'Your mic is still on': Teacher roasted for gossiping about a coworker to a student, everyone overhears

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Feb 20, 2024 8:00 AM EST

This teacher took to the internet for sympathy after talking about a coworker behind his back with their microphone still on, but she failed to mention that the person with whom she was gossiping was a literal child. 

Let's take a moment to break down the various levels of unprofessionalism that are embedded in this story. First, there's talking smack about coworkers. Look, this behavior is unfortunately inevitable in many workplaces, but if you're going to do it, you should speak privately with a trusted source. This teacher spoke about her coworker, who was in the next room. Furthermore, whenever you're dealing with a microphone in a professional setting (or any setting, really), one should assume that the mic is always on no matter what. It will save you from all kinds of embarrassment. Finally, and here's the one that got Redditors in the comments section really upset, there's the fact that the teacher was gossiping with a 10-year-old kid. Seriously? And you're wondering if you're in the wrong here? 

Keep scrolling below for the original post. For more stories like this, here are some top embarrassing moments from other folks on the internet.

Advertisement
  • 01
    "I was] gossiping to a 5th grader about another (teacher."
    via Kenny Eliason
  • 02
    TIFU by talking bad about a coworker and left my mic on and connected to the main room.... M He heard it loud and clear. I work at an elementary school and I was oped into leading a school play. After school we have rehearsals in the music room. I was wearing the mic around my neck and accidentally left it on (natural habit as I am projected most of my day) when I went to walk some students in the hall. On the way back I was speaking to a 5th grader and he mentioned that the theater teacher was
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 03
    I strongly disagreed with how mean he was to the kids in my school. So I started talking to the student saying that yes he's not strict he is just inconsistent about his rules and sometimes yells at the students for their attention. Or doesn't allow them to chit chat during rest times. On the other hand he then is quick to be irritated if they don't speak up soon enough when being asked something. Ugh! Why did I have to say that, nonetheless to a student I was comfortable with? Is that very unpr
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 04
    When i got near the room some older students flew to the door saying "your mic Is still on!". My stomach dropped. All 60+ students and the theater teacher heard me loud and clear. I walked in and it seemed to be normal and only 2 kids came up to me and said we heard everything. i felt exposed the rest of rehearsal.
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 05
    After all the kids went home he mentions casually about how I left my mic on. I was trying to fix my huge mistake and told him it was because the student was not feeling good about his strictness. And then I started lying and said that I was not agreeing with the students and how I am not sure why people call him too strict etc. I started gassing up with progress with the play and so on.
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 06
    We then proceeded to have a conversation about our valentines day the previous day and he shared personal details. He's mentioned a lot of personal details before so it wasn't anything new. I on the other hand, i reciprocated him and also shared some personal details such as I had a new boyfriend and how we stayed in cooking for valentines day. Nothing bad but still, i feel guilty for that change in behavior.
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 07
    Is this something I need to let go? Or do I address it and apologize? How bad did I TL;DR- I left my mic on, connected to the school play rehearsal and talked about a coworker when I stepped out. Later I found out that everyone heard every word including said coworker. Things seem fine now but there are weird vibes. I up bad.
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 08
    PugGrumbles. 10 hr. ago Your Ois gossiping to a 5th grader about another teacher. That's inappropriate, whether you feel comfortable or not. I feel like the mic is irrelevant. 695 Reply Share
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 09
    Curious_Snail_ OP. 5 hr. ago I agree that I acted inappropriately. I didn't think it was gossip in the moment because I was consoling them and explaining his intentions, but i realize my reasoning does not matter. I'm going to have to fix this somehow right?
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 10
    PugGrumbles 4 hr. ago Yeah, most definitely. Start with an apology to the other teacher. Then talk to the student about how it isn't nice to gossip about others and that you understand their feelings and will do what you can at your level to help.
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 11
    DocGerbilzWorld. 9 hr. ago Several ups. When working with a mic, always assume it's turned on. You shouldn't speak ill of your coworkers, especially with students. That's extremely inappropriate and unprofessional. You never owned up or apologized to this teacher. While you may feel the way you feel, you embarrassed this person with how it went out. 203 Reply Share
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 12
    Syntonization1. 13 hr. ago Maybe your embarrassment will serve as a reminder to not talk badly about others, even if it's true. Gossiping is as hurtful to yourself as it is to others 123 Reply Share
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 13
    faberry4eva 9 hr. ago You gossiped to a child? dude that is a major Feel how you want about a coworker but NEVER involve a student even if that student complains about the teacher!! That's the. I don't know how tf you fix this and I'm sorry it happened. Don't let it happen again. Like... ever.
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 14
    Araetha 13 hr. ago Are you seriously should apologize or not? asking if you
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 15
    Oakinthe Mist42 12 hr. ago You should be setting an example of maturity and thoughtfulness. Too many teachers make the mistake of dropping down to the students level to be their friend
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 16
    Glittering-Leather77 - 6 hr. ago What kind of teacher gossips with a 12yo?
    via u/Curious_Snail_
  • 17
    or Sure_Ad75955 hr. ago Wow the morality police are really coming for you... Like they've never up before. I was expecting actual gossip, not reassurance about how another teacher is inconsistent and mean. I think that makes you a confidant. There are better ways to address it, and definitely the teacher himself needs to be talked to about it, but I don't think it was that big of a happens. I think the worse thing was lying to him later instead of being honest and letting him know that yeah, he'
    via u/Curious_Snail_

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

terrible coworkers school students coworkers teacher School of FAIL reddit thread Reddit Terrible Teacher funny gossip
Scroll Down For The Next Article