Need Advice about Coworker/Boss Situation

My current issue that I'm having is that my boss is asking me to have my students continue working with a certain Instructional Aide as I have stopped sending kids to them since an issue we had in October. In fact, neither of us speaks to each other at all. I replied to my principal saying that I would be happy to accept the IA's help but they have not visited my classroom to ask if I require any assistance. They responded that I need to make sure that I schedule time with my kids with them. I don't want to do this for multiple reasons:

1. I don't trust the IA. The reason I do not speak to them is I have very good reason to believe they talk to others about me and specifically report back to the principal about things I've said or done. We had a confrontation of sorts where I vented my frustrations. I did apologize for my tone and the time and place, but they just believe I've maligned their character. I tried to meet them halfway by apologizing for the way I vented my frustrations but also stating that I felt like they were gossiping about me and gave a couple examples of why I felt that way, but they continued to be upset and said some pretty hurtful things to me.
2. It's inconvenient as all get out. I not only have to schedule the kids they need to see but also plan and provide the activities and supplies. I prefer IAs who push in to the classroom and help facilitate what I'm already doing instead of pulling kids out of the classroom which causes them to miss instruction.
3. I think having the kids pulled during my instruction time wouldn't be beneficial as I'd have to catch them up on what they missed which is why I prefer push in.
4. I have a graduate degree in what I do as well as years of experience in teaching. I would prefer to deliver the lessons myself and have an IA (who has neither experience nor a degree) as support rather than the one providing instruction. To feel confident having this IA teaching my students, I have to teach the IA how to teach my kids.

Also, there's the whole I think my principal is targeting me. They're one of those that stay out of your hair if they like/aren't worried about you. Last year, I passed all my evaluations with flying colors. Same for the first evaluation of this year. Then, we had a disagreement over how I was handling a student situation. I am firm and consistent. My students know if you do X, then Y happens. I try to keep it as logical as possible, but my principal disagreed with me and my bluntness and principles kept me from staying quiet and so I shared my disagreement as politely as I could with them. However, I do believe they were offended.

I was made to feel like a horrible monster who wants to ruin this child's life by giving them a consequence (probably an over-exaggeration on my part but that's how I felt). If I'm such a villain why did the parent brag to the principal about how much better the student likes school this year and is doing better overall compared to how the child was made to feel like a bad kid last year? Kids feel safe with boundaries. They like knowing what is and isn't allowed.

The simple disagreement about how to handle a student consequence snowballed into a whole big thing. Now, I'm being contacted via email about a new issue or concern every few weeks. I almost contacted HR about a parent meeting where I felt I was intentionally being humiliated and belittled in front of a parent.

If I didn't feel like my boss was targeting me (possibly to build a case to not rehire me next year), I would go to my principal and tell them the issues I'm having with the IA and see if they could help moderate a solution. But I don't trust either one of them. I feel this situation is just another area where the principal is trying to gather evidence for their case against me. Honestly, I feel like why should I even try to bend in this area when it's likely I'll get axed anyway? At least I'll have my principles. I may be catastrophizing this whole situation but I dread work each day and not because of the kids (that's the one saving grace - I have an awesome class) but because of the constant nitpicking.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Submitted January 11, 2024 at 05:31PM by SpiritofGarfield https://ift.tt/9uHSUKl