My first Real Test.

I chose to follow Jesus in June of 2009. Since then, I have had lots of more questions and I try to help others who are figuring this 'Jesus thing' out. And I have handled some 'small tests' pretty well. So I assumed (and you know what that means-LOL) that I could handle most anything. When I said handle, I mean that my attitude and behavior would reflect a Christian, a real, active Christian. And then Thursday happened.
Here is the jist:

1. I offered extra credit to students who were less than a point from exam exemption. It was to bring in a roll of paper towels to help with dissection clean up. For all of those who know the paper towels the school provides, you know that they are not much good when it comes to absorption...so cleaning up after dead things needs something stronger.

2. A student brought me a roll of 1/2 used paper towels. I said the requirement was a full roll, just like every other student who turned in extra credit. The student admitted to not being able to go to the store in time. So I extended it until the next class period.

I thought everything was fine. I had no idea this was a problem. I also extended the dead line to another student who completely forgot it all together.

Well, it apparently was not the right answer. I am not sure if the student lied to the parents or if the parents are lying for the student. But the &^% hit the fan. The student told the parents I wasn't going to give the student extra credit. I have received emails by the parent saying I was unfair and I lied. In addition, I was having students buy their grades and how they would buy all the paper towels for all of the school district since we didn't have money for paper towels. It went on and on. A copy of the email was sent to my principal and head of instruction for the county. This part doesn't bother me at all. I know what I said. I know what happened. And my Principal believes me. He told me so. So, I am fine with that. It is a scare tactic used my some, but it only made as ass out of the parent.
I didn't know this was even an issue until my principal came to talk to me about it. He said, you do what you want. I don't expect you to change a grade.
UMMMM, hello....the time line was extended for 2 students. Why is this a problem?
Anyway, I emailed the parent telling them I told their student and the other one who forgot theirs all together...that the deadline was extended. No one lost any extra credit. I don't get this????

I could go on and on....and I could. My professionalism was put down. I was pretty much called a liar. And this is what gets me more than anything.....

I have to work with one of this kid's parents. One if the parents of this child is a co-worker. And I have dealt with this for a few years now. Not this exact situation, but this kind of behavior and attitude.

And here is what really gets me.....our administration knows about this behavior and attitude. Other teachers have been subjected to this behavior and attitude by this teacher.....there has been enough witnessing (if that is a word) to this inappropriate behavior that the teacher should have been asked to leave the first year they were at this institution. But nothing has ever been done. EVER. And now I have to deal with this behavior because nothing has been done about it.
And it really burns me up. I shook when all then happened, I was so angry. Because if the school system had done their job and dealt with this teacher, I wouldn't be dealing with it now.
So, I told the parent to complain to my principal. That first step helped. The 3 day weekend away has helped. But I have 7 more days to deal with this. And I guess what also bothers me is that my teaching ability has been questioned. My professionalism has been put down. Mine...when I could write a book about how this other teacher is sooooo unprofessional. I mean really unprofessional. And I have other teachers and students that have witnessed this that I have proof. Kids talk when a teacher doesn't do what they are suppose to. I hear a lot. I have friends who have kids in this school...and I hear it from the parents too.
So I have to let it go.....I hate this feeling of anger.
And I am suppose to think: I know what I said. I know what that student said. And God knows what we said. That should be enough, right?
So why does it still bother me so much.
Well, one reason is because I took pride in being a good teacher. Perfect- heck no. But I do my job. I follow the rules. I teach. My students learn.
So, yes, I had pride in my job. Notice I said HAD.
I'm done.
I am so spent with dealing with this. I have been at this school for a few years and I can't wait to get out.
I have voiced my concerns to my department head, my SOL coordinator, and my Principal for years now, about no accountability.....and no changes have ever happened. There is no accountability here.
I have worked at a place where there was accountability. And it was professional. And we were respected and if you didn't do your job, you had to start or you were gone. And I miss it so much.
So, I have to drop my pride here, right?
People who know all the details (like my Principal, my husband, a good friend who won't talk) just tell me "You are almost out of here, let it go"....
But that leaves the issue of other students having to deal with this teacher. Is that not my business to want all of the students to get a professional, good education? I'm at a loss.
Is there any point to fight?
Or do I give up and make others deal with it?

I have asked people to pray for my patience here. I will turn to God to help me through this....

So, because I have gotten angry as a reaction.... did I fail my test?