What would you do if you heard an elementry school teacher refer to someone as"retarded"?

Question

I was answering a question about a women traveling with a new born. An elementary school teacher and mother of two said she was retarded. Is that horrible or what?

would you want her to teach your children.

I thought that was one of those words that was politically incorrect. Especially for someone who is responsible for teaching young children and setting a good exaple

Please read the question carefully.

Answer 1

So, after reading this person's answer, you looked up her profile and found out that she is a teacher? You don't know anything else about her... She gave what seemed to be good advice (which is what we are all on here for). Yes, she could have used a better word, but she didn't. This has nothing to do with her career at all. It was an answer she gave here at yahoo questions and answers. Just to make things clear, some of the people answering your question seem to think this happened in a school setting. I say drop it.

Answer 2

As a mom of a daughter with a mental handicap, I am particularly sensitive to this very politically incorrect term. There have been many times I have simply addressed it by telling the person you find that word offensive. It has been my experience that most people genuinely don't mean any real harm, they just don't think. A school teacher should definately know better. I would have asked that person if they really think that word is appropriate... I have never had the need to get on my soap-box when it comes to the use of that word, but it has started some enlightening conversations.

Answer 3

Well, it definitely could've been said better. But if they could take it back and have it to say again (and you can bet she wants to) she would probably talk about travelling with a newborn as being "ill-advised", or something to that effect. But I think what she meant, hopefully, was that the action, not the person, was retarded.

The word "retarded" is no longer a commonplace word in my vocabulary, of course. Developmentally Disabled has replaced it over the years, but I still hear it (and worse) used often enough by others.

But, this teacher must have some promise if she's been hired to teach children, and I doubt that she calls the kids such names (again, hopefully).

Answer 4

I would expect better behavior and a little more sensitivity out of a school teacher. Was this woman older? If so, you should realize that people used to use that term all the time. Nobody really thought much about it. However, atleast in the case of which of you speak, I think it was very inappropriate. Also, not that this has to do with what you're speaking of, but I think we've gotten too soft and politically correct in this country. Everybody constantly worries about hurting each others feelings. There are times - not that this is one of them - when people deserve to have their feelings hurt. I'm afraid that if we don't wake up soon and recapture some of the backbone we used to have, we are going to be lost. Thanks.

Answer 5

You are absolutely correct in saying that her choice of words was incorrect. She's a teacher and should know better than to use such words around impressionable children. There is no reason for an "educated" individual to say that word. There isn't anyone .. no, ANYone out there who deserves to be called that. It was, in my opinion, rude and very uncalled for.

Answer 6

I think you are overreacting. The world is a very harsh and rude place, filled with people who say many mean things, and shielding children from every possible offensive thing simply leaves them unprepared to deal with the real world when you are no longer there for them.

Answer 7

Was she referring to this person as a 'retard' in class or in conversation? If she was saying it with in an adult conversation then there is no need to report her to the authorities, but if this was during class, in front of the children, then yes, the principal needs to be told.

Answer 8

As someone who works in an elementary school, that is NOT exceptable! Teacher's should be examples of good character, not someone who puts down other's!

Answer 9

Speak to the teacher. She may not realize how she sounds. If she's the type who constantly uses words like this, speak to the principal. I certainly would not want her teaching my kids.

Answer 10

You need to talk to the teacher and ask her. Tell her you were concerned and wanted to be sure of what you heard. If she did do that she will watch her vocabulary next time. If she didn't then maybe someone misunderstood her or didn't hear right.