If some parents WRONGLY accuses teachers, do the latter have the right to demand apologies from the former?

Question

Recently heard from a friend that this obnoxious mother of a rude pri sch boy accuses the teacher for keeping his exam papers because she suspected that the teacher picked on him for some obvious reasons. The fact was that this boy has a bad filing system and the exam paper was found sandwiched among his worksheets when he got home. This mother didn't even give a word of apology, and the boy didn't even say that he'd found his exam paper, until the teacher queried him. The teacher was pretty fed up and enquired about demanding an apology from this parent thru the Principal but the latter said that parents are like customers and they could not do such things. I'm sure there are many other teachers out there who are facing such similar issues but seems like Ministry Of Education (SG) isn't doing much about the "How to handle problematic/difficult parents" issue faced by most schools.

Answer 1

The proper thing would be for the parents to apologize. It would set a good example for their son. No one is perfect, and sometimes people say things out of frustration, but a quick, honest apology, goes a long way towards healing wounds. Frankly, I would not want to work for someone who does not support his or her staff.

Answer 2

To make it a offical issue for an apologies involve several legal consideration. Which meant unless the teacher can justify an offence is committed. Or else, the parents can just ignore.

For example. under Section 499 of Penal Code:
Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs, or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person, intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to defame that person.

If the teacher can justify that, he/she can actually bring the parents to court or demand an apology.

But personally I feel that there is nothing the teachers need to do. Students with such parents will definitely grow up to be a spoilt child, ultimately the one whose suffer later on is the parents and the student themselves. Probably this is called retribution.

Answer 3

I guess for me it would depend on who else was present when the parent accused the teacher of picking on his/her child. If it was done in a public arena (like with other kids or parents present), then I would be more insistent on an apology. If it was done in a private setting, i.e., alone with the parent and teacher, then I'd drop it, and write it off as an unpleasant reality of teaching. (There will always be jerks, both parents and teachers.)

Sure the parents are 'customers' especially in a private school reliant on their funding, but there has to be a line where the school supports the teacher in interactions with parents. To be honest, I wouldn't think this situation serious enough for this, but I'd certainly be watchful in the future!

Maybe in future any dealings with this parent should be done with a witness present? Just to protect the teacher??

I think a normal business course (e.g., dealing with difficult customers) would be sensible and appropriate and should be a 'must do' for any school board!

Answer 4

Demanding an insincere apology from an adult is equivalent to sticking out your tongue at them. It's not necessary. Your friend should just know that she doesn't have to put up with any crap from this mother in the future.

Answer 5

In general - Yes.
In reality, accept the resolution and carry on - focusing on the folks who DO appreciate the efforts and super-efforts you make for their kids!