Thursday, December 28, 2006
Difficult Third Grade Teacher
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am dealing with a third grade teacher who from day one was very defensive, short and had no time.Her comments to my child and to the class were they were all acting like babies, first graders and on and on. She would add comments to test scores like "Poor work" when the work was of a B average. Anything to insult and degrade on a daily basis. What can I do ?
D.T.
*** *** ***
Dear D.T.
The first thing I'd want to know is where you're getting your information from. I'm guessing your child is bringing it home to you. How much of this is based on your experience as opposed to that of other kids? If you or your child is directly affected by this teacher's words and actions, it will be easier to react.
I'm also guessing you've tried to speak with this teacher, judging by your comments that she was defensive, short and had no time. If so, the next step would be contacting the building principal with your concerns. As I tell everyone, three things are most important: the specific behaviors this teacher shows (not your adjectives), what you've already tried and how the situation is affecting your child. If the principal is a strong leader he or she will discuss this issue with the teacher fairly and firmly, and may invite you to be part of that discussion.
If you think back on it and realize you haven't done everything possible to address your concerns with the teacher, it would be a good idea to schedule a meeting and use the same steps I suggested in the last paragraph. Then if things don't work, take the next step up.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
I am dealing with a third grade teacher who from day one was very defensive, short and had no time.Her comments to my child and to the class were they were all acting like babies, first graders and on and on. She would add comments to test scores like "Poor work" when the work was of a B average. Anything to insult and degrade on a daily basis. What can I do ?
D.T.
*** *** ***
Dear D.T.
The first thing I'd want to know is where you're getting your information from. I'm guessing your child is bringing it home to you. How much of this is based on your experience as opposed to that of other kids? If you or your child is directly affected by this teacher's words and actions, it will be easier to react.
I'm also guessing you've tried to speak with this teacher, judging by your comments that she was defensive, short and had no time. If so, the next step would be contacting the building principal with your concerns. As I tell everyone, three things are most important: the specific behaviors this teacher shows (not your adjectives), what you've already tried and how the situation is affecting your child. If the principal is a strong leader he or she will discuss this issue with the teacher fairly and firmly, and may invite you to be part of that discussion.
If you think back on it and realize you haven't done everything possible to address your concerns with the teacher, it would be a good idea to schedule a meeting and use the same steps I suggested in the last paragraph. Then if things don't work, take the next step up.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 7:03 AM
