Really rude teacher today in my daughters 3rd grade class, told them they were the "worst kids ever"

Question

I was there at the end of the day to assist in closing activities, a special teacher came in to read a story to the students in the last hour and 3 of the classmates were out of hand, talking and not listening. Every other child in the class was attentive and quiet. At the end of the story the teacher stood up and announced to the entire class that they were,

"the worst class and worst kids she had ever read a story to."

then walked out. Half of the class burst into tears and the other half just looked crestfallen. I really feel the need to talk to someone above this teacher about HER reprehensible behavior towards an entire class, when really her comments, which were out of line, should have been made to the teacher and then discussed with the few "troublemakers" in the group in a more constructive manner. Any opinions.

Answer 1

Anyone who interacts with children should know that they are role models. Children learn a lot from the way others act. It seems like this special teacher should have addressed these 3 students, and should have done so when their behavior problems were taking place. Kids need to know when they're doing something wrong immediately. If no one tells them, they'll never learn. As a teacher, I only have had to discuss inappropriate behavior with the whole class, when it actually has been pretty much the entire class at fault. But never, would I ever use such negative words to address any child. The saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" only goes so far with young kids. Most kids, especially when they know they haven't done anything wrong, will really let such negative words affect them. I would think about mentioning this to the classroom teacher you were helping out. Perhaps, he/she or someone needs to monitor what's going on in the classroom a little bit more, espcially when a guest comes in to do something like read a story.

Answer 2

I would speak to the principal about this as soon as possible. Children should not be treated like that and certainly not at school. If the principal does not take the matter seriously then speak to an administrator in the school district. Two points though before you speak to them...1. be able to clearly explain why the behavior of the teacher was unacceptable and 2. exactly what you would like done about it. If you do not already know those two points in a way you can calmly and clearly express then some administrations will brush it off and consider you to simply be a hysterical mom.

Answer 3

Wow. I'm amazed at your restraint. I'm thinking I'd have followed her out of the classroom right then.

Aside from the obvious inappropriateness of such behavior, the reaction you witnessed from the children should tell you that you MUST report her. The class teacher needs to be notified because other parents will undoubtedly contact her when a few children tell them about what happened, but more importantly the principal needs to be notified.

I don't know if the principal has authority over this teacher; if not, go to the district. It is worth the effort to prevent her from demoralizing another classroom full of small children.

Thank you for being a good parent, and wanting to do the right thing. I wish you were my daughter's class mom.

Answer 4

If this is the way this teacher acts when there is a parent in the classroom, can you imagine how she is when there's no other adult in the room? I would call the principal and tell him everything. Let him know that you expect him to talk with her about the appropriate way to speak to children and how to handle problems in the classroom. I would also suggest to the principal that she should apologize to the children for upsetting them. That would be the responsible thing to do. Ask that he contact you as to the outcome of the conversation with the special teacher. Also, I would talk with the teacher to let her know how upsetting it was to the class. She can try to make sure that teacher isn't invited to her class anymore. You're a good parent helping in the classroom. That class needs an adult to take up for them. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Yes, I think that was a little too strong for that teacher to lump the entire class into that statement when only a few kids were actually disrupting everything. But why ask us, you were there and follow what you feel is right! You saw the reactions of the kids to what she said. Go over the teacher's head to someone at the top, and get to the bottom of this! Your gut feelings are trying to tell you something!

Answer 6

Boy if half the class burst into tears they must be one really sorry lot of kids. I can remember teachers telling us how "bad' we were in class...if some of us misbehaved, no one every cried and I certainly don't remember anyone being "crestfallen". That's how life is in a classroom setting. You can't pin point one or two children or you will loose control of the entire class. Maybe YOU could do the job better? Why aren't YOU the teacher then?

Answer 7

I would definitely tell the principle about this. This is something that needs to handled by an upper hand at the school. Teachers can not talk like that to children, it is very hard on their self esteem and can reflect negatively on them for a while. I would suggest that the teacher would have to come back in to the class and apolgize to the whole class and ask to speak to the individuals that were acting up and have them apologize to her.

Answer 8

You should contact your child's teacher or the principal ASAP! That was totally uncalled for and should not be tolerated. I volunteer at my children's schools and one time I had a problem with one teacher, I told my son's teacher about the problem and my son's teacher took care of it. We adults can walk away, speak up or do whatever we choose in these situations, but sadly the kids need adults to care enough to speak up for them. Please speak to the principal about this situation. Who does that teacher think she is to hurt the children's feelings with her rude, ignorant comments! Do you really want your tax dollars being spent on some nasty teacher that spoke to your child's class that way? Not only was she referring to the class but by saying that comment it was also said to your daughter as well! I would be outraged if someone spoke to my kids that way because I know my children are very good children and their teachers comment about how well mannered they are. How does she treat kids when there are no adult around? I normally don't get so ticked off about things easily but after reading your post I'm just ticked that any person especially a teacher would be so nasty to children!

Answer 9

Yep, find her superiors and have a nice long chat. Make sure they know you actually witnessed this behavior.

In the teacher's defense, parents who don't "parent" at home can make for some interesting actions on the part of those "parentless" children. Every kid knows of someone in their class who used to burst into song, expose themselves, eat glue, etc. And teachers deal with it every day.

Hopefully she's a good teacher, and a lecture from a superior will serve as a wake-up call. She needs to back away, take a breath, and maybe have a bit of a vacation. If this won't fix her negativity, then she needs to change her profession.

Answer 10

There is a proper way to talk to children of any age. It is supposed to be speech that the children understand and supposed to be positive. This teacher had no right speaking to the children that way. According to the Early Childhood Care and Education for Families class I took in college there is a right way to speak to the children and if a teacher can't abide by that then that teacher should not be with small children. If the teacher was in my sons class I would take measures to report her for her comment, I don't know about you but I don't want anybody talking to my child that way, especially knowing that there are guidelines that the teachers should follow.