Should I let it go??

[rsudock]

Hey friends this has been weighing heavily on my mind and I am not convinced what I should do...

As some of you know last July was the first time ever to start dialysis...I also started a new teaching job in August. I really overestimated how challening and life alternating dialysis would be....I realized that I needed some sort of accomodation to continue doing my job...I went to the superintendent and asked for the following things to help 1) an aid  2) split my teaching day with another teacher (even offering to take a 50% pay cut) 3) stop requiring me to go to every extra meeting under the sun after school

Anyways they did nothing to help, no one cared so I ended up quitting....at the time it was a very gutsy thing to do; not being sure how I would pay for things and be able to afford a transplant (wasn't even sure I was getting one at that time either) but everything worked out and I have a great job now...BUT I just feel like I need to write that school a letter and express how disappointed I am in them....but maybe I don't even have a leg to stand on....maybe it's ridiculous to expect any help (even though the place I work at now do allow teachers to split their contracts and working days) I know it will not change the situation but maybe the next person with ESRD it would help. Maybe they will take a minute to think twice before just sweeping the problem and the plea for help under the rug. And also at the core of it I think it would help me just have closure too...I don't know...what do you folks think?? Me as a person it is hard for me not to express how I feel and keep things bottle inside.....

xo,
R

[Desert Dancer]

It's a shame you quit. Seems to me they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing you reasonable accommodation to do your job. It's very likely you could have forced the issue.  I'd probably write the letter and point this out to them in the process. Maybe they'll realize they dodged a legal bullet and will be more accommodating the next time.

[paris]

I taught at a private school and they "didn't renew my contract" because of health reasons.  After 20 years.  And the school was part of our church.  So the board was made up of friends of mine.  Since it was private schooling, I wasn't covered by any laws.     I wrote mental letters but never sent one.  I wish I had.  Three weeks before this notice, I had my yearly evaluation. Scale of 1-4, I had 4's across the board.  No mention of needing improvement in any department.   A heads up would have been nice instead of a letter.   

Write to them.  They were wrong.  Maybe it will help someone else with a disability in the future.   I'm glad the new job has worked out so well.   Let us know what you write to them.   Thanks for sharing this. 

[Poppylicious]

Write the letter. 

Once you've written it you're under no obligation to send it, but you'll have vented yourself on paper and it may give you the closure you need to see all your disappointments and frustrations written down. 

I was going to ask whether they fell foul of anti-discrimination laws regarding health, but realised you chose to leave your position (and I imagine that it was the right thing to do, especially as you now have a job you love!)  Perhaps a letter would help them to understand how and why they let you down so badly, and it may help if people have similar situations in the future.  Just make it a 'nice' letter ... (I'm thinking references and/or needing a position in the future?)

[boswife]

Agreed to write the letter.  A nice letter i also agree with. It's not to make a battle of something that you've already taken care of, but....  Some people need educating and it's important for those who can do that, or help them along, go for it.

this is probably a lame example, but ... I too have been under the 'wing' of the ADA, and i tell ya, it was a constant educating of the public for a good while.  See,  I use a service dog for a very disabling but invisible condition.  She's not your typical looking "service" animal and im not blind.  But i tell you, my whole city (and im VERY shy/withdrawn basically) is now accepting of me and my different looking service dog. Some of the meanest people, once educated, are now the most protective of me when they see me and i dont have to stand up for myself hardly ever.  I say, get it off your chest, and educate in the meantime.... 

[mcclane]

i agree with poppylicious, write the letter but under no obligation to send it.

That is a tough one, but from a job perspective only, you kinda don't want to 'burn your bridges' either.  Where I work, it is a pretty close knit area, so any reputations (good/bad) spread like wildfire.  When you get your transplant, you may turn back to them for employment, so you don't want to leave a bad taste in that respect.

[MooseMom]

I suggest writing a letter where you say every mean and nasty thing you are feeling.  Vent away.

But, don't send it.

Then, sit down with the letter and edit it.  Take out the emotional components and make it sound like you are doing them a favor in taking your precious time to educate them for when the next teacher comes along that has a problem much like yours.  Tell them how nice it is to be teaching at a school that takes care of its employees and thinks creatively in order to accomodate their staff when unusual problems crop up.  You're a teacher...teach them.

I think it is important that we look after those who come after us. 

[okarol]

I would write it and send it, after editing out the swear words. 
Just don't expect a response.
Oh and send a copy of the letter to the Dept. of Education for your state.
If no one speaks up, nothing changes.

[sullidog]

I would send a letter explaining your concerns in a nice way. Also I believe this is a violation of the ADA.

[lmunchkin]

Rachael, Im so glad your current job is doing you well.  When one door closes, God always opens another one!  A better one!

You need closure!  They hurt you by what they did and they should hear it from you.  Get this off your chest and put it behind you once & for all. I agree with others, write the letter, edit and send it with a copy to School Board or Dept. of Educ. as Karol suggested.

You may not get a response, but someone will read the letter!!!!


lmunchkin

 

[rsudock]

I will write the letter and share it with you folks!! As always thank you for your love and support dear friends!!

xo,
R

[Jean]

I agree with every one else about writing the letter. One word of caution ( okay, maybe 2 or 3 ) . As long as your former employer is on your resume, if they are called, they can always say " not eligible for rehire". Boy, that can cover up a multitude of sins, not necessarily yours and can seriously affect your interviews. One never knows, and you really need to keep your options open.

