Would you report teacher?

Question

Quick history, my stepson has lived with us for 5 years. He's about to turn 13yrs. His mother is disfunctional, no support from her. He has quite the rep here with us in school. Talks back...typical 13 yr old (Not that we allow it). Lets just say, he's had a hard time. Couple weeks ago, we are at his Allstar baseball game. I am standing behind 5 people along the fence on the first base line. His coaches are yelling to him to move back (playing left field). He didn't hear them. Them a women standing in front of me (about 10 feet) starts yelling for him to move back also. After she yells at him, she says to the people around her, "That kid doesn't listen, he doesn't listen in school either." I thought I'd flip my lid! It ended up that this was his reading teacher from 3 years ago. After the game, I introduced myself as his mother. I told her I heard what she said about him. I told her that my son has enough problems. Don't hurt my kid. Should I report her to the school system? Thanks!

I told her, that he has a rough enough time as it is. I don't need her making it any worse for him. I don't know who these people where that she said it too. He has a rep already on his own. She doesn't know what he has been through. But the thing that made it worse is that she got in face while I held myself togther. I didn't appreciate it one bit, but I stood my ground. I figured I would let it go, but she has her own rep in the community that isn't very nice. She is suppose to help children, not hurt them.

Answer 1

Absolutely! If you feel that your son has been harmed by her trying to help him, report her. Did you meet with the teacher when your son had her 3 years ago? What did you talk about at the parent/teacher conferance? If your son is having problems at school you may have to find others beside yourself to blame!

Answer 2

Because of violence perpetrated by children (8-18) in the public school system (shooting, stabbing etc.) and the fact that your step-son does have a reputation for not listening and doing as he pleases, I doubt that anything will be done to the teacher in the form of reprimand. The next teacher meeting may be telling the teachers to not make comments about students in public.

Chances of anyone knowing this was a teacher in the general crowd are pretty low. Parent participation generally happens only at sporting events. On the average only 11% of parents are involved in their child's education. And then only when the kids get in trouble. Sad.

It was a school athletic function and emotions run high at those games, been there done that. I've been in the stands and I can't begin to tell you what other parents say about the kids who don't listen to the coach at games. It's not repeatable. Her comment was lame in comparison.

If she was his reading teacher from three years ago, and he is 13 now, let it go. He is in his teen years and chances are, he's much worse, and it won't get better, until you get him in anger management counseling sessions. I've worked in the school system and have seen children with that type of temperament, they disrupt the class, scare other kids and make the learning experience for others a painful one.

Answer 3

You can but I do not think it will do much good, I had a lot of trouble with my son like that and went all the way to the top, but it did no good, also had bully troubles and got no help there either. I finally went to the superintendent and told him that I have given my son permission to defend himself because the school cannot do it for him, and that if it came to that I would expect the school to let him off with no repercussions just the kids who have bullied him mercilessly for all these years. Now that my son is older, he is the defender of little kids who are having to deal with the same stuff he did. I am very proud of him and he is no longer bullied.But, the school was useless. My son will graduate may 2007, and For all the pain and suffering he has gone thru, it has made him a strong, compassionate, caring person. I hope someday that he will work with troubled youth and help them get those trying years in school. Good Luck with your boy, they are worth everything you have to go through..don't give up on him!!! =)

Answer 4

I think you did exactly right by confronting her and sticking up for your child. Because this didn't happen at school and she isn't currently your child's teacher this is really a personal matter and not something that should be brought up to her principal..unless it happens again or you hear of her bad mouthing another student.

At this point you've done what is right; you've stood up for your child and let the offender know you won't tolerate their behavior. Remember, teachers are people too; you get all kinds of personalities and moral values in your teachers.

Maybe before next year starts you should consider conferencing with your son's soon to be teachers. I would write down what you would like to know from them and let them know a little about him personally. Later, if they happen to go through a rough patch with him they will feel freer to directly involve the parent right away instead of waiting it out and getting frustrated with the situation which is later (inappropriately) vented at a public baseball game.

P.S. I admire you for sticking up for your stepson the way you have, there should be more step-parents out there like you. Good job!

P.P.S Ask your son's teachers about an Individual Education Plan aka IEP. Maybe he needs his own schedule, own working area, and own incentives to make school happier and easier for him. I would also meet with the child psychologist to see if she/he would mind working with your son about what's happening with his mother.

Answer 5

NO, it didn't happen at school.

Although she shouldn't of said that.. at least she now knows that you heard her.


Maybe this will be a good time for you to talk to your son, and make it open his eyes about what is being said about him in public.

Maybe he will try to listen a little better.

I dont' think it hurt your kid,,because he wouldn't of heard it unless maybe you talked about it in front of him,, if he were on the field.

Good luck, and it will be better on you if you just let it go, and not let one person ruin your summer.
Although, I would request that he not ever be put in her classroom, because she doesn't sound like the teachers I know.
How uncouth!

Answer 6

I think I would go to the principal and request he be put in another class and tell her/him why. It's important for him that he have a teacher who can teach to children with his special needs. Obviously this one can't. At his age, he needs all the encouragement he can get. You are his most important advocate between him and the school system. If you have to, make a pest of yourself to make Sure he gets a fair shake. Go to the school board if necessary. Remember, you pay their salary.

I had a "maniacal" boy, and I found it helpful to stay involved with the school at the volunteer level. That way, all the administration knew me. They knew I was a hard worker, that I was on their side in their ultimate goal (education), but they also knew I would tell them if I felt something was wrong.

Answer 7

I would definitly report her. What she did was totally irresponsible. She "poisoned the water" by making this statement to the parents around her. It was totally irresponsible and immature of her to do that. She was probably seeking some sort of acknowledgement from others that she knows whats going on.
Definitly report her. Go to a school board meeting, and bring it up in front of several people. That way it is harder to sweep under the rug.

Answer 8

Teachers can add to children's problems. While most teachers are very compassionate, and good, a teacher with that attitude can be harmful to your son, as well as others.

With that attitude, and the fact she discussed your son with people who should not have been included in any such discussion, indicates this teacher SHOULD be reported. If for no other reason, she should not be working with 'at risk' students!

Answer 9

teacher are soooo cruel at times. I as a teacher myself I would report her...teacher a lot of the times add too the problems of troubled kids. I work with a kid in a school setting..and i see how some teachers treat kids who have issues at home...or they are poor...it is really awful that these ppl are employed by schools, and that they are there for our children. its a disgrace to our educational system

Answer 10

Teachers are not allowed to discuss student with anyone who is not directly related to that child's education. I don't know if I'd go all the way to report her, but I would contact her again and let her know it was unprofessional and disappointing and explain you're not going to report her, but she needs to watch it in the future. Hopefully, it'll scare some sense into the woman.