SOOOOOO Upset

You teach advanced level courses. Have been for 8 years.
The other teachers "want an opportunity to teach them..." So half your courses were given to the other teachers. Without your knowing. The Administrator made the decision.
How do you know this? From the staff person.

Thus, your class load is lessened? How is this, impacting the organization of the grade level, and of the advanced level classes, and how it is facilitated... per the school system's curriculum requirements and the Department of Education?
Is this a public or private school?
Is there even enough advanced level students, to warrant MORE advanced level courses, with the other Teachers???

You barely took any time off, when you had your son. And per your daughter, went back to work at only 3.5 weeks post birth.
But, per FMLA laws, a person who had been employed long enough, gets Maternity leave and maternity pay. Did you not get this? Did they force you to come back to work so soon after giving birth? Or was this your decision?

Your courses... were given to other teachers.
I know, this stinks. Because you have been teaching it for so long.
But... like in any corporation or organization, things can change and the flow of it. And some companies, have total ownership... of its materials and anything that has to do with the job and its organization. And also, IF other teachers wanted to ALSO teach advanced level courses, how come they couldn't, previously???? For 8 years, no other Teacher or Teachers.... taught these courses. How come?

But, if this was done out of maliciousness or discrimination... it has to be proven. In order for it to fall under, the laws of discrimination.

Something very special was taken away from you. Your courses. And it is now being dispersed to other teachers to teach too. So you are experiencing a type of "mourning" about it. Plus... it was NEVER discussed with you at all. And the Administrator totally disregards you. Probably because she knows she did something behind your back.
So she will continue to avoid you.
And yes, she is a chicken.
She is a coward.
And yes, no one told you anything.
So it is hurtful after all the dedication you put in.
Have they always been so insulting to you and your work?
Or is this the 1st time?

Maybe the Administrator is the only bad egg in this.
Don't let it negatively color, your view of the ENTIRE school and its staff.
Unless, they ALL have always treated you badly. All these 8 years.
Sometimes, it takes just one bad Boss... to ruin the entire workplace environment and well being. Others probably don't say anything, because perhaps... they fear for their jobs?
Is the work environment there this terrible? Or is it the one Administrator?

What part of the equation actually has you so pissed off?
Losing the challenge of teaching advanced level students?
Are your hours the same? Is your pay the same?
Might this only be temporary as some of those teachers that are trying it out might just find they are not going to like it?
Will there be a staff meeting before this year is finished where you might be able to voice your dismay?
Do you feel it unfair that the school is allowing the other teachers to try this out without asking for your permission or at least your "input"?
Is it in your contract that you and only you will only teach these classes?
Maybe, just maybe, someone feels it advantageous that you teach some regular classes because what you bring to the table may challenge the students that are not yet in an advanced class.
Sometimes we get placed right where we need to be at the time, and we didnt even know we were supposed to be there.
Things are never as bad as they first appear to be.
If this is something that you can't change, and you arent getting a paycut, I'd try to face the trial with a smile.
You havent been demoted and I'm sure your colleagues will be picking your brain quite a bit. Let your integrity be your guide, show good character, and after a few semesters you may find yourself right back in the drivers seat once again.

My mom was a teacher, and I remember the year she was assigned NO skills classes and instead a full day of classes for freshmen meeting a requirement. Her counterparts received the classes of upperclassmen and/or skills classe (the kind of classes you normally teach). I recall how unfair it was to her to have the hardest classses to discipline, the kids who didn't want to be in those classes, etc. That was a rough year for her, and it was totally unfair that the "east desireable classes to teach in her dept were given to one person who had about 8 -9 years tenure at the time. So, what I'd say is that other staff members deserve to have a chance to grow and develop their skills with some of those classes, AND you deserve a chance to develop your skills with some of the non-advanced classes. You just might find that you really enjoy it. Your other option is to do what my mom did...4pend the summer interviewing and deciding if the grass is greener elsewhere. In all our jobs, we're sometimes required to do projects or roles that we really don't want to do. Sometimes it helps us learn and grow, and sometimes it just teaches us tenacity and persaverence and to look at our other career options. How you get through it is to accept that this is only one part of your life, and it is a 10 month assignment during which time you can be working the politics for a more pleasing schedule the following year.

Can you make a request in writing and then elevate to the principal if she doesn't respond or responds negatively? In other words, document that you tried to follow the chain of command first?

I would also find out what you are getting in return. Are you going to have a class that might be easier for you? Offer you more fun and some "down time"? I'd find out the whole schedule and see if any of it is to YOUR benefit.

I'm confused by many things in your post.