[jazzin11]

Rachel, as you know I'm a former teacher, and was upset at how you were treated by the administration.  I really recommend that the letter be written (tastefully) and sent not only to the Superintendent, but cc'd to the head of the School Board, and the State Department of Education Director/Superintendent. This would be notated on the District Super's copy.  I imagine he might then do a little backpedaling, or may cover it up somehow, but your message would be heard.  I hope you stay in education. We need good teachers!

John (jazzin11)

[Wenchie58]

Be sure to mention the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504.  Working part time is covered under "Reasonable Accommodation".  Public entities are required to follow these standards.  Sounds like quitting and moving on was your best bet at the time, but for others..these key words can make an organization that gets government funding shake in their boots.

Good luck!

[jazzin11]

Be sure to mention the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504.  Working part time is covered under "Reasonable Accommodation".  Public entities are required to follow these standards.  Sounds like quitting and moving on was your best bet at the time, but for others..these key words can make an organization that gets government funding shake in their boots.

Good luck!

Absolutely!  Thank you Wenchie! I forgot to put that in last post!

John (jazzin11)

[rsudock]

still working on the letter...I can't seem to write it without sending like a sad, pathetic, hostile jerk.....I keep thinking to myself, "Ok use your educated words Rachel!"

oh my....

xo,
R

[fearless]

when I have an important letter to write - i just get everything all out on paper.  Then I put it aside for a while - then edit, revise, etc.  Then, if I can, i have my good friend read it and make comments.  If it's an important letter, it's worth a little time to make it the best it can be.  I find that if I can separate from the emotion, and appeal to whatever's common between myself and whoever I'm addressing, good things can come of it.

[rsudock]

great advice fearless!!

xo,
R

[rsudock]

Oh my goodness you would be proud of me...after thinking about this letter and how despicable they treated me I contacted a lawyer. I will post what I wrote below:

Hello,
 Fall 2010 I took a job at -------- --------- City Schools in the suburbs
of ---------. Rough school district beginning of the year constantly
bombarding us with meetings, NEVER had time to work in the classroom
to get it ready. Constant pressure to do high quality lesson but NEVER
gave us any money for supplies. Encourage to use our own money
instead.

I was stuck with a team teacher who didn't want to work as a team or
even talk. (No one else in the building wanted to work with him so I
was pawned off on him. He would scream at me in front of the kids. The
kids were continuously fighting and throwing desks....bottom line No
support/no Help.

The twist of the story is that I was on dialysis (End Stage Renal
Disease) which is seen as a disability per Social Security
Administration. The assistant superintendent (---------- ---------) told
me, "whatever you need we will help." I ended up in the
superintendent's office with the assistant super as well (no union
rep) and I explained to them dialysis and the stress this job was
taking on me. The kids are off the walls, I get no support from my team
teacher and I don't have enough money to keep buying all these
supplies. I asked them to make an ACCOMODATION for my disability like
split my contract, change my position, or give me an aid...all
reasonable that other schools do make. NO HELP, NO CHANGE!!!

I went on suffering and feeling trying to teacher in December on break
sadly a woman died in childbirth. She was a title one teacher, much
easier position, less responsibility. They could have switched me
there was an open spot but they did not. I ended up pushing to resign
in Jan 2011. The union even wrote the letter for me....

I want to sue these folks. It is not right what they did to me when
they had the means to make the situation better. I have a right as an
working American with a disability. Americans with Disabilities Act
protects me....the local union and NEA national level of Education
union basically made me feel like I was being nuts asking for help.
Everyone is so afraid to help someone...

I want the rest of my money from my contract I would have earned (if I
would have finished the year) and the 5 months of  COBRA insurance I
paid out of pocket.

Please help me....they shouldn't be able to get away with this!

Sincerely,
Rachel ---------------
phone number
email address



so there it is...that employer doesn't even get a change or honor of a letter....I taking it to the legal system! I feel so much better already!!!

[KarenInWA]

Good for you, Rachel, for sticking up for yourself! The way they treated you was awful! It angers me to hear stories like yours. What do they think, that you *wanted* this lot in life???

I am just so happy that you now have a job helping renally-challenged children.  That is a win-win for both you and them! What a wonderful way to use both your teaching skills and your personal life experiences in one special job. 

KarenInWA

[willowtreewren]

 

Good for you! Let's hope this will help someone in the future!

Aleta

[lmunchkin]

Way to go Rachael!  I was wondering what you decided to do about the way they treated you.  It wasnt right what they did and now they may have to pay.  Thanks so much for doing this, Rachael, because employers need to be more understanding.  Your doing this, may encourage others who have been mistreated to Stand up for themselves too!  Its not like you werent doing your job to your best.

Im proud of you and all whom do stand up for themselves, especially those whose who suffer chronic diseases!

By the way, how is your Brother doing?

God Bless You, Rachael.  I know you have struggled with this, since it happened.  You go girl!!!!!

lmunchkin
 

[fearless]

I think it was really smart to get a lawyer.  Congratulations on coming to a decision and for standing up for yourself and what's right.  I hope it really straightens them out at the school, and that you're compensated for the mistreatment you were given.

Thanks for fighting the good fight!

[boswife]

   GOOD for you Rach!!!      VERY proud of you    Keep at it and let us know...  I went through a 'sort' of situation like that, with different outcome, but i wish i had done more for others who may incounter this as well.. ya doen a good thing!!   Let us know how things are going with it   

[billybags]

Rachael, I am really proud of you.