Math Teacher Problem?

Question

I am an 8th grade Math student, and my teacher is not doing her job. My teacher has a history of being a poor teacher. She goes over things once, and leaves out steps, and when we ask her to do them again she rolls her eyes, and fusses at us, and says "Maybe if you payed attention you would know what your doing." She is very rude, and expects us to understand the first time. My brother's bestfriend's sister had her, she was an A+ student, and failed her class because of her poor teaching. My brother's friend switched classes, for his parents didn't want any trouble with her. Parents have complained about this many times. My mother is aware of the situation, and is concerned for our education. She won't be fired because iti is hard to find a replacement math teacher. This isn't a case where students don't understand so they complain and whine it's also the parents, even my History teacher says it's b/s. So how can we handle this, for I am afraid I will fail math this year.

Answer 1

I had a similar situation happen to me (many years ago) when I was in 8th grade history. Mrs Robecheaux, I believe, was her name. She was horrible...she rarely went over stuff...and she ridiculed some students that wasn't part of the "in crowd" (like me) by making smart a$$ comments about them. My grades began to suffer...so I eventually complained to another teacher...but I was laughed out of her office. I went to my coach...who (understandibly) told me there was nothing he could do..but I could go to the principal and ask for a transfer to another teacher (this school was a big Junior High school). I talked to my parents and they complained to the Principal..who actually sat in her class everyday for the remainder of the school year MAKING sure she did her job. Amazingly, she did a better job teaching all of us..and the smart alec comments went away! I end up passing the class, with a B average. (I went on to take AP History course in High School and College).

Complain to your parents...if not..go directly to your principal...explain the situation to him/her....you may just be surprised. (it also helps if you have a few of your friends in your class write a note...individually...detailling all the things she does or doesn't do).

There is nothing worse than having a teacher like this...you deserve better...good luck to you and everyone else in that classroom.

Answer 2

1. Yell at your history teacher for being unprofessional and making that kind of comment about their colleague.

2. Parents/students put together a polite letter of the issues you have with the teacher and ask for the adminstrator to take steps.

3. If you see no change then complain to the school board.

The problem is that the adminstrator probably already knows of the problem and is working through the procedure to get rid of the teacher. However, because union laws, contracts the principal does not have to / may be barred against disclosing what they are doing to get this teacher to do their job better. Also this process takes about 2 years because teachers have to be given the chance to improve and have their performance reviewed on a regular basis.

Answer 3

As a teacher, this is where I see the problem with tenure. Hopefully she was once a good teacher.

Some ideas....
Have your parents talk with the teacher, explain your frustration. If that goes nowhere.....
Parents can go to the principal, then superintendent of schools, then school board. If people complain enough, they will do something about it instead of being embarassed. Be sure you have examples.

I wish that students complaints would be taken seriously but usually adults tend to ignore them. I think students are the only ones who really understand when a teacher isn't doing their job.

Answer 4

Browse the book stores until you find a book that makes the math topic you are studying right now seem doable.

Work with a buddy.

Work ahead of what you are doing in class so when Miss does it, much of what miss says would be familiar.

Practice using the examples in the text. Study the examples first, then try them without looking at the steps. Do this over and over until there are no errors made. Next try the exercise at the end of the chapter.

Take responsibility for your progress and dont depend on miss to do that.

Practice practice practice until you get it perfect.


Remember, miss is only a guide (on the side), and not a sage (on the stage). Dont give her the power to demoralise you.


You can do it...soooooooo, GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 5

Speaking as a Math Professional, you are not a wimp if you get the math in your home language. I have many English as a Second Language students in my class and I have found that if I can translate it in their language it helps. Try it you might be surprised. Another thing is 7th grade math is a lot different than your elementary math because you have to learn more steps and formulas. Keep on trying. I am impressed that you even asked this question.

Answer 6

If you can't do anything to change the situation with the teacher you have, then you should get outside tutoring. If you don't learn the concepts she is supposed to be teaching you now, you will not understand things in your future Math classes. A tutor can help you to understand the material so you can pass the class, and move on with the knowledge you need for your future. If your parents can't afford a tutor try your local library or High School to see if they have tutoring available, or can recommend a place to go. Good luck!

Answer 7

Ask your parents to contact the principal and superintendent with specific info about WHY you feel she is a poor teacher. If nothing is done, get yourself a math tutor (another teacher may be willing to work with you, a high school student could help, or a retired teacher in your area.... ask around and get some help.) I know a friend who did this and it made all the difference in the world for her.

Answer 8

try looking in your math book at how it says to do the things you have questions about. If you still have trouble go to the principal and tell him if you history teacher agrees with you ask him to come with your or to email the principal. maybe you could even go to the superintendent and see what you can do. And maybe you can give her a very bad rating on the teacher rating day if she is a bad teacher then your class should agree. I am in 8Th grade algebra one and so i am taking some supposedly high school classes and my math teacher was hard to get used to, if yours is as bad as she sounds then you shouldn't have to get used to her. Ask you parents if you can get a tutor

Answer 9

ok... i've to admit someting. i've actually screamed at a teacher because of something like this.. once i asked the teacher to repeat and she sscolded me stupid and not paying attention. i got mad, stood up and shouted at the teacher.. - yo woman, i'm the one paying the school fees here. and i'm the one who will be failing in you class and therefore i'll also be the one who is going to complain about your rude comments about me just new. unfortunately for you, i've recorded the whole part of you calling me names and i'm going to write in to the press about you. - the next month, she quited her job

Answer 10

Have you and your parents at least requested the school or district to evaluate the teacher and her teaching methods? I would fill out the proper paperwork and have the school do this.