Do you belong to a union?
How does this affect your tenure?
Does it radically affect your pay check or schedule?
Will they be giving you new courses to teach?

I can't imagine not taking six weeks off after the birth of a child. What possessed you to go back to work after one week and 3 weeks? Did they tell you your job wouldn't be there if you took longer?

Yes! You voice your concerns to the principal. Put it in writing. So you have a documented trail of your issues. The person you call your direct administrator obviously does not want confrontation - maybe that's the reason she is putting off the meeting?

Get your concerns out there. If you belong to a union, then you need to contact your union representative and tell them what is going on. If you are not part of a union, then go to the principal and if that doesn't work, the school board.

Maybe this will give you an opportunity to spend more time with your family? I don't know. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise.

I understand you are upset, but I am a bit confused.
Does this change your pay scale?
Does this change your job security?
Does this give you the opportunity to teach new courses?
Who did you hear this from?
And are you sure it is a reliable source?
Has it been officially announced?
Try to not look at this as taking away from you, look at it as a new chapter. Less work load, same pay, same hours, an opportunity to learn and teach something new. I think I wait until I was officially told of the changes, and how the changes will effect you, and also what new challenges you will be given. My daughter is completing her first year of teaching. She was just rehired for next year (thank god) and was told they would like to try her with a special education class possibly next year, because they feel she will do well in that area, as well. This will only benefit her to branch out. It is possible that these teachers also need to learn your courses, not because you are not good at it but because it will benefit everyone. If you can stay positive, do not let this consume you, your family is your priority, they should stay your focus. This is a job, and yes you have given so much time to it, so learn from it and go back to enjoying your life.

what about talking to your union rep?

Do you have a union? Do you have a contract?

I'm really curious why you sacrificed newborn weeks with your babies before your body was even healed enough to leave them in order to go back to work when you were entitled to maternity leave. At the very least, even if your job didn't provide maternity leave, you were entitled to FMLA which would have guaranteed you your job or one of equal position and pay when you returned.

As it stands now, you need to advocate for yourself and get to the bottom of this. Go up the chain of command as your employee handbook outlines and keep as much communication in writing as you can. Keep yourself as calm and collected as you can. Don't make any of this emotional or personal because that will bite you in the backside and look poorly on you. Document all verbal conversations and date them. Be as professional as possible.

Above all, remember that as much as you put your heart into the job, as much as you gave out of loyalty and feeling like it was family... it was still a business relationship. You did work for them, and they paid you for it. In other words, another reminder to try to keep your emotions out of your interactions. It will make going to work easier and figuring out how to handle the situation as a whole.

I'm assuming this is high school and the dept chair just did a switcheroo on you.
Did she do it because the other teacher was more forceful in her demands?
Did you in any way get a less than stellar review from her?
Are you tenured?

Go to her after a class and ask for an explanation. If she refuses then go over her head. Tell the principal what is going on, if he does nothing, go to the school board and your union representative.
Really though, she can give you whatever you are qualified to teach. This happened to my dad, he voiced his concerns, but in the long run he got waht she gave him. They took away AP Calculus and gave him General Math. At first he was livid, but he eventually excelled and ended up being one of the highest paid teachers in the county, he was also there the longest with the most education. He came to liked the General Math kids better and went on after retirement to teach that and Algebra at the junior college level.

I know this is so hard, but own it. After Dad got over the "demotion" he went full force into General Math and he was the teacher kids wanted. He held AP review classes and ACT classes after school too. He was also the teacher kids came to for help with all math.

Voice your dissatisfication, but do the best you can do. Make yourself the teaher kids come to. Make yourself the teacher teachers come to.
Good luck.

I do think it would have been nice of her to talk to you up front about her decision to do this. It is always harder to take when it's office gossip and it catches you unaware.

Until you talk to her and find out what you are going to be doing, the plans she has for your time, then you can't know what is going on.

Please just keep trying for a few more days but then go to the principle. What if she is putting you back in regular classes and you have already decided you don't want to do that.

You'll need time to apply for some other jobs before school is out so you can hopefully get another contract for employment.

My approach might be too simple....but whatever happened to the ol'
"Open Door" policy? We work in a free country, with free right of speech. I as a mom can call up my principal anytime and ask for her input. I go through the secretary and ask to speak to her.

What happened to you is rather dubious, unless this pattern of information dissemination is the norm for this school you have invested 8 years into.

It is beyond rude that even other staff member knew they were getting a shot at teaching your curriculum before you knew it. This is very poor management of valued employees.

