2007-01-20 06:54:23 · 12 answers · asked by alicia T 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
First thing to do is go to the teacher and express your concern *calmly* and without blame. Remember that any anger that you create between you and then teacher will ultimately be directed at your son, so you have to stay in a rational place. In addition to expressing your concern, ask the teacher what your son's part is in the all this-- it has been my experience that although a child NEVER deserves a dressing-down from a teacher, children who are disruptive in class, etc are often targets more often. Without blaming your child (and certainly we are not trying to create "good little children" here), perhaps your son is bored and there are other ways that can be found to engage him in a more positive manner. Let the teacher know that you haven't spoken to the Principal about it YET because you are hoping that the three of you could work it out between yourselves before that was necessary.
If it seems that there is no cause other that a really nasty teacher, try both the principal and your son's counselor. Making the principal aware of the situation may affect the teacher's behavior, while making the counselor aware may provide a safe place for your son to go when he feels he has been upset in class. Be sure your son knows that he can go to the counselor's office as well. This will provide a safe, supportive network for him within the administration so that all teachers/adults don't get lumped into the "bad people" category.
Lastly, if those don't work, you can request that your son be transferred to a different teacher or even a different school. Sometimes it's possible to arrange that just one class be taken at a different school to avoid having him be completely up-rooted from his social circle.
Good luck!
2007-01-20 07:09:14 · answer #1 · answered by Lucid Dreamer 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your son is being verbally abused by his math teach then you need to advise the principal immediately
However, right now you need to verify that the verbal abuse is actually happening. Presumably you're not with him in math class and children often tell lies about things like this to deflect from the fact that they have difficulties understanding the subject, doing homewok etc. You need to independently investigate this matter immediately ...taking action on your son's word alone could cost you.
Step 1: Meet with the teacher to see what's going on. Tell him your child is extremely unhappy in the class and you need to get to the bottom of it.
Step 2: Sit down and help you child with math homework every single night. Make sure he's prepared going into each and every lesson so that he understands what's going on. He'll be more confident in class as a reult.
Step 3: If you're unhappy with the teacher's response to you, or you don't notice an improvement in your child, then consult the principal. There's no need to involve the police.
2007-01-20 09:43:31 · answer #2 · answered by jackiemm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I figured out a math problem differently and easier than she did, and because I did not solve the problem like her [even though i have the correct answer], she starts screaming at me and telling me I have an attitude problem. She has been constantly harassing me and treating me horrible ever since.
I went to guidance, the principal, the assistant pricipible, and the supertintendent and they all did NOTHING. Even after my math teacher grabbed my friend by the arm 4 times, with witnesses, they refused to fire her b/c it is hard to find math teachers these days.
I'm going to the Board of Education next month, and you should too. And if not, get the News in there. If the Board of Education doesn't work for me, that's my next step too.
Good Luck!
2007-01-20 07:08:20 · answer #3 · answered by kelsey 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Speak to the teacher first in a non-confrontational manner. Call and ask for an appointment. Say something like, "My son has been feeling uncomfortable in his math class, and he is having trouble concentrating on his math. What can we do?" Or "Is my son's behavior or work causing a problem in math class?" Try to stick to "I", "we", "my son" and not start with "You". You can do a lot to defuse the situation by giving the teacher a better feeling about your son. This is generally a much better approach than blaming, accusing, or immediately going over the teacher's head. I am not trying to say that I think the situation is your son's fault, but I am saying that you are more likely to get the result you want with this approach. It gives the teacher a chance to save face and to change his/her behavior.
If you are not satisfied with the result, then it's time to speak with the principal. Try to adopt the same tone. "Can you help me with a problem my son is having in his math class. He feels that he is being belittled by his teacher. I made an appointment with the teacher and we discussed this matter, but the problem still exists. I am concerned that this will affect my son's ability to learn his math."
This may sound like you are not sticking up for your son, but you ARE working in his best interest by going about things in a way that should have the result you want. You want the teacher and administrator to WANT to help you, and you don't want to be perceived as a trouble-maker -- even if you are not the trouble-maker in this situation. Decide what you want. Do you want them to know you mean business, or do you want to make things better for your son? YOU'll know you mean business, but they don't have to know it.
I'm speaking from two points of view. I'm the mom of three boys, one of whom was disliked by his math teacher from the day he went to class with his fingernails painted black. And I'm a high school biology teacher.
2007-01-20 07:16:22 · answer #4 · answered by ecolink 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If possible go to class with him, not just one day. Does his teacher know you? If not, go as a visitor...make sure your child doesn't give you away...take a small recorder with you. You never know what he may say. Better yet if your child is old enough send him with a small pocket recorder. If a teacher is verbally abusive he/she should not be a teacher.
2007-01-20 21:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by momzilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is between you and the teacher, the police. However, if it is between his teacher and him then you need to skip the principal/vice principal and go straight to the board of education. You should be able to find those numbers in your local phone book. They will make sure that she stops...theres even a possibility that she will probably get fired as long as the teacher didn't just discipline your child in her jurisdiction and you didn't like it. Then you wouldn't get anywhere.
2007-01-20 06:59:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would go straight to the Superintendent of Schools. This is a horrible thing to do to a child. And, here in California, you have the right to sit in the class room and observe if want to. It may be allowed in your are as well. If you can, I would do it, every day. And let the other parents know what is going on. This jerk needs to be fired!
2007-01-20 07:02:14 · answer #7 · answered by It All Matters.~☺♥ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It has been a few years ago, but I simply went to the teacher and explained how he would behave toward my child in the future. Note that I said "explained", as opposed to asked.
2007-01-20 07:04:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to the principal.
or straight to the teacher himself.
2007-01-20 06:57:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
GO UP TO YOUR SON'S TEACHER WITH A HAND GUN AND ASK HIM/HER NICELY IF HE/SHE COULD PLEASE STOP THE VERBAL ABUSE!! BUT MAKE SURE THE TEACHER SEES THE GUN!! IT SHOULD WORK!!
2007-01-20 07:03:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