| |
|
|
| |
Case: Unclear Future
In my many years of teaching high school, I have seen all types of students. Noora, a student from Pakistan, was one of the most special students. She was definitely one of the most intelligent I have had. She also had an extraordinary work ethic and interpersonal skills. When other students in her class had difficulty with any subject, Noora was there to help them. I thought she had a very bright future. Knowing her strong skills and knowledge in math and sciences, I thought she would go to a prestigious university. One day I decided to talk to Noora about her future plans and I was shocked by what I heard. She said that two months after graduating from high school, she was going to get married to the son of a family friend. She did not seem very disturbed by this. I went to talk to Noora's parents to explain to them what a great student she was and why they should reconsider their decision to marry her at such a young age. I told them that what they were doing was unfair. The very next day Noora's family sent a formal complaint letter to my school principal stating that I was being disrespectful their culture, and that it is their business to decide their daughter's future, not the teacher's. I was devastated when the principal informed me about this. I thought I was being a good teacher. I still do not want to give up on Noora's future. What should I do?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
The parent's letter was correct. You are interjection your ideas for Noora's future into her families ideals. You went over the line when you said they were being unfair. You are ignoring the fact that Noora's brilliance can be the her best asset when she raises her children and creates a home for her husband and family and at a later time cares for her own parents and her husbands parents. In effect you are saying that being a mother is wasting her life. Pretty judgemental don't you think? |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
|
| Comments: I agree that this situation is an example of disrespect not only for their culture but for those who choose to not work outside of the home. Raising a family is a noble "profession" whether we agree or not. |
| Rated On: October 17, 2014 12:21 am |
| Rated By: Denise Lukacik |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
No
|
| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
No
|
| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
No
|
| The suggested solution is original |
No
|
| Comments: I don't think you explained a solution in the fact that the parents have contacted the principal and this needs to be resolved by meeting with the parents to explain. It is correct that the teacher should not have interjected in Noora's future based on the families marriage beliefs. But the teacher needs to explain to the parents reasons why and the parents need to talk with the teacher to explain how they feel as well. Communication is the key to resolve this problem. Hopefully, both parties can set their differences aside and work in the best interest of Noora...the teacher on interest of her education, and the parents on the interest of her future after high school. |
| Rated On: June 3, 2015 12:43 am |
| Rated By: Tina Joiner |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
