How not to get fired tomrrow?

Question

I have already written here about a problem with my student (he has shown negative attitude which resulted in the general progress of the group). I tried to speak to him about it myself, but he said - no, i wont even think about it, so i had to talk to my boss about that. my boss spoke to their boss and now they made a huge deal out of it. today my boss shocked me with the news that i have to go with two of my bosses (!!!) to the company and discuss the issue with the student and their bosses (!!!). I am honestly shitting myself, because even though i know i am right, i am afraid he will come up something to say against me and this will finish the contract between our school and this company, which pretty much means i am goign to lose my job. I am trying to think if i had done anything that could compromise me during tomorrows conversaion, but those are minor things. i am quite young, so this can be a problem.
Plz help!!! anyone been in this situation?

hi, the kid is about 40 years old, which makes me almost twice younger than him.
i dont know why but i feel guilty, cause i feel like a am a ****-stirrer in this situation or at least this is what i am going to look like.

the school is providing the company with english teachers, this is in one of the crappiest countries in the world (u all know which one)

Answer 1

Where are you teaching?
I think your bosses and this guy's bosses are working up a regular tempest in a teapot. Sometimes when you get a negative student holding back your group, suggest a one on one class with another teacher of course. Is this guy too advanced or too far behind in relation to the rest of the group? Maybe you should talk to your bosses first before addressing the issue directly with a student, and if you take it up with a student never do it in front of the rest of the class. It also depends on the school you work for as an English teacher, I've been down that road and I believe your school should stand behind you all the way, within reason of course, but if the student has already made this into a personal issue, then you might tell them that he is holding back the class, that this might not be the correct level for him or that he needs an individual class with another teacher, sometimes students feel frustrated and act that way. Now what about the rest of the students? what do they think? Sometimes the rest of them know this guy is a regular troublemaker. Start looking for another job if you believe this will eventually get you fired, but I would maintain my dignity and patiently explain exactly what is going on, and that you respect the student's feelings or his position, but you also have the rest of the students to think of too and that maybe that is not the class for him. Being older does not make him wiser, and besides you are the teacher, regardless of age, you know something that he does not, and you are doing your best to help, maybe he would feel more comfortable in another class. Getting fired is the easy way out for everyone who is not willing to talk things over and find a solution. If this turns out for worse and you do lose your job, it is not the end of the world either, look for another one, or go independent, look for a better school, one that stands behind you. And don't worry about the guy, if he is a troublemaker, the problem will arise with you or with anyone else teaching a class where he happens to be a student as well.
Stand firm, politely but firm, you are the teacher.

Remember, when it seems that a door closes on us, God will open many others, and many of them infinitely better choices than your current one. Maybe you are ready to close a cycle and start a new one, with more experience. It is the sum of our experiences that make us what we are, and hold true to dignity and politeness, no one has the right to trample them.

Answer 2

You have to stand straight in your boots. If you know you are right, you should show that you have self-confidence, and really try to know most things about the situation, so you can answer any question clearly.

Try to analyse the whole happenings clearly and be able to explain why it's like that. If you feel that you were right, then you can win.
(Of course if you did a big mistake before, then don't try to hide it, because that would get the problem bigger as soon as they find out)

Don't panic,, just go straight. Honestly, it's beter to show that you have a sense of honor, than submission. Because there are two poissibilities: Either you're fired or not, so check this:
- Somebody who is fired and was crying, looks just pathetic, for later jobs.
- Somebody who is fired, but still remains proud, has more chances.
- Sombody who is not fired but was shitting in his pants will have a bad effect on the boss.
- Somebody who is not fired and proud ... nothing better than that.

Answer 3

Confidence goes a long way, even if your worried, don't show it, show your confidence that your right it will make them realize that you are, and they will most likely side with you. If they feel that your not right, then they will tell you so, however, they will also realize your reasoning and most likely just explain how you need to change your perspective and give you another chance.

If you show your lack of confidence in your own decisions and your fears, it will give them the appearance that you may have over-reacted, and that would give them a weapon to use against you.

Good Luck and stay calm!

Answer 4

stick to your guns, im sure the school deal with these kinds of kids everyday so surely they will have a certain amount of understanding to your particular situation. Take someone who you get on well with, that will make you feel better straight away. dont stress about it, if you go into the meeting tomorrow sweating and stuff then you'll look immediately guilty of whatever it is you have done or not done! just relax and keep us informed!

Answer 5

Whether the 'kid' is 40 or 400, he still needs to show some respect to someone who's there to help and teach him something new that HE needs for HIS job...

Maybe he and his negative attitude should be terminated from the class? His insubordination is not acceptible; it's that simple. Have him replaced with someone who is genuinely interested....... and who will appreciate the opportunity.

You shouldn't be wasting your time, and their money, on someone who obviously doesn't want to be there...

Best of luck!

Answer 6

Truth is always the best solution to such things.

If you are fired unfairly, you have two options
1. Suck it up and presume that God (or your higher power whoever that is) has a better plan about to happen.

2. Complain through the appropriate channels.

I like number 1 best.

Do not fear. Your fear will be translated and read through your body language. This is just another example of the hassles of living.

Be blessed, and worry not. <><

Answer 7

Are you an English teacher teaching English as a foreign language in Korea or some other country?

Answer 8

The "sh" word sounds sort of gross, especially the way you used it... I myself say the word sometimes and it is something I am trying to ERADICATE from my life... sometimes if we focus on the little things like that ~ our bigger issues will IRON themselves out...

From your situation that you describe it sounds as if it is some TRADE SCHOOL or some PRIVATE school or some type of firm which refers to new inductees as "students" or I guess I really do not know exactly what type of situation you are delealing with... but well, sometimes companies restructure and that is how it goes... do you think you will be able to find another job? (in the same area or another area)

Answer 9

Sorry but I don't understand this.What connection is there between a company and a school ? This does not seem like the UK so can only assume it is an American issue. Perhaps I am wrong .

Answer 10

As somebody said "Stick to ur guns" and have the confidence and courage. Be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. Good Luck!