what to do about a mean special education teacher?

Question

ok I'm not in the special education classes but at my high school we have 4 special education teachers and three of them are awesome, but there is the other one who is really mean and rude to the kids in her room. I understand that being a special education teacher can be difficult and it can be frustrating dealing with some of the kids but any kind of teaching can be like that. Anyway the other teacher out of teh four that teachs teh special needs kids is really mean and rude to the kids in her classroom, I see it and I hear that way she talks to them and shes not just that way with those kids, shes like that with other kids in the building even if they aren't doing anything wrong. Should I say something to the principal or someone on the school board? or what should I do? I know its probably none of my buisness but I don't like to see these kids being put down upon by a teacher who is supposed to be helping them, its bad enough that they are teased by the other kids

Answer 1

Hats off to someone giving a rat's fanny about someone other than themselves...

I've been both a student, and a special ed instructor, and am now a parent... so my opinion is probably not as useful. :)

If you think something is up, talk it over with your parents, or that favorite teacher that you can trust.

Teachers should be professional, regardless of how much their day sucks. As for those that will say that its none of your business, I disagree. It has already impacted your educational experience, and is therefore your business.

Sounds like Ms. X could use a change of profession, or medication.

I am not saying that teachers should be Happy McFunshine all of the time, but teaching IS a service profession, and Special Ed is a particularly tough gig- if it isn't for you, get out.

On the practical side, if you plan to raise a stink, make sure that your behavior sets you up as a legitimate source. Take some notes on what happened when and where, along with witnesses.

There is also the flip slide... here's a radical idea (not for the wussy or faint of heart):

Develop a relationship with this person and explore how you can positively impact her day.

Answer 2

The kids are very lucky to have you as their teacher. The reason why the General education teachers treat Special education teachers like 2nd class citizens because they view Special education students as "A waste of time and money." As a former Special education student I had the pleasure of being told that by an teacher of my when I was in school. I'm also willing to bet that the school board that you work for generally does not support Special education, "Do they?" The reason why I asked was because about a year and a half ago the Hampton, VA, city council had cut funding for Special education. The reason for the cut was the viewed it as an "Inappropriate use of funding." This is after they decided to fund the building of another shopping center that the city is not expected to make any profit on until the year 2032. Nice people. Their attitudes changed after I stepped forward and threated to get the U.S. Department of Education involved if they did go through with the cut. Give me you e-mail address because I did a research paper on this very same subject this past autumn and I will be more than happy to e-mail this paper to you, if you like. You can show these General edication teachers exactly what a Special education student has the potential of doing. Little to say both President Bush and the Secretary Department of Education caught wind of how some states were treating their Special education students. I guess, me faxing this research paper straight to their office helped to.

Answer 3

I am a parent of a special needs child he is 15teen and a very smart child,but needs some what help I also use to be a teacher at a elem,,school,,Believe me if you see any thing this teacher should not be doing yes report her,Tell another Teacher someone you can trust,If they don't believe you tell them to record her,,,There's no need of anyone being rude or mean to any child,,,get enough children and all of you go to the Principal don't stop..you may be the one to help another child that this teacher is being mean to also,,if she is doing this in class,what is she doing behind others back,,,
hope this will help you,,,

Answer 4

I sympathize with your situation... for all the good teachers there are out there, there are also bad ones (unfortuantly). And especially since this particular teacher works with special ed students, it is even more tragic. Please inform your principal or another trusted teacher... they have a right to know and it IS your business... in fact, ANY one who abuses another person, even if it is "only" emotional abuse, needs to be reported. Please take action and don't feel bad about doing so... I'm sure her students, as well as other kids at your school (and the faculty) will appreciate your actions and admire your courage. Good luck! :O)

Answer 5

I would tape her teaching methods and turn them over to the superintendent of schools to have her investigated. This bypasses the principle in case there is some type of favoritism. The superintendent would be better able to determine if she is within the guidelines with her teaching methods. You are to be commended for your concern to the needs of others.

Answer 6

If those kids have an IEP they deserve better, report her to the school board or the prinicipal, at least try to make it known the way she is treating the students she is supposed to be helping.

Answer 7

Talk to the teacher and explain how you feel. Also, mention that many students feel the same way. See if that works and if not I suggest to go to the principle.

Answer 8

Report this to the principal but submit your complaint anonymously so that the teacher in question doesnt know who said something because she could cause problems for you.

Answer 9

i am like u trust me u should go tell the pricaple and shell get fired like my teacher did i went to the princal and told her that she screams and dosent let ppl do anything so go tell rgith now