Volun-told!

Do I even have a choice? No. I have been victim of being "voluntold". You're asked to volunteer to do something, but you know you don't really have a choice, you are really being TOLD you have to do it. Today for example, the principal comes in (interrupts my lesson, but I guess he can do that....erg!) to tell me that there is a superintendents meeting tomorrow at another school. "I know you have been to one before, but I think its your turn to go again. I mentioned to the other teachers that you would probably be going. They will be talking about some interesting things and looking at some data" (and this is fun?? I'd rather be with my kids thank you.) "It starts at 8:00" (*groan* school normally starts at 9 so this means I am getting up early...). "You need to call for a supply teacher as well." I think to myself..hmmm this is short notice to prepare some plans...and should I tell him I am taking Friday off? No, probably not. Then he smiles and says, "of course, if you don't want to go, I can see if someone else can go, but its rather short notice (no kidding!) and you usually utilize these new practices effectively, and others could learn from you." (insert flattery to entice me to say yes...good tactic) He continues, "Its also a great opportunity for your student teacher to teach while you are away, and have the supply relax a bit" (? I don't get this one!) I say "yes, its not a problem, I'd love to go"...but do I really have a choice? No I don't, I was voluntold to go. Oh well, atleast at these big-wig meetings, they feed us well and keep us in juice and coffee.