What should I do if my child has a teacher that I don't like?

Question

I've worked in the school system in the past and am familiar with a teacher who I feel is mean to her students. I witnessed her smack her own son (in the mouth) for peeing his pants in first grade, and this teacher asked me to remove a child's books which were peed on because she didn't want to touch them. She has access to gloves as much as I do, but she was pregnant and used that to hide her ignorance to disease processes. I didn't request another teacher at the end of school last year because I have done this in the past with another child and have been told that requests cannot be granted. And, I figured, with 5 teachers in this grade the chances are only 20% that she will be my child's teacher. Well guess what...

So, other parents and teachers, what should I do? Should I wait and give it a chance? I'm not sure anything can be changed at this point (school starts Aug. 14th). Can someone be horrible personally but still be a good teacher?

Answer 1

I've seen it time and time again. People I thought would be dismal failures in the classroom because of MY reaction to their personalities, and then the students loved them. Since your school doesn't take requests, you probably can't do much anyway. I would be vigilant, but don't let on to your child how you feel about the teacher - act as if you don't know anything about her. You don't want to either prejudice your child against her, which could hurt your child, or to make your child uncomfortable about telling you about anything that goes on in the classroom. I agree with you that the fact that she hit her own son was very disturbing, but I think you may be overreacting on the other issue. If the teacher didn't have children of her own yet, most people aren't very comfortable with bodily secretions. Obviously, if reports surface of real potential violence or even verbal abuse against children, you need to say something immediately.

Answer 2

You should remove your child from the class. She probably will be a bad influence on your child. If she happens to be a good teacher but you don't agree with her you child will realize this and possibly become a discipline problem in class. Lets say she is a great teacher but you just do not like her. You should still request a different teacher because if your child has a problem in class how would you feel in a conference with this teacher? Do yourself a favor maybe you can or can not change the class but it is worth trying. You know that your child would be better off with another teacher as you said the only reason you didn't request another is because it was unlikely you would get that teacher. Change teachers she may be fine but it will give you peace of mind and you will be happier.

Answer 3

What happened to the days where you could remove your child from the class and complain and get the problem resolved. It is sad that you can't do this anymore. Our schools are way overcrowded, there is little to no room for switching kids around, fewer good Teachers, etc, and the list goes on. I would go to the Principal and see what can be done. I wouldn't sit around and have my child in a class with a mean Teacher. No I don't think she can be a good Teacher and be this mean and horrible elsewhere. The schools are so desperate to have Teachers they are often willing to put up with a lot more than they usually would.

Answer 4

if you really don't like this teacher, talk to the counseler about it. tell her the past experiences you've seen with this teacher and such. or you can come up with another excuse (my child doesn't know anybody in that class). sometimes your child will be put in a class for a reason. sometimes they do it by how smart kids are (what they do in my school), it's a bad way of doing it, but it's true. if i were you, i would just give it a chance. usually the school system will give a child a week to see if they like their class if you request they be moved. best luck!

Answer 5

She could still be okay. She was probably harder on her own child than she would be on anyone else's. I would probably try to switch classes, but if that isn't possible, how was your relationship when you worked there? Will she remember you as someone who did what she asked, and who tried to get along with her? If your child is going to be in her class, I don't think I would bring up past incidents. I can't see anything good coming of that. Whatever happens, don't talk about her where your child can hear.

Answer 6

Have a chat with the principle and explain what you have just said. Tell him/her that you want your child switched. The school district has a duty to head to the (reasonable) requests of parents. Your request seems quite reasonable. If the principle does not give you the solution you want, go to the district office. Don't wait! Do it now.

Answer 7

Switching Teachers can be done. Complain like no other. Tell them exactly why.... don't be shy about. They may come back with some come backs, but if you feel that is not the teacher for you child... have them switch classes. I know they can do this. bc my mom used to do that for me when I was in grade school.

Answer 8

have you expressed your conernces with the principle or school counselor?

if you cannot really get anywhere from there (which I doubt), then you should have a talk with the teacher herself.

try to be civil and respectful. Tell her that you know she has had incidents in the past and name them. Tell her also you would like to know (before she punishes) your son. so you can meet with her on the subject. This way you both can work on a formal punushment that will help in his development.

Answer 9

keep your feeling to yourself. Children have a way of adjusting if adult leave them alone. If the child has a problem he will come to you. Until then silence is golden. Yes, she can be a good teacher and parent.

Answer 10

Isn´t this child physical abuse in your country? well, in mine it is! why don´t you talk to the principal about the problem? you can avoid other children being tortured by the teacher. if you mind about your child, why don´t you mind about other kids too? I would try to hide a camera with the authorization of the principal and have recordings of her behavior.
don´t do only for your kid. please, do it for every kid.
good luck