Why does one student's parent only come to observe me during Math?

Question

I am a first year second grade teacher. The father of one of my TAG students pops in randomly during the year to observe. At the beginning of the year he told me he runs his own business, so I assume he's got a pretty open schedule.

Anyway, he only comes to observe me when I am teaching math toward the end of the day. Why is this? Is he concerned that his child is not getting adequate math instruction? I don't know how to ask without sounding rude.

Answer 1

Why on earth is this guy allowed to come and "observe" you. Do you go down to where he works and slap the corndog out of his hand. I'd talk to my supervisor about that. If they do not see anything wrong with parents coming to observe how the classroom operates, I'd move schools. Its not a parent's place to observe what type of job the teacher is doing. This is why you have supervisors. If he has a problem with the way you teach, he should take it up with your employer, not sit down in your class and become a disruption for all the students. I'd get him out, he has no place there.

Answer 2

It's hard being a new anything! I have found that usually it is easier to ask a pleasant question than to continue to feel "yucky". Let's face it - most folks are all about themselves, and the true answers often have less to do with us than we like to admit. How about finding an opportunity to say to him nicely, "I notice that you are usually here during math. Are you happy with how your child is being taught, or do you have some suggestion as to how I could do better?" You may find that the reason he is there during math is simple - scheduling or coincidence. If not, you have given him the courtesy of an opening to being involved in his child's life! As a teacher - you know that an involved parent is a good thing! Even if he has a suggestion, and you don't like it - you can thank him for giving it, and say that you will think about what he has said, and leave the door open for future communication. Good luck!

Answer 3

There could be a number of reasons:

Just because he owns his own business doesn't mean his schedule is his to choose. He may have meeting earlier in the day.
Maybe he's there then since he also has to pick up the child and its more convenient to be there then (you would probably know the answer to that since you would see if he does).
Maybe he is more concerned about the child's math skills than any other area of study (that was my big weakness throughout my schooling).

As far as asking goes, don't hit it directly. Go about it from the side. Ask what he thinks of what he sees. Since he only really sees the math, he will have to give you an opinion on that (unless he's going to lie to you).

Answer 4

Has he told you WHY he is doing this? Have you asked him?
Did he ask ahead of time for permission to do this, or did he just show up?
You could ask other teachers how they would handle this.
If he has a problem and this is why he's observing, he should be telling you about this and try to solve the problem with you instead of spying.
What are the written school policies about parent observations? Does it state they can come in for no reason, anytime they want? Find out what the policy is and follow it.
If the parent has a problem with that, tell him to take it up with the principal because you are just following the school policy.
OH, and show him the policy in writing.

Answer 5

Just ask him straightforward.

If he is a business person he will probably appreciate the directness.

I bet the explanation is something "innocent" rather than concern about your math teaching.

If your school system allows it, ask him if he would be willing to talk about how math is used in business - you may have to help him prepare the lesson to ensure it is age appropriate.

Answer 6

either he is interested in the math being taught, or this is the best time for him to attend.. while chatting with him, ask him if math is his favorite subject...