Being a teacher is a fantastic profession. Teachers go above and above for their pupils and the families they meet and serve. Teachers are humans like the rest of us, and when they’re not working, well, they’re not working! Or at least, that’s how it should be. But, for this kindergarten teacher revealed, that’s not how it’s worked out for her. Read the story to know what happened and let us know how you would handle the situation.
Source: Reddit
I’m a kindergarten teacher. I teach in person classes that are socially distanced, as well as online classes. Last weekend was my (27f) birthday. I went to a restaurant with a couple friends for outdoor dining. While we were there, two moms came in with their children and were seated behind me. I recognize them as students in my in-person class. They say hi to me, and I say hi back, but then don’t interact further.
Through dinner, I’m just enjoying my time with my friends. I have a few glasses of wine and get a little tipsy (not rowdy or obnoxious or anything). I’m conversing normally with my friends, occasionally using cuss words like “f$%^” or “sh%$” or “da@@.” Not excessively, just the way some people would in everyday conversation. Maybe a little more than I would have if I were not tipsy, but again, I’m not speaking loudly or anything. Just having normal conversations with my friends.
One of the moms then comes over to me and reminds me that my students were there, and that I shouldn’t be drinking and cursing in front of them. Since I’m their teacher, it was my job to set a good example for them. I just told her I was off the clock and that if it was bothering her, she could move or stop listening to me. She got all huffy, and they soon left.
Earlier this week, I was called down by the principal who was with that mom in his office. She was angry and complained that I was setting a bad example for my students. And now her daughter was using some of the same words I was using, saying that if her teacher can say it, so can she. He asked for my side of the story, and I just explained exactly what happened. Given that she verified my story, he told her that I was not their teacher at the time, and since I wasn’t doing anything wrong, they couldn’t control my behavior off the clock.
She protested a bit, but eventually left, but called me a terrible teacher. I thanked the principal for backing me up, but then he suggested maybe that one time I should have just stopped drinking and using foul language. I really didn’t think this was a problem, since I wasn’t acting out. Just talking casually and enjoying a couple glasses of wine. But am I really the a**ho** for drinking and using foul language in front of my students while off the clock?
Here are a few comments on the story where it was originally posted:
