Today, the superintendent decided to meet with all of the new teachers in the school to quickly discuss curriculum, school culture, expectations, etc. and give us a chance to ask questions. We were also getting our classrooms today so it made sense. Anyways, we all sat down in a classroom and I asked a question about parent involvement. The superintendent looks shocked and says "Wow, you speak very good English." I am South Asian, but I was born and brought up in the US and English is my first language. It's just ridiculous to think that someone's skin color dictates how fluent that person's English is. I was so embarrassed that I wasn't even sure how to respond. I just quickly said thank you. I hate that it happened in front of 5 other teachers. This just made me feel negative for the whole meeting and I'm just not excited about him being my boss. Other than the comment, he seems like an ok person at least. I'm just glad it's not my principal so I won't have to deal with him on a daily basis.
Wow...someone needs to teach him to think before he speaks! I'm sorry that happened to you, orangetea
Only one foot landed in a mouth: it's his, and I dare say he knows it, or at least he will when he stops to think about it. Hugs to you.
You handled yourself well, better than some might have, so be proud of that. I don't know your district's make up/size, but I know that I don't consider my district's CEO (the actual title they use) to be my "boss" at all. You may have very little actual contact with him going forward. In the past 5 years I have worked in my district, I have never actually met or talked to our former CEO (he stepped down in June). I've seen him twice on stage at huge district-wide PD events, on the news and in the paper but never any personal contact. Although, I heard he does visit schools when photo ops need to occur.
I wouldn't say that to a stranger on the street, can't imagine a superintendent saying that to an employee. How inappropriate. I've never even met my superintendent so here's to hoping you won't have to deal with yours again this school year...
My first thought was the same thing other posters said - WOW! I find his comment to be shocking, to tell you the truth. At his level he should be hypersensitive to being more culturally sensitive. He is an idiot and at least you don't have to worry about working directly for him.
Is it possible that you spoke rather eloquently, and he just thought your appropriate use of English is so uncommon these days, even for native speakers, that he was surprised to hear it? Maybe your appearance had nothing to do with it, and he was just impressed that you knew how to choose your words so well.....? I don't know.... I obviously don't know exactly what you said or how you said it. I'm just wondering if that might be possible. Finding people that use proper English when speaking is tough these days....
I doubt it. My English is fluent, but it's no better than anyone else's. The question I asked was something along the lines of, "In general, how much parent involvement can we expect?" Definitely nothing special or eloquent.
I think if that´s what he meant he would have said ¨You are very well spoken¨, or something to that degree instead of ¨You speak English well¨ or however he worded it. I think his comment shows a lack of understanding, or some sort of disconnect which is sad for someone in his position. I am so sorry for his comment. Just remember, he is the one who should be embarrassed, not you.
I hope you're right. It's a huge district so I probably won't have to see him much at all. I just realized (checked my email and re-read the email conforming the meeting) that he's not the superintendent but one of the Assistant Superintendents assigned to the schools in our area.
That's crazy...I would be ticked, too. Did the rest of the meeting go well, or were you just too upset (understandably) to really pay close attention? Hopefully your future interactions with him will be more positive.
That's pretty shocking, for sure! Luckily, you will probably not be interacting with him on a day to day basis. Some people really just have no filter and have a hard time communicating productively. I agree with the other poster that said HE is the one who should feel bad or embarrassed. Try to put it aside, consider the source, and enjoy your year!!
Are you kidding me? I would be SO offended. There's no way I would respond as nicely as you did. If you never saw this video, here's a little relevant comic relief to cheer you up... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWynJkN5HbQ
This is so offensive. I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope he realized after the fact that he looked like an idiot and did the wrong thing. I hope that he replays his silly comment in his head over and over whenever he talks to anybody.
I have worked in the same system in for over 20 years. During the first 19 years I spoke one on one to my superintendent and/or assistant superintendent no more than 5 times. The current superintendent lives in my neighborhood, and his children go to the same school as my children. I do see him on a regular basis at sporting/school events, but never at work. So, your chances are pretty good of not running into him too much. Some people are just wacko. I would just smile and steer clear of this guy.
If you're concerned, perhaps pull your principal aside to say something. It doesn't need to be formal, just a venting of your superintendent's stepping in some rudeness doodoo.
Let it go. Morons are in all walks of life even Supt. positions. He is probably an older guy who might have been nervous talking to you guys........
I wouldn't do this...one never knows the relationships between admins...things could get blown out of proportion. Put it behind you, orange tea...it was a faux pas. He either has realized he made a mistake or he's simply that unaware...you were hired because you are intelligent and will be an asset to this school....live up to that. Let this go.
:lol::lol::lol: This is hilarious!!! I am so tempted to respond this way the next time someone asks me where I'm really from. Anyways, I'm still annoyed, but feeling better than yesterday. I'm probably not going to talk to my principal because I like her and I don't want to make the situation worse...and I didn't get to know her too well yet, so I don't feel comfortable talking to her. It's just so annoying because obviously if I was hired, my English would have to be decent no matter what subject I'm teaching...I'm not sure what he was expecting.
Wow. I can think of one time I've ever uttered the phrase "Your English is really good." The conversation went something like this: Him: I'm sorry my English not good. Me: Don't worry about it. Him: I feel really bad. I just move from Cuba 8 months ago. I speak no English before that. Me: 8 months!!! Holy Cow! Your English is really good!
That, or a younger guy caught by surprise - funny how hormones can derail one's cerebrum - who simply blurted out something inane.
This is true. I still remember my college president calling my friend "a mystery of the Orient". Um, her parents were from Hong Kong but she was from Irvine, CA.
That is totally unacceptable, especially given what you said (which, by the way, is a very good question).
I'm sorry, I forgot to reply to your question! The rest of the meeting was average...but I was upset and I didn't really say anything else except thank you at the end. He seemed like a fine person other than the incident but you're right--I wasn't really paying attention. The fact that my supervisor was racist was on my mind most of the time...
I'm not suggesting OP holds a grudge, but it's hard to imagine how bad racism feels unless you experience it. It's not easy to just let it go as many are suggesting. It's okay to be upset.
Congrats on how well you handled yourself. Cultural awareness is very important as well as the golden rule to think before one speaks!
