I need some reader assistance

I work for a contract organization that supplies Music Teachers like myself students and we get a contracted rate that is a portion of the overall rate. I receive one check monthly for lessons taught the month prior. I don't deal with billing or any of that administrative stuff, all I need to do is log the lessons I teach into their website.

Having said that, their process for advising teachers of potential students is put the bare basics out in an email to the teachers on that instrument list in that area. The deal being first come first serve and once you commit, you pretty much have to have a valid and good reason for not taking the kid on.

I took on a sibling set for piano back in November. I say "took them on" meaning I agreed to give them the intro lesson that enables that parent to meet the teacher and make sure there is a bond.

I contacted the parent within 48 hours of the inquiry being sent to me and made arrangements for the lessons for the boys. I had to completely re-arrange my schedule to accommodate the initial lesson. I provided the mother with my contact information if something were to come up between this call and the initial lesson. I was not impressed with the parent at all. She seemed lukewarm at best. She was not reacting to any of the usual things that I say that make parents smile and feel good about their choice. She seemed detached and not interested.

Not knowing her from Adam, I overlooked it. Who knows what kind of day she had or what was happening in her life at that point.

I arrive on the day agreed upon a few minutes early. My test run had heavier traffic than it did the night that I actually went so I got there early. I waited in the car until the time agreed on, and rang the bell.

There were cars in the drive, lights on in the house and noise from a TV or some audio device coming from somewhere in the interior. Yet no one answered the door. I waited about 5 minutes and rang the bell again, this time listening to make sure I heard the bell ring - and yes there it is. Another 5 minutes goes by and it's cold and I was starting to notice. I ring the bell one last time and knock on the door. Still nothing. I give it up and leave.

Not really thrilled at being stood up, I figured she changed her mind or some emergency came up an she forgot to call.

I try to call on the way home, rings and no answer. I try every other day a total of 3 times - ring no answer. I call the director of the group I work for and report my situation. They decide to compensate me anyway - which is nice, but not why I called.

I called because I needed them to know that I made good on my end of the deal. And this family seems to suddenly be MIA. Director didn't seem terribly concerned other than for my personal time - again really nice guy, super to work with. So we discuss this business and some others and move on. I sort of forgot about it what with the Holidays coming.

Then I get this email last week:

Contessa,

Back in November you were assigned to a student by the name of Student 1. As we were following up with the students and assignments where any status was unclear, an email was sent to the Student Parents. Student 1's parent sent me an email with the impression that you had not showed up for Student 1's lesson and that the cell phone number she had listed for you was disconnected. In the time that you have been teaching with us, we have been very happy with your performance and responsibility, so it was hard for us to believe that the situation had occurred exactly as Student's Parent had observed. Please know that we are happy with your teaching for us and we suspect there was unfortunately some form of miscommunication between you and the Student Parent's at some point regarding the time and details of the lesson.

To be brief, she is still interested in lessons for Student 1 and I have listed her number below if you are still available to teach him. If you are unable to take him at this point, please let me know as soon as possible so I can assign him to another teacher.

Dear Rep,

Now, this email gives me the option of an out. But I respond mostly because I am upset at the implications this parent made.


This upsets me. I advised Director within 48 hours while we were talking about another situation and he had actually mentioned that he would see about getting me payment for going there and having no one show up.

My cell phone has not changed ever. it was and has been 516-555-1212. I gave her that and my home number which is also listed in the phone book and 411.,

I'm disturbed about this because I mentioned it to Director immediately after it happened. I had re-arranged my entire schedule to accommodate Student Parent's kids for the initial lesson back in November 14 at 6PM . No one was home when I got there however I was a few minutes early - I waited on the front porch, ringing the bell for 15 minutes. It appeared that people were home but no one came to the door or answered the phone when I called. Each time I tried to call thereafter ( 11/15, 11/19 and 11/20) was met with a Ring no answer on there part.

The number that I had for her is 631-123-4567.

I would be happy to arrange for another date with her, but I she was luke warm about this/me to start with on the phone. I'm not sure I am the person who should be teaching her kids, but I would be willing to try it if you guys think it's the best thing for the client.

Please advise how you would like me to proceed.

Best Regards,

The Contessa

And the reply that I got back was

Contessa,

I am sorry I forgot to mention in the email, but I had spoken with Director before sending the email regarding the conversation you had had with Director. He related the story of you going over there and the student being a no show. We were obviously surprised by the email we receive from Ms. Student Parent. You will be compensated for your time. It seems that Ms. Student Parent is still interested and I sincerely appreciate your willingness to proceed for lessons. I wanted to relate Ms. Student Parent's comments so that you had some idea of where she would be coming from when you spoke with her. Please know that we are extremely grateful for your flexibility and patience and we are happy to have you as a teacher.

Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep


See my problem is, I am unsure if I should even agree to continue on this path with this client. I don't usually question my gut instinct on a parent. I also don't usually put my feelings for a parent ahead of the need of the child. But do I really want the head-ache that is already presenting itself and I am not even the child's official teacher? what will happen if I have to re-schedule due to illness or work ? One needs a certain relationship to be developed with the parents for things like that to happen on both sides, but I don't see that happening already.

So my fair education minded friends - I need you to read this and help me in my plight.

My gut says - run like hell from this one and don't look back, but I don't want to ruin my reputation with this company either - I get a lot of business from them and they get a lot from me.

Thoughts?