Feeling treated unfairly

 

Ok..here it is in a (giant) nut shell.

I am an adult with ADD. I have am a teacher. In the past I have never "formally" disclosed," my ADD, but have always mentioned it in conversations since we deal with kids who have it. I have at times not been able to communicate effectively because I need time to process my thoughts: for example, when a parent confronts me. I usually respond directly, which, I guess is not liked. This always goes to the Principal as a complaint. I have never been written up for any type of infraction. When I realized that my ADD was perhaps causing me more trouble than I thought, I "formally," disclosed it back in Feb. I asked for few accommodations. One important one is to respond to issues in writing. I have not been called into the office since. Yet, I was not extended a contract due to communication issues with parents. I have always been able to resolve parents issues, and my review for teacher performance is excellent. My boss told me that parents have complained, but I have not have the opportunity to respond/ or unaware of any "new" issues. I feel that since I asked for an accommodation, he has never given an opportunity to respond/resolve any concerns. Have my rights to access my accommodations been violated? Other teachers have had problems. Recently, a teacher was directly threatened to be fired. But a week later he was extended a contract. I just feel I have been treated unfaily and impartially.

My employer accepted my accomodations as "reasonable."
 
I "informally" disclosed when hired back on 05.
 
I have actually been praised for my oral communication skills at times, and have never been "excused," or expected to be excused from oral communication. Only as a means to respond to questions. Written response is acutally a very accepeted form of an accomodation.
You may want to take your concerns to the district human resources or even the superintendent.  Also, check with NEA and other teacher union organizations to make sure your rights haven't been violated and more importantly that you're being discriminated against because of your disclosure.  Sounds like the principal is trying to weed you out and now that you've told him of your ADD, he's looking for reasons (excuses) to eliminate you.  Of course, he'll disguise them as other things but if the reasons for not getting a new contract are old complaints, then you may have a battle.  Of course, make sure to get EVERYTHING in writing with dates!  Good luck.  Keep us posted.

I went to school to be a teacher but because of many issues, I am not teaching.  I always wanted to be a teacher and it makes me sad that I won't do that.  I'm sure you make a great one!

Thanks for your input. It's a Charter school, so NEA and umnions don't apply.  I'm going to set up a meeting with the CEO because I don't think the Principal, who is not watched over by anyone, has disclosed to the CEO the full picture.

 

 


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