Let's call this Pet Peeve Monday.

Today's topic:  lack of manners

I have been on the hunt for a job in teaching for a while.  The "lessons" I've received suggest that after an interview, I should write a thank you note.  I do -- when I have the time (some interviews give me an answer within 24 hours which would make a thank you note weird -- thanks for nothing??).  Unfortunately, the lack of manners seems to be on the top end.  Last summer in a last ditch effort to stay in NY and not return to Vegas I had two interviews days before I was to leave.  I went to the schools and for one of them I did a demo lesson.  Oddly enough, I never heard from either school.  To me that's just plain rude.  Now, some may argue that it's an indication that the school isn't a great place to work.  I've got news:  commuting to Las Vegas from NY sucks so I'd work in a shit school.

This lack of manners also extends to the failure to communicate.  Last Thursday I received an email from a principal in a NYC school.  Basically, it was an invitation to call the school and set up an interview for the next week.  I called twice and got no answer; I left two messages and got no response.  Finally today I emailed the principal who initially contacted me and told her that I did leave two messages.  No, I don't expect a response.  I do expect some manners.

I recognize that in this age of online application systems it is difficult to reach out to all who apply.  But if a person takes the time to interview for a job, the least the hiring party could do is let the person know if he or she got the job.  Just consider that for a moment.