I am something of a temporary classrom assistant,
usually working for a few months in a different classrooms where short term help with a particular special needs student is needed.

One day I was given a new set of work for the students and sent to laminate it in the copy room/staff break room. It was quite exciting stuff, the brand new edition of a very popular system used for special needs children, and I was talking about it with another teacher eating her lunch as I made copies and laminated pages. She asked for some copies and which of the staff had been able to get the new edition. I was temporary and didn't know the woman's name.

"Erm... The blonde lady who always wears polo shirts with the school logo?" Blank look. "You know, she is really pretty but she wears too much eyeliner? And the shiny lipgloss?" Blank look. "She is about six inches taller than me and kind of chubby?"

Another teacher (not from the special needs program - a regular kindergarten teacher) jumped in and told me off for calling someone chubby. In front of about 15 members of staff. I don't know a better word for fat. I'm not thin. Unthin? Non-sufferer-of-eating-disorder?

I just gave her a sugar wouldn't melt face and asked her what I should say instead. But it was really uncomfortable for me and for most of the other people who hadn't actually heard anything I had said, only me getting told off.

The lady who told me off? I had about 15 pounds on her.
( gracielou, Fri 23 Nov 2007, 1:29, Reply)