This is just a petty vent, you may want to SOB

**TAC** · 02-04-2005, 05:15 PM

Yesterday I tried to reserve the VCR for 2 days, I was told I could not have the High School VCR for today because the special education department has it reserved for EVERY Friday, ALL DAY Friday. There truly is no reserve system the S.E. teacher just always has it in his room. Whatever! Ok, I calmed down and went in search of another VCR. I found a very little one that the P.E. class uses (for what I’m not sure). I am using the VCR as an educational thing (compare and contrast the movie to the book). I had to go into the SE room toady to ask them to turn down there movie during 1st period because it was disturbing my kids trying to read out loud. WELL, I FIND OUT THEY ARE WATCHING A FREEKEN CARTOON!!!!! I just could not keep my mouth shut, I had to ask, “How are you tying this into a lesson? I would love to try to incorporate cartoons into my lessons”. With no problems what so ever (not ever realizing I was being sarcastic) he looks up and says, “Oh, it’s not a lesson. We just get free days every Friday.” WHAT? Theses are the kids
that are way behind others and they get rewarded EVERY Friday? No wonder they never get back into the regular classroom.

I love my job, I love my job, I love my job. Ok, I’m better now.

TAC

**The Lizard** · 02-04-2005, 05:42 PM

Free days. Love it.

The teacher meant "free days for the teacher."

**Barbara S** · 02-04-2005, 06:18 PM

Knowing me, I'd go to the Spec. Ed department and tell them I want to use the VCR on Friday. If they refused to give up their cartoons, I'd go straight to the principal. I have said it many times - I don't care what "You" do in your classroom until it affects me.
I think you need to be a little more assertive in your request.

**Bitsy Griffin** · 02-04-2005, 06:33 PM

Wow! The kids aren't being rewarded, they are being short changed terribly. I sure would make sure someone found out about this little game. I'd also have to be more assertive. This is not good for the kids.

**TAC** · 02-04-2005, 07:24 PM

It is very hard to be assertive here because it is a small school. When you rock the boat to much you get labeled a “trouble maker” and contracts are not renewed. I have already stepped on A LOT of toes by standing up for the student’s rights and other student issues. I am not willing to fight this battle with this teacher, it is not worth it. She has been here forever and nothing would be accomplished except me getting myself in a hole.

TAC

**Bitsy Griffin** · 02-04-2005, 07:29 PM

Well TAC,

Only you can decide what battles are worth the fight. I just feel so sorry for the kids losing out on their education every Friday to watch cartoons. Is another job an option next year? Also, over the years, I've bought a lot of my own stuff. OR rather, when I bought new stuff, I'd take the old stuff to school -- like VCRs, DVDs, etc. It's been helpful but makes it hard to pick up and walk out should I ever decide to do so :O

**aggie'swife** · 02-04-2005, 08:45 PM

I would get the supply person to purchase a tv and vcr. Go through your principal, not griping about the special ed depart having it, but just indicating that there is no vcr/tv available for use. Technology is a TAKS element, correct. There's your angle.

As far as Spec. Ed goes they are going to be (excuse the expression) but "flying by the seat of their pants" when it comes DEK visit time.

**Otto13** · 02-05-2005, 01:47 PM

I became a Special Education teacher last September...before that I subbed for 2 years. "Free Fridays" sound great! How do they work? Because if I deviate from "the routine" even slightly...nothing is free for the remaineder of the day.

Teachers...look around your rooms...if you have even one Finding Nemo dvd...you are not much different than that "free Friday Special Ed teacher." (sorry...students can watch that stuff at home) As a sub, I have seem Finding Nemo 30 times, Monsters Inc another 20...The Lion King (yea, I get the "Circle of Life" v. Life Cycles) another 10 times, and if I have to see "Lord of the Rings" for another afternoon...I'll go to truck driving school and hit the open road! ...and these were for regular ed classes K-12th grades.

I do show cartoons in my classroom. They are called "The Magic School Bus" no more than two a week. They are great videos that cover what we are studying...and we share a TV/DVD/video player amongst 3 teachers, too.

I heard from a professor once that when a special ed class was being observed the teacher turned on a soap opera and everything stopped for an hour...and why are teachers against merit raises again?

Just wanted to do a little venting myself...I love my job and I love the idea that the harder I work the easier it is!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Otto13

**Bitsy Griffin** · 02-05-2005, 01:56 PM

Wow Otto13,

I find this amazing. I've shown one DVD this year and it was on Oppenheimer and the development of the bomb.

I've got a couple of more -- one is on the manufacturing of steel and the other is on the Wright brothers.