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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think this was an overreaction by teacher

304 replies

Lydiaatthebarre · 09/08/2018 08:39

One of my Friend's is a teacher and was supposed to be away for a few days. I was surprised to bump into her yesterday and she rolled her eyes and said two kids from her class had turned up at the same hotel so she insisted to her husband that they leave.

She said she wouldn't be able to relax, use the hotel swimming pool and changing room, have a drink etc without looking over her shoulder, and neither did she want parents coming over to talk about their kid's progress while she was on holidays.

Would most teachers feel like this or was that an over reaction?

OP posts:
7YearsOfBlood · 09/08/2018 08:40

Yep, I would 100% feel like this.

idonthaveatattoo · 09/08/2018 08:41

I wouldn’t have left, it would have made me feel a bit uncomfortable though.

Pengggwn · 09/08/2018 08:41

Definitely would have left.

Lisbonella · 09/08/2018 08:42

I would have left instantly.

I once had a pupil sitting behind me on a 10 hour flight. It meant I couldn't relax at all (or watch the films I wanted to).

BinksyB · 09/08/2018 08:42

Nope. Completely get it. It’s kind of like you going on holiday and being with your boss. You have to be on your A-game when you just want to relax.

SlowlyShrinking · 09/08/2018 08:42

Someone I know said she was sunbathing topless on an Italian beach and suddenly heard ‘hello miss’

LML83 · 09/08/2018 08:43

Not a teacher but I would say massive over reaction.

If I went on holiday and a colleague or acquaintance was there I might feel a little awkward but it wouldn't stop me being there. Say hello when you pass each other and move on.

Pengggwn · 09/08/2018 08:43

To explain my comment further, all teachers have their "teacher persona"; sometimes we are stricter and more stern than we are in real life, sometimes more nurturing and gentle than we are in real life. Sometimes we are hiding a love of foul language (me) or depression, or anything else you could mention. Holidays should be exactly that, not an extension of the teacher persona.

Topseyt · 09/08/2018 08:44

I grew up with parents as teachers.

Yes, they probably would have felt like that. They might even have tried to move to different accommodation if there was anything suitable going.

JupiterBelle · 09/08/2018 08:44

I wouldn’t enjoy it either. I wouldn’t be able to relax properly.

FannyCornforth · 09/08/2018 08:44

Not an over-reaction.

LML83 · 09/08/2018 08:45

Surprised at other responses. As a parent I wouldn't be delighted if teacher was on same holiday as I would feel I had to be perfect parent and mortified if kids were stroppy. But I wouldn't leave.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 09/08/2018 08:45

Not at all. I would have done the same.

EyeDrops · 09/08/2018 08:45

I'd feel really awkward about it. Not sure I'd actually leave but would be very tempted.
A child you teach and their parents is absolutely not the same as colleagues imo - colleagues are on a level you might potentially socialise with. Kids you teach, absolutely not.

lljkk · 09/08/2018 08:48

I get the teacher's feelings, but... We live in small town in 'small' everyone-knows-each-other county. I don't think our teachers can afford to be so precious. Bump into them plenty.

One yr DH took the kids to an attraction 1 hour drive away, bumped into Mrs. S. 5 days later we're in Lake District. Who is at top of Scafell Pike but Mrs. S? We all thought this was hillarious.

One time we were in pizza joint 45 minutes drive away, who should come in with his family but HT of DD's secondary. She politely nodded & then they ignored each other for 90 minutes.

Wedontbelievewhatsontv · 09/08/2018 08:48

Yes , would make me extremely uncomfortable and unable to relax . I'd feel the holiday was compromised
most definitely. I can't say whether I'd leave or not as I would have to weigh up a few factors. Who the pupils/ families were , and how sensitively the parents would treat the situation, how much this holiday meant to me and my family etc ..If at all poss I would swap hotels ..make alternative arrangements. It happened to me once and I was gutted, but luckily it worked out ok.

idonthaveatattoo · 09/08/2018 08:49

LML because you’re not a bloody teacher! Confused

Mrsjones17 · 09/08/2018 08:49

Nope not an over reaction and can completely see where they are coming from. If it had been a long haul holiday not a lot you can do about it though. I am a teacher and go to adult only resorts for a reason! Also the teaching standards we have to adhere to, number 8 app

Tirednessandmoretiredness · 09/08/2018 08:49

My dad was a teacher and we rarely had a holiday, even abroad, where he didn't bump into a pupil ( it's a small world! ). If we'd left every time then we'd never have had a holiday.
However it did at times change the dynamic of our holiday. Feeling watched etc.

Kolo · 09/08/2018 08:50

Yep, I would have left. It would have been pointless to stay. I’d have been worried about photos of me in the pool being sent to all the kids from school, I’d not be able to drink or relax. It would be like being at work.

TheNumberfaker · 09/08/2018 08:52

Same as Eyedrops .
I’m only a TA and I would feel uncomfortable in that situation.
It’s not just the children/ parents seeing you, it’s also what if you see something too. You’re always on duty for safeguarding!

DumbledoresApprentice · 09/08/2018 08:52

I’m a teacher. If this happened to me I’d find it awkward but I wouldn’t leave. I might spend more time out and about away from the hotel but I wouldn’t go home.

DuggeeHugs · 09/08/2018 08:53

Definitely not an overreaction. Almost all of the teachers I know would have left too because it really does put them on edge and stop it being a relaxing time.

Mrsjones17 · 09/08/2018 08:53

Sorry posted too soon! Part two of teaching standards applied to personal/professional life outside of school. Not that I would ever do anything against these it’s generally be a good human being etc but would hate the thought of little Jimmy announcing that he had seen ‘miss drunk in a bikini’ on September 1st! Got union meeting written all over it, as it’s missing the context. Not saying teachers can never go on holiday where pupils are but can definitely see why people would be uncomfortable.

Urbanbeetler · 09/08/2018 08:55

We are on holiday right now and one of dd’s teachers is here! Nice family - we have had a few chats. Doesn’t seem to be a problem, but their daughter is at same school as a student so maybe that makes a difference. We aren’t asking them about progress and attainment!