Conflict, Pt 2

Smile for the camera!

So, as I left the story, the meeting was over and we all went home.

But the saga continued...

See, I showed up for the first class session to find this student "sitting in wait" for me outside.

Student: "Teacher, there's a problem."

Me: "Oh? What's the problem?"

Student: "The administrator said I could go to class, but I just went in and my name isn't on the list."

Me: "Okay, and what should I do?"

Student: "Are you okay for me to go to class?"

Me: "Are you sure the administrator agreed that you could go to class?"

Student: "Yes, he said it's okay."

Me: "If he agreed then I have no problem. He's in charge of the class list."

So we entered the class. I tried to include the student from the start, so as not to stigmatize him from the rest of the class. During the first group practice time, however, the administrator pulled me aside.


"Abby, we have a problem." His voice was very serious.

"Oh? Tell me."

"There is a student here who should not be here. I told him multiple times this week that he lost his place in the class. You see, there are only 25 places on the list and I gave someone else his place. I talked with the other administrators and they all agreed that he is no longer welcome to take English classes in our town."

Oh dear. "I see. That is a problem. When I arrived at class this evening, he told me that you had agreed for him to rejoin the class, but he was upset that his name wasn't on the list."

"He said I agreed for him to come to class? That's a lie!"

"Yes, that is exactly what he said."

Posing with oil and vinegar

Then I went back to teaching and let the matter rest. Class ended and I was about to dismiss the students when the administrator asked to speak for a moment. He then proceeded to explain to the class what this student had done. The student stood up to defend himself, but no one wanted to listen to him. The other students started to discuss things and the administrator came to talk with me briefly.

"Don't worry, this isn't your problem. We will take care of it."  (Cool, okay, so...?)

"So, should I go?" He looks relieved. "Yes, you can go."

And I left.

(End of story: he came to the second class to say goodbye. I felt terrible, but who is in the class isn't up to me. Hopefully he will continue with English in a nearby town.)