...CONTINUED...

Anyway, in a polite and professional manner, I address the issue regarding this mom's concerns about my correcting/teaching/philosophy. I then go on about how I am teaching as best as I am able with the knowledge and skills I was given and acquired over the last few years. The mommy had a mask of disbelief written all over her face -- like "how can this be happening?!" I did not use any "you" statements or put any blame or anything of the sort on her... used all "I" statements. :) Well, towards the end it looked like she was looking pretty fragile. Our conversation lasted about 3 minutes. Well, I later found out that she went to the principal's office in tears - which I felt bad, that was certainly not the intention I meant for it to have; or the response for that matter. The mommy accrued a couple more visits after the "incident." I wasn't worried... I said what needed to be said... what others could not do. The day after the fact, the principal told me she needed to talk with me, but wasn't ready to do so. It sure sounded fishy, but I knew I did nothing wrong. Finally, I asked her if she was ready to talk, so we talked.
((To summarize: "In Korea, teachers do not talk with the parents directly & vice-versa. Instead, they (parents) bring their concerns to the supervisors and then relay the message to the teachers." Well, here's a thought... let's cut out the middle man and get down and dirty! Let's be real... let's get honest! Also, "these parents have lots of money and they should be held higher (than you and I)... because they went to THIS school and grew up in THIS neighborhood... and are Korean." I told her that I wasn't down with that philosophy and actually guide the children in the complete opposite mentality. I told my principal that she hired an American, so you will get an American's point of view. She hired a certified teacher... same applies. She hired a man from Texas, I'll be more honest and I have my methods and strategies. Anyway, she asked me in not so many words to write an apology letter to which I declined to do so.)) BUT, to ease tensions... on both sides, I wrote an "I regret" letter instead. It was pure sweetness. To the untrained English eye & mind, it appeared to be an apology of some sort, but for us, ha, we know better. I got to "stick it" to someone in a respectful way and get over this ridiculous nonsense at the same time. Good stuff!

Things are better now! Keep it right, keep it tight!