Need an excuse.....HELP!

honeybear

I need help re this situation. A few weeks back my principal asked whether i would put my name down to go on a course (he came in the middle of my class lesson & gave no details-tbh, it didn't sound too important at the time). I said I would put my name down so long as I would be going with someone else from staff and that we would be working together as I am not comfortable with presentations, were there to be any. He mentioned that another teacher was willing to go and I was happy as we have a very good working relationship and together we agreed to work together.
Last week principal informed me that chairperson of BOM had picked me to go. At this stage, it became clear that 1 teacher only was required. I asked him for details regarding the position and he produced a brochure with the steps involved. It then became very clear that I would be leading discussion groups with every group associated with school life and this process would take some time. I spoke to the principal about my reservations-he knows I hate being in limelight-I am a worker, not a queen bee! I think I will ask him to inform the chairperson that, due to personal reasons I will be unable to attend. Does anyone have a better excuse?

I am very stressed about this. I spoke with the other teacher who is very sympathetic.

Agent Smith

baptism tbh

say you've been asked to go as a godparent

Mrs OBumble

Ahh ... you're a teacher: that means you are leading classroom discussions and giving presentations every day!

If someone from pretty much any other profession came here saying they didn't want to do training that their manager has specifically selected them for, and which is almost certainly during paid time, they wouldn't get a very sympathetic reaction.

phoenix999

Have to agree, it will reflect badly on you if you pull out with a lame excuse. People see through that. And you might well be putting yourself out of the running for any posts of responsibility down the line.

MrTsSnickers

If nothing else, it might help you get over the anxiety of giving presentations (which is always good), and well, I think it wouldn't look good for you to pull out now, seeing as you're the chosen one, so to speak. They might see something in you that you don't. No harm in giving it a go.

igorbiscan

Do it, see
it as an opportunity to improve yourself..youll suprise yourself with your ability when you have to do something..best of luck...

honeybear

Thanks everyone for your replies-as a teacher everyone automatically assumes that we love speeches-believe me, I am the first candidate asked when it comes to readings at funerals, weddings etc. but I gracefully de cline. There is a big difference between speaking to adults and infants! As regards, the possibility of advancing my career, I am happy with my lot and have no aspirations for higher posts.

honeybear

also, forgot to add that I am also completing lots of personal development courses outside of work which are more directly related to my career.

honeybear

JustMary wrote: »

Ahh ... you're a teacher: that means you are leading classroom discussions and giving presentations every day!

If someone from pretty much any other profession came here saying they didn't want to do training that their manager has specifically selected them for, and which is almost certainly during paid time, they wouldn't get a very sympathetic reaction.

Training would be in the evening but that is not the issue here

csallmighty

Tell them you're dead. It always works for me.

Ken.

Speak to the other teacher that you mentioned in your o.p. See if they'd be willing to take your place. If s/he is willing then say it to the principal to send them instead.

sky2424

[QUOTE I said I would put my name down so long as I would be going with someone else from staff .[/QUOTE]

Seriously.. you want hand holding?

The fact that you were approached mid session would suggest that the principal expected your reservations- Prove him wrong. I too hate this kind of thing but admittedly am prob too proud to be so open about my discomfort. Just grin and bear it . The experience would stand to you.

[Jackass]

You're a grown up now. We all have to do things we don't like in work, but we get paid for it and we get on with it.

Perhaps he wants you to go on this because you aren't comfortable in front of crowds etc. and this is his / her subtle way of trying to get you out of your comfort zone and work on it, maybe to improve your teaching skills, maybe to improve your feedback skills, both to other staff and / or to parents.

It would reflect very badly if you didn't go imo. I think you should suck it up and do it, these things are never as bad as we make out in our mind and who knows, maybe you'll learn something or even pick up some confidence.

Embrace the situation and allow yourself to fall out of your comfort zone for one working day.

honeybear

Thanks everyone for the replies. Situation resolved and I am happy out. Cheers

Blush_01

Do you have a permanent job or are you on a contract?

Sorry if this sounds judgemental, please keep in mind that this is just my view on the situation.

You sound like a public servant with a permanent contract to me - virtually a job for life (a hen's tooth). Forgive me if I'm wrong in this assumption.

You may not feel the need to take the opportunities offered to you but, as Eleanor Roosevelt said, do one thing every day that scares you.

Failing that, fake it 'til you make it.

You say the situation is resolved, but you were being offered an opportunity to prove yourself. If you don't want to take it, that's your choice (granted it's a choice most would see as null and void given the current economic situation) but the world is round and what you do or don't do has a knock on effect on what happens in the future, whether you think that's important now or not.