What does anyone else think?

linguist

Hi all,

During a recent interaction with a colleague, they discussed work that I am doing with a particular class (different subject). The colleague told me something along the lines that the students always tell them 'everything' since that colleague has most of them in a different subject.

I haven't done anything about this yet, but I'd love to know if I'd be alone in thinking that to discuss another teacher's class, particularly on what seems like a routine basis, with students is really inappropriate and would I be quite within my rights to confront the colleague in question directly - or even go higher?

spurious

I think every school has someone like that.

I personally stop the kids the minute they start to discuss events that took place in another person's class. I think it's very unprofessional to allow them air their grievances (or whatever, though it's usually moaning) about another teacher. If they have a genuine grievance, my class, or that of a colleague, is not the forum for it.

I know we have one person like that on our staff and from what I can see, everywhere has at least one. They are hugely disruptive.

I would discuss it with a few fellow travellers on the staff and then at a staff meeting get agreement that it's not on. You don't need to name the person involved, everyone (perhaps apart from them) will know who you mean.

If you are discussing it with them outside a staff meeting situation, have a witness.

rainbowtrout

linguist wrote: »

Hi all,

During a recent interaction with a colleague, they discussed work that I am doing with a particular class (different subject). The colleague told me something along the lines that the students always tell them 'everything' since that colleague has most of them in a different subject.

I haven't done anything about this yet, but I'd love to know if I'd be alone in thinking that to discuss another teacher's class, particularly on what seems like a routine basis, with students is really inappropriate and would I be quite within my rights to confront the colleague in question directly - or even go higher?

They tell him/her everything thing because he allows them to. I don't tolerate it in my class, and I've often had students come in the door going Ms/Mr X is ..., at which point I cut them off with a swift 'I don't want to hear a single word of what goes on in another subject during my class time'. and that's the end of it.

I'd agree with what spurious said, but I'd also question what is being taught in that class if the teacher is spending their time listening to student gossip rather than getting on with the job in hand.

linguist

Thanks for your answers. I'm still open to reading more. I have to admit that I was very surprised when I was told this, not least the almost matter of fact way in which the conversation happened. The thing about the person concerned is that they have a very assertive personality and I would imagine they would be the first to my door if I engaged in anything similar. I didn't really react when it was said; I was just amazed that anyone would consider that to be appropriate professional behaviour.

Sometimes, I really do think teachers need to be briefed more on a range of appropriate behaviours at work.

solerina

I dont think its appropriate at all...if any students starts talking about another teacher in my class I promptly tell them to stop !!