Vaping at work

[Supermummy88]

Good evening all,

Not quite a AIBU, but I’m in a really difficult situation at work. I just started a new job back in October at a secondary school(I’m a teacher). It’s a nice department and I feel like I’ve settled in well. One of the other teachers who I get on well with has vaped in my classroom on an occasion. This was when there was also another member of staff in my classroom. Considering I’m new and don’t like to get involved in any work place conflict, I didn’t say anything to anyone but did advise her not to and recommended that she perhaps go outside of the school building.

However, today my line manager has told me that other members of staff have told her that this teacher has vaped in my classroom and that i now need to write up a statement confirming that she has vaped. I had no choice but to write a short statement. I also got told that she already had a verbal warning about vaping on the school premises before I had started.

She is a lovely person and very helpful…shares her resources etc. Should I talk to her and tell her about the situation and that she could perhaps get a written warning about this? And maybe let her know that I had to write a statement, or should I leave it? I’ve never been in any sort of situation like this before. I don’t want my line manager being annoyed with me either as I’ve just started here.

Thank you xxx

It's a delicate situation, but honesty is important. Consider having a private and friendly conversation with the teacher, expressing your concern about the incident and the request for a statement. Let her know that you value your working relationship and felt obligated to provide an accurate account. Be supportive and non-confrontational, and emphasize that your intention is to maintain a positive working environment. It's better to communicate openly rather than letting misunderstandings linger, and she may appreciate your honesty.

You could say something like, "Hey [Teacher's Name], I wanted to have a quick chat about something. I value our working relationship, and I want to be open with you. Recently, I was asked to provide a statement regarding an incident where vaping occurred in my classroom. I mentioned the incident, and I thought it's important to let you know. I hope we can maintain a positive working environment, and I appreciate your understanding." This approach conveys your message in a friendly and considerate manner.

Thank you so much for your advice. Only problem is I’m not too sure if my line manager wants me to even approach this teacher about it. They both don’t have a great working relationship. Ideally I would like to talk to the teacher about it and just tell her that I did have to give a statement, even though I was very reluctant to do so.

You're not supposed to give anybody that is subject to an investigation a heads-up that it's taking place. OK, it's vaping this time, but it could be for anything from drug or alcohol use to abuse of children or another criminal offence.

Moreover, if you do tip her off, then you've shown to management that you've a) ignored rules on behaviour in the classroom - ie, the vaping and b) sided with the person who is actually breaking the Law to the extent of warning them. This would not be good for you in the long run.

I wouldn’t say anything as generally this kind of stuff is not discussed. I’d just look out for yourself and do what’s asked. She’s been warned before so should know better

Agree with @Zanatdy, but this shouldn't get back to you. Assuming your name is on it whoever vaped hopefully has enough professionalism to not approach you (line manager shouldn't tell them and if they do go to your line manager). You've been put in a really crap position

I would say nothing, however polite and pleasant the person may be, is no defence for vaping in school. Think of the bad example to pupils.

I agree that you should do as you are asked and keep out of politics. Once she's been spoken to you can tell her you were approached and were just honest in what you said. She should understand the process abd if she's already been warned should be more careful. I'd think it was pretty rude towards you to vape in your classroom so not sure you owe her much loyalty.

Do not speak to the member of staff or anyone else. Write the statement and be honest.

You shouldn’t say anything. If the teacher faces consequences, and they should, you are in no way responsible.

Do not discuss it with her or give her a heads up, you could get your self into hot water by doing it.

She is a idiot, has been warned before and continues to do it so deserves what is coming to her.

You could land yourself in trouble for discussing it with her.

In all honesty if she's reckless enough to waltz around vaping in front of multiple (and new) staff members, then she's just asking to be caught.

I think suggesting the teacher might jump from vaping in a classroom to abusing a child is a bit of a stretch. The teacher shouldn't vape on school premises but I would give her the heads up unless you've been explicitly told not to.

It's not that this particular teacher would - but the interfering with a potentially formal investigation because the OP doesn't want to be a grass/doesn't think it's that bad/likes the person is exactly how more serious things are got away with. And how people can be viewed by SLT afterwards, as it'll be obvious who has told the vaper.

This is, by the way, said as somebody who has absolutely no problem with vapes. The only way to have one is to go off site, though, as the alternative is a whole world of shit and nobody who vapes is stupid enough to not know this is a spectacularly idiotic act.

So quick update…today I told the teacher who was vaping in my room that I can’t be put into this situation again because I have been asked about it and that it’s made me feel really uncomfortable. She’s now gone to the line manager saying she’s not trusted at this school and that she’s going to resign. I didn’t expect her to react in such a way. It’s put me in even more of an awkward situation now because maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned anything at all. I just didn’t want her to come into my room and vape again. Feeling really down about it.

You told her at the time not to do it and she did it anyway.

This is all on her, not you.

In all honesty everyone did advise you not to say anything. I wouldn't worry as she's only throwing her toys out the pram because she's been caught. I doubt you'll get any repercussions other than a conversation about not discussing things in future.

Nope it's not my problem so wouldn't get involved saying anything. You haven't been asked to share either

Why on earth would any grown up do this in a school. Makes no sense.

This is entirely her fault she mad her bed let her resign she seems like a idiot anyway.

That said people told you not to speak to her about it, so you feeling down about her reaction well you should have left alone.

You were advised not to tell her. You are reaping the rewards now. Neither of them will trust you. What did you think would happen?

Don’t feel down, this is in her.

Honestly, you were really daft to do this.

It was not your place and you've made yourself look untrustworthy.

I’ve never been in such a situation so really didn’t know what to do. I’m the type of person that just keeps myself to myself and avoid any type of conflict/drama. I’m really down right now and feel like I’ve made a big mistake. I didn’t expect her to react in such a way. I’ve only been there half a term. Also this is not the first time she’s been caught vaping…it also happened before I started and members of staff complained. She also came into my room at the end of the day and said that I’m either a really good liar or I’m genuinely telling the truth. She said that she got told that I was the staff member that approached our line manager, which is not true because I was approached and put on the spot because the member of staff who was in the class when she was vaping was the one who complained…I stayed quiet and pulled up on it…I had no choice but to say yes she did! What a mess!!!!

I’m really down right now and feel like I’ve made a big mistake

You should've kept it to yourself. However, you'll know for next time - so try to put it behind you.

@Supermummy88 you are not responsible for her reaction please don't let it affect you, I hope she does resign she sounds very very immature