+ Should I Request For A New Teacher For My Son +?

Question

About a month ago my son's kindergarten teacher resigned.
And so the teachers aid took on the job until they hired a new teacher. January 2nd was her first day. and off the back I disliked her because when I tried introducing myself. She looked me up and down and walked away. The teachers aid noticed that and came up to talk to me and told me how my son was doing in school. ( I look like I'm 17 but I'm not )
The second day after school I tried talking to her again but It was the same thing besides this time she actually said Hi.
I was ready to pull my son out of this class and get him a new teacher but my husband talked me out of it. He told me that we should keep him in there because my son loved the teachers aid.
This week I found out that the new teacher fired the teachers aid and brought in a new one. Well now my son is scared and doesn't want to go to school. He also has a disability so It was hard to even get him in the first place to go to school.

Answer 1

From a professional standpoint, the new teacher is a jerk, and incredibly unprofessional.

Now that that's out of the way... I suggest that you email the principal and ask what's going on in there. Include how you were treated and/or approached by the new teacher and see what he/she advises you to do.

Answer 2

If your son loved the teacher, it would be an entirely different situation, as I would recommend putting aside your person feelings for the teacher for your son's benefit.

However, since it doesn't sound like he likes the teacher and in fact is scared of her, I would suspect that even if you kept him in class he would be getting little or no benefit. Changing schools or classrooms *can* be stressful, but in this specific situation it sounds like the benefits far outweigh any negative ramifications that might occur.

Do consider that the principal of the school will likely ask why you want to switch teachers (if going to another class at the same school) and you will need to decide how you are going to respond.

Another thing to consider is pulling him entirely and re-enrolling him next year. If he's young enough that he'll still be within the average kindergarten age next year, it might be a valid option, as it would remove him from the situation, give him a chance to recover from it, and allow him a fresh start next year. If he's an older student, this may not be a valid option if you don't want him to be a year older than everyone in the class, but I can tell you that I was the oldest in my class, as my birthday is just a month before the cut-off date, and I never had any issues with it - but it's certainly something to consider.

Answer 3

I can understand your feeling of wanting to pull him. I can also understand how you are feeling about this teaacher right about now. However, please try to give it more time. Depending on your school's own policy, you may not have "enough to go on" to even warrant a change and it will just be a messy paper in his file. Also, the school year is really half over and unless there is real trouble, it would be very confusing for him now to be moved, so you may want to stick it out. It has only been a few weeks...give her a little time to find her footing in the classroom and just be watchful for any escalation in her attitude. Unfortunately, a lot of your children's teachers may not like you and that is OK...as long as it does NOT transfer to your child. As you are being ever-watchful, write down things that truly stand out as innappropriate or unfair to your child so that if you do need to request a change, you are ready to provide factual reasons. Unfortunately, just looking at a parent the wrong way (even several times) is not good enough to warrant a move and unless you can provide "real" reasons why your son is now scared -and these are reasons that will not repeat in a different class- it will be a very rough road. That said, even if you can provide this stuff, it may be very difficult to move him mid-year.
Hope things get better.
Take Care.

Answer 4

The first thing I would do is ask for a meeting with the teacher and the principal and the school counselor IN WRITING. I don't know about where you are, but here in West Virginia it's called a Student Assistance Team meeting and when you request one in writing they have to respond within 48 hours. I would go to the meeting with a written list of concerns and documentation from your son's doctor as to his disability if it isnt' already in his record. From there I would see how the meeting went and if it is really a problem, you have to put your son first and his well being. Good Luck.

Answer 5

It sounds hard but I truly wouldn't pull your son, not yet at least. In life we have to get along with all kinds of people; some teachers will be fabulous and some won't be, and you can't go switching your kid's class every time the teacher annoys you. I'd stick it out, remaining your child's advocate of course to make sure he is getting all he needs at school. don't be intimidated by this new teacher.

Answer 6

I would definately change teachers! A different teacher can make a whole world of difference in a childs learning and well being. I have 4 children and have noticed the different ways the teachers impact their lives. Don't let this teacher corrupt your child.

Answer 7

I'd say give her a little more time, then talk to one of her superiors as well as her about your son. Make her talk to you, make her give you the respect you deserve by looking you in the eye and letting her know you are there to stay and will be aware of what is going on. Ask your son, but dont color his judgement. Kids are very perceptive. Let your son decide if he likes her or not. She may be just not very good with adults, but fine with the kids. Give it a bit more time.

Answer 8

My daughter had difficulties with a teacher in the 6th grade, but she stayed; just as well learn that we sometimes we have to deal with difficult people that are our authority figure. In your case however, I would because of the age and disability, definately talk to the principal or somebody about having him transfered to another classroom.

Answer 9

I think you answered this for yourself. If YOU aren't comfortable with the teacher - your son won't be. Sometimes you just have to go with your heart.

Answer 10

I myself would change techers you and your child should both enjoy the school years