I want to ask you a difficult question but you must be honest with yourself. Are you approachable? What if, just what if they, meaning the staff and administrator had included you in the meetings that pre-planned next years classes. Would you have been open minded then to giving up these classes? Or are you territorial about what you do and do not like to share your stuff with the other teachers? I think it's important that you honestly asses your ability to be a team member. To make such an important decision that personally and professionally affects you, without you knowing, states to me that there is a personality clash, or lack of respect, or a complicated history of grievances....something is up and whatever it is, you are on the receiving end.

I would only speak with your Principal if you go in with an open heart about what is going on. Why you were not consulted. What could you have done differently to be included, etc. This is your life and your home away from home and it's important to you. Please ask for clarification. Don't just go into rant and complain. Find out why this process was used.

I would wait to go above the principal's head until you have a meeting with her. Continue to press the issue of a meeting and being heard. If she never meets with you then go above her head. If she meets with you but does not give your a reason for this decision then I think it's okay to go above her head. Remember though, she may give you a reason that you just don't like, but the goal should be finding out more information. I get that you're upset right now, and I think rightfully so, if for nothing else than a sheer lack of communication with is unprofessional and just plain rude.

I wonder if she'd "find" some time to squeeze in a meeting with you AND the principal? Good luck!

yes go over her head, She is obviously just a bully. To help with stress at home, make a rule that you get 30mins to transfer into mommy mood. Let it all go. When bedtimes comes, write out the fustrations for a bout 10mins. Then take a deep breathe and tell yourself, its for tommorrow and start actively thinking about postive things. OR get a sound machine. My mind is always racing with stuff at night and the white noise help to tell my head to shut up! I was asleep in about 10mins. Next to it was the baby monitor and when the baby yelled i could still hear her.

You have every right to be upset and the administrator seems a bit of a, well cant think of the right workd right now, but after all you have done you deserve to have been told prior to the scheduling. I am truly sorry for you. Maybe you should go to the principal and if the administrator has a problem explain you tried to talk to her first but.....I also understand being frusterated not being able to enjoy your children at night and having no motivation. It is normal, until you can come to terms with what is happening and be given the respect you deserve in being heard out it is probably going to be hard to focus on much else. I hope seeing your doctor helps you some. Again I am sorry you have to go through this and I hope all turns out well for you. Stay Sassy and stand your ground, I am sure lots of us mamas stand behind you!

Removing my post at my discretion, based on additional details A. provided to me in a PM.

You have every right to voice your concern. Follow the chain of command respectfully,but keep seeking out a higher level if your direct superior behaves immaturely. Do some soul searching. Perhaps this is a fork in the road and you should take all of your effort and hard work elsewhere. There are jobs out there for hard working people with integrity. Ten years ago, I butted heads with the administration in the elementary school I worked at. It was a pretty toxic environment due to leadership running the school at and I was also coming out of a break-up that I took very hard. Such a sad point in my life. I let God lead me wherever He planned for me to be. I ended up moving to another state where I met my husband, found another teaching job in a great district and have a wonderful family that I cherish. My life is one blessing after another. So even though this hurts, take time to reflect and ask yourself, pray on it, meditate, whatever you have to do, to figure out what all of this means. Perhaps you are meant to stay and fight for this job or it could very well mean there is something else you are supposed to do now.
Deuteronomy 2:3 “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.
HTH,
A.

Does this mean you would only be teaching part-time now? You didn't specify. That would be totally unfair especially if you are dependent on full-time income. If they are not cutting your hours, then I would just try to roll with it; chances are they won't be as competent as you and you'll get the classes back..:0 I can understand though why other teachers would like a shot at this opportunity. Teaching the same easy/tired subjects can get old, as I'm sure it would for you too....I would definitely say something to the principal IF they are cutting your hours and would also mention that you do not appreciate the lack of respect you are getting from the supe....Who cares if she's pissed that you said something, you have to look out for yourself, sounds like she sure does....Let's face it, sometimes ya make a few enemies in life when you stand up for yourself...She, your supe, may not like it, but she will respect you whether she shows it or not....I have a few of those myself, but I would rather you dislike me, than allow you to walk over me...I try to look at things like this, if someone does something to me that I would never do to them or anyone else, then I know it's wrong and something needs to be said..Simple as that...Go with your gut and stand strong..Good luck!!

Do you have a union? Is there a written policy on assignments? These are the questions I would have you think about before you do anything. If it really is a done deal and it is behind closed doors decsion, then you might want to think about finding another job if that is possible. I do feel for you. I know how much work goes in to creating new curriculum and how many years it can take before you feel like you have achieved mastery of the class....I hope things work out for you.