
As much as I hate to say this - IF administration wants a teacher out it really doesn't matter if they are tenured or not. We had a teacher recently "placed on disciplinary leave" and then "offered early retirement," but those of us in the know regarding this KNOW it was either she take the early retirement or she was going to be fired. She had taught for 25 YEARS in the same school district. The reason? Apparently she missed to many days of school to help take care of the needs of an immediate family member (her daughter in her EARLY 20's) as she dealt with breast cancer that spread to her spine and other organs and killed her within 2 years.
Tenure really doesn't mean much in many cases.
HRF - Have you gone to the Teacher's union about this? Unless your local Union rep is like ours and in the back pocket of the school board and admin., you may have a chance. Who's the biggest player in wanting you out?
{{HRF}}
Blessings,
Garsy
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"And I usually agree with Garsy, so I'll be quiet now." Stellaluna - July 2010
My Blog: www.moredayslikethisplease.wordpress.com
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 1:12:15 PM
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hnt
Posts: 732
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Quick Question!
Have you checked into the American with Disabilities act?
Companies and organizations claim all the time they comply, but we have found that is NOT the case all the time.
It sounds like you qualify under this act. Check to see what your legal footing is. Just a thought.
For myself? I wouldn't have an issue with a teacher and bipolar.
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Emotional abuse and Faith
Reaching for IT!!!!!!
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/6/2010 2:02:42 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 3539
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You said yourself that you earn one sick day / month, and if a semester is about 4 months, then you were only over your allotment last semester by 2 days, which is not much. And they're obviously employing a double standard regarding physical vs mental illnesses. If you're as good of an employee as you say you are (and I have no reason to doubt you), I'd fight it tooth and nail if for no other reason than to stick it to the administration and make them think twice about doing it to somebody else. As has been stated, you might have some recourse w/ the Disabilities Act - I'd also suggest looking into the Family & Medical Leave Act. If you put up a fight, you may not be able to teach in that town again, but you might make things better for somebody who comes after you.
-Dan.
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Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/8/2010 8:51:26 AM
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debilyn
Posts: 289
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praying for you
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/8/2010 1:57:42 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7661
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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I typed out a post, but deleted it, because I don't think I am qualified to give you any advice. However, I do want to tell you that I'll pray for you and I'm sorry this has happened. You seem to be a dedicated, loving teacher. The whole thing seems unjust and stupid for them to do. It's like they are shooting themselves in the foot.
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Often times the battle is the worst right before a breakthrough. In order to get us to give up, the devil wants us to think we are losing, when in fact we need to fight on to victory.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/8/2010 3:29:53 PM
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heremainsfaithful
Posts: 1137
Joined: 10/14/2009
From: Alabama
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After lots of prayer and talking this weekend, I typed up and submitted (this morning) a nice, brief resignation letter. In all likelihood, with DH graduating, we were going to be moving anyway, and with my kids being the ages they are, I didn't want them to have to go through all that public stuff with me.
I know that between now and the end of May, school won't always be my favorite place, but this is a chance to lean on Christ and do right by these kids no matter what I may feel at the moment. I keep thinking of the old Steve Green song, "Refiner's Fire." It's not usually in the comfortable times that we get refined.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. God has really used all of your comments....a lot.
_____________________________
Jer. 29:11, II Tim. 2:13, Jude 24, 25
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=58896
Eihstein's IQ may be higher than mine, but God's IQ is higher than anyone's.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/8/2010 3:41:58 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7661
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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You can never go wrong in seeking the Lord. His grace will cover and guide you. May His Spirit be upon you with peace, joy and power. May He move you into a fulfilling and joyful position for your next assignment in your Christian walk.
_____________________________
Often times the battle is the worst right before a breakthrough. In order to get us to give up, the devil wants us to think we are losing, when in fact we need to fight on to victory.
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RE: mentally ill teacher - 2/8/2010 7:41:30 PM
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RainbowSkies
Posts: 559
Joined: 2/28/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: heremainsfaithful
They told me I could:
1. Resign today and not come back and they would pay out my contract
2. Resign before Tuesday and finish out the year
3. The board is meeting Tuesday, and my non-renewal is being recommended
HRF, I am so sorry. I was reading your first post over and I was thinking. Isn't there a process they have to go through before they ask you to resign or tell you that they are going to try to force you out? I mean, you mentioned that you are absent more than other teachers, but have you ever been talked to or written up for it? Have they ever done anything to make you aware that they thought it was a problem? Have you asked them why they are giving you these three options and why they are trying to push you to make a decision pretty much on the spot? I mean it seems to me that they know they are going to have a hard time and that if you fight this, you could come out of it with a pretty hefty settlement for discrimination and a very public issue for the district. What other reason would they have to steamroll you into an answer?
Have you talked to your union about this? Do you have all of your reviews that were good? Do they mention too many absencs? Did you exceed your allowed absenses for the year? Did they offer you family and medical leave which you are entitled to....
Sorry for all of the questions, but it just seems like they are trying to get you to make a decision so that it is easier for them. If I were in your position, I would thank them for their input, but that I was going to take this up with my union and a lawyer first. But that is just me. Even if you did exceed your regularly allowed absences, you are entitled to that family and medical leave. If they saw a problem with you being gone, then they should have given that to you as an option at one point, but it seems they didn't.
But then there is the flipside, do you really want to work in a school that doesn't want you? But if you resign or they don't renew your contract, then how does that look to other schools when you apply in their districts? Yep, if I were in your position, I would fight. But again, I don't really put up with things like that from people. I just wish that for one day, people could be decent to eachother. One day is all I am asking and yet that is too much.
I will pray for you and I do hope that you pray for guidance as well and listen to God as he speaks to you.
Tracy
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Formerly known as MrsTracy72
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