In America, we need more teachers. These fantastic individuals make it their life’s work to assist future generations of leaders in learning. Teachers are also under a lot of stress, particularly during statewide testing, when they’re expected to get their pupils to perform well. It’s not unusual for teachers to find ways to unwind and relax while away from the classroom, which is why one kindergarten teacher was out drinking with pals when she was “caught” by two moms.
A 27-year-old kindergarten teacher recently sought refuge on Reddit to describe her circumstances. She was out for drinks with two pals to celebrate her birthday when two moms of her students saw her at the bar. The moms of the youngsters she teaches were dissatisfied to see their child’s teacher drinking with friends to celebrate her birthday because they wanted her to be a good role model.
The teacher on Reddit explained how terrible it was to experience the trauma.
“I’m a kindergarten teacher. I teach in-person classes that are socially distanced, as well as online classes. Last weekend was my (27f) birthday. I went to a restaurant with a couple of friends for outdoor dining. While we were there, two moms came in with their children and were seated behind me. I recognize them as students in my in-person class. They say hi to me, and I say hi back, but then don’t interact further.”
The teacher denied that her classmates and she were doing anything wrong or improper.
“Through dinner, I’m just enjoying my time with my friends. I have a few glasses of wine and get a little tipsy (not rowdy or obnoxious or anything). I’m conversing normally with my friends, occasionally using cuss words. Not excessively, just the way some people would in everyday conversation. Maybe a little more than I would have if I were not tipsy, but again, I’m not speaking loudly or anything. Just having normal conversations with my friends.”
One of the moms was furious that she had “caught” the kindergarten teacher as an adult.
“One of the moms then comes over to me and reminds me that my students were there and that I shouldn’t be drinking and cursing in front of them. Since I’m their teacher, it was my job to set a good example for them. I just told her I was off the clock and that if it was bothering her, she could move or stop listening to me. She got all huffy, and they soon left.”
The teacher’s day did not go as planned.
“Earlier this week, I was called down by the principal who was with that mom in his office. She was angry and complained that I was setting a bad example for my students. And now her daughter was using some of the same words I was using, saying that if her teacher can say it, so can she. He asked for my side of the story, and I just explained exactly what happened. Given that she verified my story, he told her that I was not their teacher at the time, and since I wasn’t doing anything wrong, they couldn’t control my behavior off the clock.”
The principal was on the teacher’s side.
“She protested a bit but eventually left but called me a terrible teacher. I thanked the principal for backing me up, but then he suggested maybe that one time I should have just stopped drinking and using foul language. I really didn’t think this was a problem since I wasn’t acting out. Just talking casually and enjoying a couple of glasses of wine. But am I really the [expletive] for drinking and using foul language in front of my students while off the clock?”
