***
“Outrageous! His assignment on ‘onomatopoeia’ is overdue. I don’t care he’s off-colour. I allowed him an overnight extension. His output is atrocious, I’ll make him pay”.*
Aggressive ogre. This teacher couldn’t know my charge’s awful origins. My lips were sealed.
The child’s serial abuser had been outed on the news. Confidentiality essential. I was obliged to pour oil on her spluttering objections, to speak calmly and objectively. It was a tall order.
I negotiated, omitting identifying details. It was all one way. I offered an olive branch - the work would be on her overfull desk by morning.
Outrageous? Indeed.
 |
| Some teachers like to intimidate. Berlin 2009. |
*A teacher used those last four words about a disadvantaged teenager I was working with.
A Drabble is a story told in 100 words No more, no less.
Over at traverselife, I'm spending the month looking at different aspects of bullying.
.
.
6 comments:
Sue,
You meet so many difficult situations in your work. You have the skill and good sense to always know how to deal with tough things.
Another week beginning.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
So sad, people really need to remember we are all human and things can be going on that we have no clue about. We should all think before we speak, judge, insult or put down.
This is an excellent post, thought provoking whist being light-hearted at the same time. Bravo!
Owever, oi think that oi can olp you with your O olliteration thingy. For example, in your first paragraph you wrote, “His output is atrocious”. Perhaps, “His output is orrid” would have suited your objective better…..
Have a good week, Boonie
reading this excellent post I recall a few classroom scenes from my youth. sometimes we encounter the most loving and supportive teachers, and occasionally we cross paths with some sick ones too.
I don't envy you the task you had at hand, but you were loving in the way you handled it. doesn't surprise me in the least. have a great week Sue. very nice drabble :)
Go girl Go! How you keep doing it is beyond me.
Manzanita: Not always so well handled I'm afraid, I think I'm less tolerant nowadays.
Mercy; Exactly!
Boonie; ah ha, you have the ability to make me laugh even when I'm feeling grumpy with some of the people in the world!
Becky; The good ones are a joy, the others...*sigh* bad news. Have a lovely week ...Spring for you! bulbs and nice smelling flowers, mmmmm
Siv Maria, thankyou! love the virtual pat on the back!
Sorry I was so late replying, life caught up with me.
Post a Comment