Hello guys! I’m going into my second year of being in the JET program. I could use some advice as I’m kinda down. We have an English club and this is the first year that we have 20 students. I was so pleased and happy to hear that many students joined because they want to improve their English speaking skills.
So, I have a supervisor, that I believe is controlling. I’m a great ALT. I’m on time, I do my job well, the kids said they love me, and I get along with everyone in the office. Today, we had the AED and epipen drill. I saw that all the lights were turned off in the office when I came back from lunch, but heard voices in the gym so I decided to observe. He came to me later and said that he “forgot” to tell me. Yeah right, this wasn’t the first time he did this “forgetting”. He uses underhanded tactics to try to isolate me out of certain events NOW by hiding it under “forgetting to tell me”. I’m excluded to sit in the morning meetings, so I wouldn’t have known certain events are happening at the school (which aren’t plenty).
I feel he’s those types that wraps his identity around his job and since he’s a supervisor, he has some importance. He even said he never wants to retire. Meanwhile, no one cares about him outside of work.
Anyways, we have the English speech contest coming up. I was really involved in helping and coaching the previous student (he graduated) to win the contest. He came in second and he told me that it was thanks to me that I helped him out. The JTE who got me involved has moved on to different endeavors, so no one knows about the speech contest process now except me. Fast forward, I remembered the speech contest is coming up. I asked my supervisor if any of the students want to participate? He gave me the excuse that they are too shy and one was nominated but decided not to do it because she wasn’t confident.
Mind you, these students said that they wanted to improve in their English speaking skills, which would have been a great opportunity for them to do so. If they can conquer this, speaking in front of judges and the audience, then they potentially can overcome their shyness.
Here’s the part I’m disappointed about. My supervisor, didn’t bother to include me when telling the students about the speech contest process. I believe, a lot of them don’t want to do it because they were pretty much told in so many words that they will be alone in the process by HIM. Which isn’t true at all. I was going to help them with their speech, coach them, and give them opportunities to practice their speech in front of people. I feel as though he’s sabotaging these students plus like I said, was controlling enough not to include me into their conversations about the speech contest. They were so excited and motivated, I wonder what happened? Why am I even in charge of the English club if I’m not included in English events like this? I feel this club is all in vain and I really don’t want to get involved anymore.
Here’s my question (actually questions). Should I tell him about it, inform the 1st and 2nd year students in the English club of the process if they want to do it next year, give them materials on how to overcome their shyness, or let it go? It would be a shame to have one more year (or years to come) go by and no one bothers to participate in the speech contest.
by imjustheretoask334