Grumblings from a mother bear

For the past 4 years of my daughters highschool education there have been situations with teachers, staff, or things I did not particularly agree with concerning a class or the school. Rather than address the issues with the teacher or staff I felt it was my job to speak directly with my daughter to work through the situation. Pray over the situation and simply help her learn that in life there will always be situations to work through.

I have always told my kids that this is the teacher they are with, and we have to figure out how to make this an awesome year because regardless of what we may say this person is who they are. That being said things changed this evening.

Emily came to me struggling with her homework. She was more frustrated than anything. She's a very bright girl. I have never had to tell her to study or do her homework. She loves learning, loves the challenge of completing a project and embraces the time it takes to to well, and do well she does. I am blessed by her committment to her education. Tonight's frustration was more than just homework overload, it was something more. I asked her what was wrong.

She said her teacher did not show up for a class. The class waited, and waited, and waited. No teacher. Fifteen minutes into class still no teacher. It's a beautiful day, so the class decided to go and sit outside on the track. As it turns out the teacher ended up assigning homework on concepts that were not taught and blamed the students for their lack of responsibility. Apparently he thought it was the class's responsibility to go and find him. WHAT???!!!!!

I looked at her and asked her to explain to me how she or her class could possibly be in trouble for this. So she was just frustrated at being treated unfairly, and trying to do a math problem she had not been taught. So with two weeks left of her senior year in highschool I sent an email and let the teacher know this was not acceptable. In the email I excused Emily from her sixth period class and the reason being that the teacher did not show up to teach.

When adults do not take responsibility for their actions and then try to place blame on a kids, that is when this mama-bear steps up. I have had my reservations over this teacher for years, but embraced that he is a leader at this school. His actions on many levels have disturbed me, but nothing that has ever directly affected my children, so I can go along and be greatful for the education that is offered, but this just really was not okay, and it was important that this teacher hear that from a parent.

This situation did promote some really important dialogue. As Christians are we to always walk away and be quiet. Especially when a brother in Christ is causing injustice. If we are wronged, how do we hold the other person accountable to their actions? Thoughts to ponder.