Work Issue

[RayWilson]

Hi Folks,

I am having a, so far, minor problem in my working environment. I am a 20 year old, male IT Technician working at a private school. I have been here a year and enjoy what I am doing. The trouble is that, recently, one of the pupils has been making comments about the way I walk everytime she passes me. She is usually with a group of friends! I'm not sure how to handle this situation.

I'm not delicate and am thick skinned but I feel totally undermined and disrespected. I feel uncomfortable about a confrontation though, given my age. I'm not much older than the 6th year pupils here (I think she's in 3rd year). Also, I haven't been told what I should do if this kinda situation ever arose!

I'm also unsure about exactly what I should say if I called her over, next time she says something. I don't feel I should just ignore what she says (like I would have when I was in school *as a pupil* and pepole made the odd comments). My main concern is mumbling my speech and mincing my words.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ray

 

[Beep]

I think that you should ask your supervisor what your next step should be. Sometime these issues can blow up in your face - even if you have done nothing wrong.

Good Luck

 

[Guest_imported]

Maybe she likes you. =)

 

[RayWilson]

Don't think I didn't wonder about that Maybe it's because I'm so pretty )

R

 

[SteveTheGeek]

Concur with Beep, go to your supervisor ASAP. It may be embarassing, but being investigated for sexual harassment of a student would be a lot more embarassing, and it's easy to come up with situations where your trying to deal with the issue on your own could lead to that. But talk about lending a new context to 'CYA'... *grin*
-Steve

 

[RayWilson]

Thanks for the advice. I think you're probably right. Just that I don't want to jump the gun at the first sign of trouble either; and take a gun to a mosquito :0) I suppose Technicians probably get this sort of stick in schools all the time.

Regards

Ray

 

[BeckahC]

I, too, would second the advice of bringing it to a supervisor's attention. Even if nothing is immediately done, they will have it on file, so if an issue erver did arise with that student there would be evidence in your favor. Schools take the harrassment issues very seriously now and "relations" (real or made-up) between staff and student could be career ending to say the least! I would say, cover your butt - just in case. BeckahC