I'm so sorry to hear that you feel so alone and ashamed Leslie ! This site is a great support network for you and you will never be judged here. Is there maybe just one person you are close to that you could confide in ? It can be so helpful . I agree with the others that you must be completely honest . This way , you are dealing with this rather than covering it up !! Who knows what will happen next time . If you keep brushing it all under the carpet then eventually you will trip up !
How do feel today ? Are you considering talking to your work and saying it as it is ? I feel that would be a good idea. You will be respected for your honesty Leslie, I'm sure and you know ! , we all have our issues to deal with in different ways . We are all human and are battling with life at times , even teachers !
Take care and let us know the latest
Rainbow xx
Wait! Drinking is legal. You had 1 drink...your over 18. I understand that you are teacher thou. So I guess that makes it illegal in the place that you work for.
The union rep...um...yea..usually in the US if we are seeking professional "help" for our problems - like go to a therapist or volunteer "legally" we can NOT be fired...union or not. I was not in the union and got totally blasted at work one day..and they had functions that had "bars". SO...why was a "bar" at the prom for the younger ones to drink?
That is what I don't understand...why was a bar there to begin with? So the principal didn't drive every youngster home....why you?
Its Monday so you are either in school working or home on "punishment"?
Were you told specifically that you couldn't have a drink there? I know that you are expected to lead by example...but THEY had the frigin bar there!
I told Leslie...that in the US...it is illegal to "fire" anyone for a problem...drugs or alcohol if they are willing to seek professional help for that problem. I am still wondering why there was a BAR at a PROM anyway.
Statistically for the kids that attend a prom it is a known fact that driving accidents are attributed to drinking on prom night!
Prom was at a country club and prom was in another room. Another adult reported seeing me in the bar buying a drink. I think it is a part of the teacher morality clause and I can be let go. I'm on paid leave today and have a mtg w the bosses at 1:00. Not sure if I should ask about treatment
I'd be careful about giving too much away. Really, since it was in another room and the "school related function" was not happening in the bar, would it have been so much different if you'd had a glass of wine before you went to the prom? Perhaps mention that you can see their concern and promise not to do it in the future, etc?
I agree ADE ! After saying what I did , perhaps not make too much of the situation but knowing behind the scenes Lesley is dealing with it though . Over dramatising it could make things worse !
Thank you. I am hanging in there. Paid leave. Mtg at 1. I just don't know what to say to them. My union rep will meet w them first but has to leave before I can be there. I'm still pretty shook up. I need to find a dr. And make an apptmnt but don't know where th start.
Leslie...after reading what ADE says too...I did let out to work that I had an alcohol problem and it was never the same after that...not that they treated me differently..just that I felt guilty after that for every day I took off...legitmately and not for alcohol.
Lots of things changed...Good luck today.....I know its soon and you must be getting ready 
Perhaps start with your GP and ask for a referral to a Psychiatrist that specializes in addictions. Where there's an addiction, there's often an underlying mental illness that needs to be taken into account, so you might be able to kill two birds with one stone. You just don't want to end up with one that tells you to "just stop drinking" and leaves it at that, as I don't think you're wired to be able to handle it via "white-knuckle" abstinence.
CThreeFoundation (dot) org has a "Find a Physician" listing doctors that are versed in The Sinclair Method, if that interests you. Otherwise go through your GP as I mentioned, or if your insurance allows you to go directly to an addiction doctor, you can probably find some in your area with a quick web search.
Any chance of getting ahold of your union rep via cell phone in between his meeting and yours?
Just take it day by day Leslie ! The most important thing here is that you get help , stay well and keep real ! I say real as I said before about being human and dont beat yourself up ! Your career is of course very important but try and relax knowing that we all face challenges in life . I think the most important thing here is that youve acknowleged that you are worried about your drinking and that is something that can be helped . If I were you I would try to separate the worries you have ! with your career ! I would play it down for your career as long as you feel it is not affecting the care you provide to your students ! In your private time , then deal with your worries . Hope that helps xx
Try to stay cool here and keep in mind that the school may well be looking for the best solution for them, not you.
I was asked to resign and released from duties with pay. Just trying to decide what's next.
Any chance of salvaging it via the union?
No. I violated the contact policy. They are giving me a decent recommendation and paying out my contract. I'm trying to find someone who uses the Sinclair method here but haven't been successful. Not drinking today but I feel like sh*t.
seems harsh to me and I am wondering if this is fair if this is a first incident..not trying to misjudge you in any way just very surprised since you are probably a good teacher with a good record?? Union rep?? saw that the reply is being held by the moderator...i wait to hear from you. Robin
That's what I thought, Robin. One drink, not in the presence of the students. The reaction seems to be quite overboard to me.
Welcome to the Bible Belt. Yes, first incident, yes, excellent record. Teachers contracts have a "morality clause" and it is loosely interpreted legally. My union rep said I could contest the dismissal and then an open forum would be held to look at both sides. Unfortunately an open forum is just that, open to the public, to students, the press, etc. one drink or not, I was on contract duty. The final decision is made by a school board vote in an open forum and you can bet they are not going to be happy about the publicity. My rep said th y could have chosen a Plan of Improvement, which most large municipal schools would have done. Mine is a small rural school. They could have even been worse and not accepted a resignation, fired me instantly without pay. It goes on o show just how stupid I was thinking no one would see me or care. Since I had already been in the actual room at prom with the kids that day and then was drinking in the bar it was considered "a breach of contract while on duty".
having an open forum could also mean I lose my state certification. The union rep told me that the teacher looses 99% of the time since it is contracted. I am going with his advice.
What at does it mean, " held by the moderator"?
That the post has been sent for moderation before being released.
The most common reason is that a link has been posted. Secondly some have been picked up as advertising or lastly profanities, but mainly posting links cause it.