Hypothetical scenario here. I'm a 12th year teacher, and during one of my classes, I find the principal's daughter cheating. As a good teacher, I reprimand her and give her a zero on the assignment, according to the school rules.Or do I?
I guess that would depend. On how much integrity I have, and how badly I need a job. And whether the rumors and ideas being tossed around here are true. According to people I've talked to, articles I've read, and the talking heads on the radio, some lawmakers in Ohio are trying to ban public employee unions and end collective bargaining.
If those are just rumors, please comment and tell me. I hope they ARE rumors. Honestly, they really sound like something that some people are throwing out there just to get people really pissed off. And if so, then there's no reason to read the rest of this post!
But just for fun, say those rumors are true, and they do come to pass.
So as this hypothetical teacher, I follow the school rules. Then the girl goes home and tells her dad (like just about any kid would) that "No I didn't cheat. That teacher just doesn't like me, and he's being unfair to me." A month later my contract comes up. Hmmm.....
What's to keep the principal from having me fired, or maybe just laid off? Or maybe lower my salary. Since there's no collective bargaining, each teacher would negotiate independently I assume. (Or so the talking head on the radio said.)
Don't tell me to just go get another job. Even if I could find one, I'd have to move my family, completely change my life, and move my kids to another school, all because that girl was cheating.
And don't tell me to file a wrongful termination suit. I don't have the money for that, but of course the school does.
No, if I turn that girl in for cheating, unless we have a superintendent of extremely high integrity, I'm pretty much done.
Is there no good in the world anymore? Does everyone have an agenda? Is everyone out to get each other? What has this world come to?
ReplyDeleteFrom now on, I am only going to look for the good in people. If I see bad, then that means I have to look that much harder. I am so sick and tired of people automatically seeing evil and not the good in people. Didnt Jesus hang out with those that were not perfect? Jesus looked for the good in everyone, and he found it in the most undeserving people. Maybe, just maybe, we should start to look for good rather then expecting the bad thing to happen.
Very interesting. Since I do not work in a field with employee unions, I never thought about how in this scenario it would help to have someone in your corner!
ReplyDeleteOf course there's good in people. But do I really want to sacrifice my career by assuming my boss will be honest? Even Jesus knew there were people who were not always honest and good. And for those people he had to deal with them. Most people in charge of schools are good and decent people. But we need protection from those who aren't. Just looking for the good won't save my job from the few bad ones.
ReplyDeleteChristians live in 2 realms, the realm of the kingdom of God and the realm of the world. Do we look for the good in people? Yes we should if we are kingdom people. At the same time we need to have rules in place in the realm of the world assuring that good things, namely retaining your job, will stay in place and not be left to the whims of people who may only be concerned with the realm of the world. Jesus was also realistic about the realm of the world and was a victim of it. I suppose you could choose to live as if everyone had your best interests in mind, (when really most people have mainly their own interests in mind unless forced to do otherwise, like paying your taxes)and throw out laws which protect your job, leaving yourself vulnerable to be crucified by your boss, but I'm not sure that's what Jesus would want either.
ReplyDeleteMr. Morgan,
ReplyDeleteBeing a former student of yours (you're my favorite teacher/coach of all time :), not seeking brownie points here though!!) I can understand the hypothetical point that you are bringing to attention. It is truly a sad day that an individual feels that he/she has to decide morally what is in best the interest of all involved.... do what's right/best for the student or face losing a job that provides for the said teachers well-being and family. If Ohio is trying to ban public employee unions and end collective bargaining then what will they be truly achieving? Losing great educators (as they will be going elsewhere) OR educators, in fear of losing their employment, will be conforming to what they think is right to hold on to their job (in order to save their jobs) and compromising their students education. Some can pick up and move in order to find a better work position/salary, but those who have family and can't afford to move are faced with this tough decision. I PRAY hard for those that are in this position and hold them in high regard for doing what they do. No one enters teaching in the United States to become wealthy or powerful. Rather, individuals choose to become teachers out of sense of vocation, of a grander calling or to nurture and care for young people by providing them with an education. Let's not punish them by terminating public employee unions and ending collective bargaining. I do truly hope that it is a rumor....