Hi everyone, Someone let me know if I'm overreacting. I recently was hired to teach first grade at a neighboring district. Previously I was a 6month long term and Summer school teacher for another district. Anyway, I am Arab-American and Muslim which has never gotten in the way of anything for me before. As people from my home (old) district are finding out about my hiring in the neighboring district, they've all made the same exact comment, "you only got it because you're Arabic!" Ugh. No idiots. I got this job because I have a 4.0, and 5 endorsement areas including early childhood special education and ESL. The funny thing is, there were about 8 people interviewed for the same position and I worked with 2 who were Arab-Americans also. Others have commented I got hired because I was "young and attractive and multicultural." What is wrong people? No one can get a job anymore based on talent and qualifications right? We only get hired if we know someone or are the right ethnicity? I don't believe that for a moment. *Ok vent over* Thanks for listening!
No doubt people are sometimes hired for reasons other than qualifications and such, but...well, a couple things: 1. It seems you are in fact qualified! 2. People cannot just assume people are hired because of their race, connections, etc. That's ridiculous. ETA: And for them to actually say that to you?! Wow. Stupid, stupid.
That's the way I react every single time someone says that getting a teaching job is all about knowing someone or having the right look: that such comments are a total slap in the face to every single person who has gotten a job legitimately. You got the job because you're the best candidate. And, in this economy, that's saying quite a lot. Aren't you glad to be out of that old district?? Congratulations, and the best of luck to you in your new job!!
Thanks Aliceacc! I am SOOO glad to be out of there!!!!!!!! I ran and never looked back , haha. My new co-workers are absolutely wonderful!
You were obviously the best candidate for the job. It sounds like the people in your old district are just jealous. You can hold your head high knowing that it was your skill and nothing else that got you that job. Good luck in your new district!
!مبروك If people want to view life through the lens of jealousy, they'll find some reason anyone was hired other than merit. (Of course, you know very well that you were hired based on qualifications!) 2alf mabrouk, ukhti! Best of luck as you set up for the school year.
1) If anything, you're probably not reacting enough. 2) I don't think you should dignify that with a reasoned response. Something like "What the &**#! is wrong with you?" might be more appropriate. 3) That comment is nearly as bad (though "multicultural" -- while it could be seen as just a slightly-more subtle comment to your heritage -- could also be a legitimate reason to pick a candidate)
Humankind can never just be happy for one-another. If they said things like that to your face, I can't imagine what they say behind your back - you're lucky to be out of there. The fact that your credentials are so fabulous and all they can think of is "quota" hire, shows their complete and utter stupidity and ignorance. Congratulations on your job!
People will find something. I interviewed against all young white females. So, naturally I got my position because I was local and my Dad was known in the community. I'm not wasting my breath on them.
Sheesh, some people just don't know when to simply place their feet in their mouths and leave them there! Going back to the experts at Etiquette Hell, an all-encompassing response is, "That's an interesting assumption." You are welcome to follow that with an icy stare or find a totally new topic, known as bean-dipping ("Wow, did you try the bean dip at Kate's party last week?"). I have seen a couple of AtoZers on that forum (I'm on under another screen name but my avatar is the same) and highly recommend it.
Well, I was hired because I am tall and blonde. Then I was accused of being hired because of who my grandfather was in the community. Ummmm, my grandfather never lived in this state! I have no relatives that even live within 50 miles of the school system! I just happened to have the same last name of this particular person which is strange since my last name is unusual. People just like to talk. Give it a week, and they will be on to something else. Good luck!!!!
Didn't you know I got my job because I'm Hispanic not because I have a masters degree in chemistry and am duel certified in chem and bio.
Thanks for all the replies!! Definitely makes me feel better. I went to drop off my assessment data from summer school to both schools I taught at this Summer (2 weeks before they were even due because I knew I'd get busy). I ran into a teacher who works for old district and she said, "Oh I hear you're teaching at X school. I guess miracles happen and you got a job!" I replied, "Thank you, that's very gracious of you" and walked away. At the other school, the principal told me she had a kindergarten vacancy. I just said I'm under contract with the new district and I was grateful she thought of me for a job.
The only thing I have to say to those people is . To you, I say, ignore them and congratulations on your new job!
