I left my husband Jeff for another woman and I have her picture up in my classroom. I want to be able to tell the kids (ages 11-13) who she is and why I have her picture up.
2006-09-21 12:55:02 · 22 answers · asked by Tara B 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Wow. Tough one. Middle school is even tougher. The kids do not get it. They think it is funny and do not understand. I also think that with many parents who are closed minded you could end up having problems.
I think that it may be best to say that she is a very close friend. The kids will probably figure it out, but you will not have to explain to angry parents.
Times are changing, but I don't think that we are there quite yet. I think that it could actually cause problems for you if parents get crazy about it. I teach high school and the kids know which teachers are gay. They just know. But it seems almost better for them to ponder it than to actually know.
2006-09-21 13:00:37 · answer #1 · answered by Melanie L 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not so sure some of the parents would be comfortable with it, even at that age. Although I think you should be proud of your relationship I would not recommend an open discussion (that goes for open discussions with any intimate relationships, within the classroom).
If a student asks who is in the picture, answer honestly. However, it should not become a topic for discussion (i.e. the events with your X-husband etc... are private matters and should not be discussed in that setting).
2006-09-21 20:08:33 · answer #2 · answered by fergy_1967 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say no. Just because your personal life doesn't have a place in the classroom. I only knew about the marital status of 4 of my teachers in school and that was because all 4 were teachers at the school. Other than that, I knew nothing. Teachers are there to teach not share personal information.
2006-09-21 20:07:08 · answer #3 · answered by msuzyq 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally I would like to say yes, I would not have a problem with it, but I am a very open minded person and believe everyone should be free to make their own decisions about who they love. But unfortunately some poeple are very close minded and I'm sure there would be a handful of parents who would try to cause problems for you. You will have to make your own decision but I would suggest leaving your partners picture up, and if the kids ask questions just tell them that she is a very close friend of yours, or tell them the truth if you want, but I wouldn't broadcast it to the entire class unless you want to deal with crap from a bunch of close-minded, ignorant fools who don't think that kids are going to pick up on it anyways, which alot of them already have some ideas. Good luck and I wish you the best of luck.
2006-09-21 20:13:06 · answer #4 · answered by Ms. FairyLove 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only problem with this is that it will bring up all sorts of questions which you may not feel comfortable answering. Children this age can be VERY CRUEL. Some of them may even make fun of you.
If I were you, I'd simply say "roommate."
People have roomed together for a long time, since way before it became cool to come out.
My advice is, don't let yourself in for the problems you will experience if you do that.
2006-09-21 20:11:40 · answer #5 · answered by mia2kl2002 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take down the picture of your "life partner" and put up the picture of someone who's relevant to the subject that you teach.
When I was in school, teachers did NOT have pictures of their wives, husbands, children, significant others in the classroom.
If I were your principal... you'd already have taken that picture down.
Be a professional.
2006-09-23 22:48:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a time and a place to fight for gay/lesbian rights.
It sucks, but a middle school class might not be the time or the place - it depends on the community, the parents, the other teachers, the administration, the school board, and you.
Ultimately, though, you know the specifics of your situation, and you know what is worth risking your job over. It might feel important enough to you to take a stand, and it might end up being an important, worthwhile stand, and a valuable lesson for your students.
Good luck!
2006-09-21 20:04:29 · answer #7 · answered by a_blue_grey_mist 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it is not acceptable. Just as it would not be acceptable for you to talk to your class about the man you left your husband for if that were the case. If they ask about it - she's your very close friend, completely true, but doesn't open up issues that don't belong in your classroom.
2006-09-21 19:59:44 · answer #8 · answered by UNITool 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a middle school teacher, as well, and I try, as much as possible, to not speak of my personal relationships and personal matters. I don't really feel they need to know much of that. I do have my wedding picture up. Sometimes the kids will say, "Is that your husband? He's tall! How tall is he?" And I will say, "He's 6'4"." And that's all I say. I don't figure they need to know more.
Good luck with your school year!
2006-09-21 19:59:24 · answer #9 · answered by Beautiful Disaster 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your personal life should remain your personal life. I don't think it's a good idea to keep a picture of any family member in your classroom.
2006-09-21 20:02:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