Too Personal!!

Today, we had a PD (Professional Development) day. So, students got a day off and the staff got to hang out together and learn stuff. Our principal wanted to meet the ISP team and get an update, especially since Michael is the newest addition to the team. Obviously, we delivered a positive report and the meeting ended well, with all of us feeling good about the job we are doing.

After that, the 4 of us walked into our 2 classrooms that have a connecting door.

Michael wondered why the parent didn’t respond to his email, from 2 days ago, where he mentioned that their daughter earned his *respect*. I let him know that the parent usually responds if she has a concern or a question. Otherwise, she doesn’t feel the need to respond. Despite my explanation, Michael felt that he gave a great compliment to their daughter, and she should have said thanks or something. I didn’t know what else to say to make him feel better.

Then, he proceeded to proclaim that the reason is that he is “secondary staff” and so not as important as the teacher! That hurt my feelings.

I have written hundreds of emails to family and friends as well as to parents of my students, and barely anyone responds to me! Some days I wish they would respond; but most days, I know that people are busy. I make up excuses for my most favourite individuals and have no expectations from others. That works for me. If I took every non-response personally, I would be the most miserable person on this planet.

I sincerely hope Michael doesn’t make this too personal and base his worth contingent on some parent responding to a compliment he gave their child. And I don’t want this odd perception to affect our professional relationship. That would be too tragic!