Teachers Who Do Bad Things

Being a member of the Ontario College Teachers, one of the things we get quarterly is a magazine called "Professionally Speaking". When I started receiving it, I noticed the blue pages, which comes under the heading "Governing Ourselves" and it deals with issues including disciplinary matters. I came to calling this particular section of the blue pages "The Teacher Tabloid".  When a new issue arrives, I quickly turn to The Teacher Tabloid to read about the latest in bad things other teachers have done.

Something I've noticed over my years of teaching - there seems to be a disproportionate number of cases involving inappropriate relationships between teachers and students.  There have also been many stories in the media, both Canadian and stories from the States.  I just read about an ongoing in case in Toronto involving an 18 year old student who claimed to have been sexually abused by a music teacher while in grade 5. In the latest issue there were 15 cases - 7 directly dealt with inappropriate relationships, 2 dealt with possession of child pornography, and 1 dealt with an inappropriate situation (with criminal ramifications) not involving a student.

I constantly shake my head, in particular, when I read about such cases.  I really wonder where these teachers heads were at.  Honestly, when did you think that having an inappropriate relationship with a student was a good idea?  Where was that censor in your head that should have said STOP - you're risking your reputation, career, and possible freedom by pursuing this.  Not to mention becoming a pariah in the media and having all of it be stapled to every job application you ever make after.

Seriously, if you have a thing for students, do yourself and the teaching profession a favor. DON'T BECOME A TEACHER!  And seek some help, for heaven's sake. Those of you who are teachers and are maybe on the fence about it - take a hard look at yourself and what you're doing.  Really think about it.  Is that time you want to spend with that student really worth the things outlined above?  If you're answering anything but "No, its not worth it." - reconsider your career choice.

However, one thing I have noticed in various media coverage of such stories - there is a definite difference between a story involving a male teacher vs. a female teacher.  Based on my empirical evidence, female teachers get treated very differently by the media.  Men are characterized as slimebags for the most part, while for whatever reason, female teachers caught in an inappropriate relationship get a much easier ride. Read comments on websites and you see the same thing.  If the female teacher happens to be relatively attractive, invariably you get the comments like: "Where was that teacher when I was a student" and the like.  I've often wondered why this is, since it's the same crime, just different sex of perpetrator. If anyone has any insight, please comment below.

Just a ridiculous education protest... :(

Well, anyone following education news for the last several months in Ontario knows about the problems, especially with Bill 115.

I personally didn't agree with the law - it took decades of collective bargaining and destroyed it.  However, the reaction from the public teacher federations, ETFO and OSSTF have been lacking as well.

In recent days, it was announced that elementary teachers were going to stage a one day walkout, which was to have happened today, but the Ontario Labour Board ruled it illegal, and it was cancelled.

Having the protest, especially barely a month after a legal one in December was ridiculous.  All this trouble has only lost my profession even more support from the public.

However, I also take issue with  the Labour Board - did they really have to take until 4am today to rule on this??? I'm no lawyer, but since we were no longer in a legal strike position anymore, the decision should have been easy.  Not to mention that some boards still decided to either close schools or not run buses.

Hello?  Most snow days aren't officially called until 6am.  Even at 4am this morning, there was still plenty of time to get buses running for elementary students today.  Ridiculous.

I've tried very hard to stay out of the political crap when it comes to teaching. As a supply teacher on both sides, I'm actually a member of both feds. I was upset when ETFO did the one day strike last month - I was told I had to participate, even though I work on both sides of the fence, and the elementary side only accounts for 20% or less of my work. I was told I couldn't work, even on the secondary side that day, which I felt was incredibly unfair.  

There needs to be some big changes in education in Ontario.  Supply/Temporary teachers get the shaft, no benefits or job security - out of work up to 3-4 months of the year. Most boards in the last few years have been hiring teachers almost exclusively on a temporary basis. Add to the fact that we have a HUGE over supply of teachers right now.  The government and the Ontairo College of Teachers needs to regulate the number of people taking education degrees.  In the last few years, Ontario has been overproducing approximately 7600 more teachers than needed every year.  Seeing up to 200 teachers apply for one position is not unusual.

I hope with a new Liberal leader and/or new election that there will be some positive change and peace in education in Ontario... we desperately need it! 

And Breaking news: OSSTF has said it will be cancelling its planned protest next Wednesday! :)