Should I mention this to someone at school?

[Poorteacher]

So, a bit of an odd one, but I don't know if I should mention it to school. Name changed in case of recognition. Penis beaker, Korean lady in garden, etc.

I was in the living room today at school when I heard someone crying and talking, and recognised the voice. Our window leads directly to a little alcove with a bench and often hear conversations. Downside of living in a nice spot!

It was a teacher in DS's school. I see her sometimes walking past. My DS is in a different year. She was on the phone to someone and really, really upset seemingly about work.
'I can't do this anymore'.
'The parents all hate me'
'I don't know how to help them'
'I don't understand the tech.'
'I'm not coping.'
'I'm a f%cking idiot'
She ranted for a while about the work, sobbed on the bench, and went.
My heart hurts for her.

She was, by all accounts, a brilliant teacher before the lockdown. I wonder if I should tell someone I know who works in the school. Maybe they could help? Keep a friendly eye on her? I don't want to embarass her though. Even as I am typing this i think I should just stay quiet.

Would you mention it? The person I know ar school is kind and compassionate. I don't think she'd be the type of gossip, and could hopefully approach it tactfully.

WWYD?

Wow. I can't believe you're considering doing something about this. You overheard a private conversation and an emotional moment. We all get like that sometimes. I'm sure we would all be gutted if someone eavesdropped and then reported a confidential moment to others. Mortifying! plus you could damage her career.

If that happened to me I'd find another job.

Don't worry thinkfast. I have been talked from the ledge. Not going to mention it. I just considered it because my contact in school might have been able to look out for her. Not even necessarily tslk to her about it.

Great choice, at least you paused for thought before acting. I'm sure that lovely gesture will be very appreciated and be a good morale boost.

What message will you put with it? 👍

I've written 'What a brilliant job you've been doing! I really appreciate all of the hard work. Have a soak on me'
Sent some little bath bombs and flowers in the end.

Signed from a very thankful parent

@Poorteacher

I've written 'What a brilliant job you've been doing! I really appreciate all of the hard work. Have a soak on me' Sent some little bath bombs and flowers in the end.

That really is lovely!

I guess its a very challenging time for teachers at the moment, classes in school and home learning , using all new tech etc

Say thank you to her. Don’t send an anonymous message/ or tell people in school.

The person she is confiding in can help her, that’s who she is reaching out to. I like to get things off my chest but I wouldn’t want someone to try and sort my problem for me, wouldn’t work for starters.

Sorry somehow I missed page 2 before posting! You’ve inspired me to thank someone.

I think I would. It is so difficult at the moment for everyone. Teachers are doing a great job - under the circumstances.

@Poorteacher

I've written 'What a brilliant job you've been doing! I really appreciate all of the hard work. Have a soak on me' Sent some little bath bombs and flowers in the end.

Love that. 😍

Glad you've decided not to tell anyone you have overheard.

I think you'll find the majority of teachers are feeling like this at the moment.

I'm not sure an anon note and hamper is the right way though - I would be a bit unsettled by the whole anonymous side of it.

I think my suggestion would be a note to "The staff" about what a fantastic job everyone is doing, and how challenging you realise it must be, and that you have every sympathy for them all, but wanted to know you appreciate it, and then, if you want, something that can be shared out for the staff - be that coffee or chocs for the staffroom or bathbombs or whatever.

If the majority of teachers are feeling as stressed and upset as she sounded then I think I will need to write to the head, to ask her to lower expectations and give the staff a break! What a horrid thought.

Its astounding how much the school has doing, and how long they must spend doing it. Perhaps its not worth it!

I've signed the little card and present to say that its from a parent. I want her to feel better, and presents to the staff feels too vague.

As a teacher, that would make the world of difference to me. Thank you for doing that and being so kind.

Sign the card op. Don't leave it anonymous.

Its astounding how much the school has doing, and how long they must spend doing it.

So put that in the card.
All staff are likely to be feeling the same (all teachers I know are).

Well done OP

Definitely don't me too it to anyone... But I love the idea of an anonymous thank you card. People underestimate the impact that can have.

Sign the card op. Don't leave it anonymous.

But then she'll feel obliged to send a thank you message, and it'll be one more thing she has to think about on top of everything she's already doing. To use the favourite MN phrase, don't add to her mental load.