A bit of background: I am a high school teacher (Monday to Friday) and a part time scientific researcher (most afternoons and Sunday). I give myself Saturday off. However,in the school and wider community, my dual professions are widely known
As such, the parents of my students are effectively my 'customers'[/bg]
Like most teachers, I do not carry my markbook, nor do I have it memorised.
On Saturdays, I go shopping (like many people), and I am just 'average Joe Citizen', but frequently what happens is (and my responses are in parentheses):
- Questions how a parent's son or daughter is going (I suggest they call the school to make an appointment for a proper meeting in school hours or ask by email). I sometimes get complaints about this, which are squashed by my awesome boss.
- Asking questions about how their son or daughter could improve (response as per above).
- Or worse, telling me their pet gripe about the education system which I can do nothing about.
- As a scientist, my biggest pet peeve is people coming up to me with their pet theory, or worse - conspiracy theory, mostly wanting to debate - I do not debate science from mere opinion, facts, observations, results are all that matter and tll them so - they get so butt-hurt... one even complained to the university I am affiliated with, they literally laughed then hung up on them.
Saturday is my day, day when I let my mind rest and to bathe in comforting apathy.
As such, the parents of my students are effectively my 'customers'[/bg]
Like most teachers, I do not carry my markbook, nor do I have it memorised.
On Saturdays, I go shopping (like many people), and I am just 'average Joe Citizen', but frequently what happens is (and my responses are in parentheses):
- Questions how a parent's son or daughter is going (I suggest they call the school to make an appointment for a proper meeting in school hours or ask by email). I sometimes get complaints about this, which are squashed by my awesome boss.
- Asking questions about how their son or daughter could improve (response as per above).
- Or worse, telling me their pet gripe about the education system which I can do nothing about.
- As a scientist, my biggest pet peeve is people coming up to me with their pet theory, or worse - conspiracy theory, mostly wanting to debate - I do not debate science from mere opinion, facts, observations, results are all that matter and tll them so - they get so butt-hurt... one even complained to the university I am affiliated with, they literally laughed then hung up on them.
Saturday is my day, day when I let my mind rest and to bathe in comforting apathy.
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