Best way to deal with this?

[JumpNZ]

Got a bit of an issue i'd be keen for some feedback from you guys.

I am a teacher by profession, and while i'm bigger than most guys, I am by no means a muscle freak.

Heres the issue: Another Educator at a different teaching institute is telling several of my ex students plus some of my current students that I am a steroid user. Not only is this slanderous, it is completely unprofessional from another teacher, particularly when these are young people I am in a leadership role with.

Do I just smile and turn the other check or should I contact the dude? Should I go straight to his management? I am used to all the steroid jokes from friends, but this is kind of getting beyond a joke.

Thoughts?

[teamfatboy]

This sounds serious to me - in the education profession, integrity's so important, and to have anyone question yours on bogus grounds is unacceptable (my personal view).

I'm not sure about precisely what legal remedies are available to you (but there's a number of law students on here who may have sources to tap into). If, however, you have evidence of this clown's statements (verbal or written), you would have some options.

There are two areas of concern - the clown who's making the remarks, and your professional reputation with your managers.

Your management at your institution are your principal concern, since they ultimately control your career - and I can't help but wonder if it's worth talking to your Department Head/ Faculty Dean or whatever. Something along the lines of "I'm hearing rumours that allege some pretty unsavoury things. I wanted to talk to you, to make sure you understand these things are completely untrue, before things get out of hand". Worst case - the rumours hadn't reached management yet, in which case you've got your side in first. Best case - you are able to confront, correct, and inform your management and stop potential harm.

As for the clown himself - I can't help but wonder whether your professional association (teachers' union or whatever) can help. Do they have a process for complaints resolution?

Just in case that helps.

[nate225]

Take your IEA or CEA as well as any applicable codes of conduct etc to a good lawyer.

Spend the couple of hundred to get him/her to write a letter to the other individuals & their management (suggest cc'ing your management to keep them in the loop) explaining your concerns and the legal ramification of his 'alleged' actions (and possibly the actions that will be taken if continued).

[JumpNZ]

Thanks for both of the above comments. I am the head of my faculty, but think I will definitely bring this up with my principal on Monday. My only concern is he is likely to be a total wanker to these ex students of mine who he has being speaking to.

I have a close friend who is a well respected university lecturer who has offered to throw his weight around, but I think I should probably go down official paths..

Before I go ahead with anything, I will make sure I speak to my ex students and explain the situation. If they are completely uncomfortable, I will have to take a different path that probably wouldn't have as much of an effect on the situation.

Anyway, I will keep you posted with what happens on Monday. Thanks for your help.

[startinfromscratch]

if your gonna do the time, may aswell do the crime! 1000mg test e a week maybe? :pfft: :pfft: :pfft: :pfft:

joking bro, but seriously tackle it head on through official channels - trying to deal with it outside official lines can be looked down on by some..

anyways good luck! :grin:

[Small]

Before I go ahead with anything, I will make sure I speak to my ex students and explain the situation.

i would be careful doing this-it may appear as though you are trying to "cover" something up [or sway their minds] by talking to them first. I wouldn't acknowledge the situation with the students first I would go straight to the superiorities, because as you say (and i am not doubting you for one second) you have nothing to hide; and dependant upon the students ages, I doubt they will lie to the senior body upon realisation its a serious matter [defamation of character]

[MaroSturdy]

Got a bit of an issue i'd be keen for some feedback from you guys.

I am a teacher by profession, and while i'm bigger than most guys, I am by no means a muscle freak.

Heres the issue: Another Educator at a different teaching institute is telling several of my ex students plus some of my current students that I am a steroid user. Not only is this slanderous, it is completely unprofessional from another teacher, particularly when these are young people I am in a leadership role with.

Do I just smile and turn the other check or should I contact the dude? Should I go straight to his management? I am used to all the steroid jokes from friends, but this is kind of getting beyond a joke.

Thoughts?

hi there,

im studying to be a teacher too.... and i think if i was in your position i would go and tell the principal what is happening and how it is reflecting a negative image of you to students who probably look up to you. Tell the principal you haven't spoken to the teacher first but wanted to inform him of the situation before you approach the teacher who says such things.

Then approach the teacher and be really nice, tell him how youre concerned about his jokes and that theyre going too far now and that they should stop because of x,y and z.

And then see what happens, if you witness it again then you can approach the principal again and tell him that it's continuing.

Gee, i would never think that teachers would bully each other like this.

Anyways, good luck to you!

Just remember what ever you do : two wrongs dont make a right.

Except if youre attacking "Small" and "Lungi" (or wat ever his nick) then you cant be wrong :pfft:

[Optimass]

People have been making the same allegations about me for years .... I always took it as a complement.

[JumpNZ]

yeah for sure, but when those allegations affect your ability to do your job, things can get a little awkward..