“You Are a Terrible Person!” How to Overcome Haters in Education

As teachers, we put ourselves out there all the time.

We share our ideas.

We share our stories.

We share reality.

And sometimes that means people will fight back in super unexpected ways.

Let me share a story I posted on social media a few weeks ago…

“The other night I went out to dinner (which feels like a HUGE deal because of the corona) and I was delighted to have a former student as my waiter

He referred to me as “Ms. Genta” the whole time which I found so adorable considering the fact he is like 20 years old now

The dinner was great and he did an amazing job taking my requests of bringing Splenda for my ice tea and an extra cup of ranch for my chicken At the end of the night when he brought the bill with a, “but there is no rush” (which I loved) he then said, “oh, and um…sorry…. I didn’t bring anything to write with tonight so I have are the kids’ menu crayons.”

8 years before, in my middle school class, this is what happened too

But guess what friends, just like he made it work in class, he is making it work during his job.

I was able to write in my tip and total using the “Wild strawberry” Crayola crayon. It worked. No problem

But of course, the teacher in me couldn’t resist leaving more than just a tip.  He got a free pen from my bank too

Thanks for being so awesome, Dan The Man!”

Here is the picture from that post:

 

Friends, can I tell you I got absolutely stoned by the public for this post. 

The moment I posted it, comments started flying in about my tip.

People called me “a horrible human”

Other said, “What a cheap skate.”

Some even called me a terrible teacher who doesn’t respect students. 

I was completely blown away.

This post was about fond memories, not flippin’ money.

 

This caused me to reflect in a big way.

Was my math off? Yes, it was. I did undertip, unfortunately.

But not on purpose. Not because I am cheap. Not because Dan did a bad job.

But because I miscalculated.

 

I usually am a 20%+ tipper.

But that is nobody’s business.

However, when we put ourselves out there sometimes people believe it becomes their business.

 

This happens in the classroom too.

Parents can disagree, judge us, send us hateful e-mails, and so much more.

But at the end of the day, we are here trying to help kids.

We are teachers because it is our passion.

And even passionate people make mistakes sometimes.

When those situations pop up, you can do what I did…

Simply say, “I make a mistake.”

And know that doesn’t make you a horrible person.

It makes you a person.