I love my DD's teacher!

[aprincessmom]

Last night we had curriculum night and I got to meet DD's teacher for the first time (they're only on their 3rd week back to school so it's early in the year for us).

Anyway, she's retiring this year after 33 years in our school system and "untold other years in systems to long ago to be remembered". Apparently a number of parents asked that their children be removed from her class because they were concerned she wouldn't "get the job done" and would be working "with one foot out the door" (these were direct quotes from parents prior to the start of the school year). She assured us that this is an extra special year for her, she finds herself savoring each minute because for many of these minutes it is the last time she'll get to experience them as a teacher. As she said "Tonight is my last curriculum night...tomorrow will be a new experience. It will be my last 'day after curriculum night'." I thought was a particularly graceful way to bring up an uncomfortable subject.

But that wasn't what got me in her corner...although I must admit her grace and humor under fire is an enormous plus! It was this...

She began talking about homework...the importance of it and how this year the focus is on literacy and "reading to learn" instead of "learning to read". She then said "This class is filled with marvelous writers. I received a number of terrific spelling sentences and very detailed stories about camping. But I am of the opinion that most of you have already mastered 3rd grade spelling and composition...it would be helpful to your children if you allow them to master it as well."

You should have seen the red faces around the room!!! I wanted to stand up and cheer because my daughter came home dejected last week after discovering that some children read stories outloud that were obviously not their own. She felt like her story was inadequate and wasn't sure if her teacher had realized that the children didn't write them. She was also confused as to why parents felt they needed to do their kid's homework...as she told me "after all mum, this is 3rd grade...we need to have some responsibility now!"

I told her I was sure her teacher realized it and that she would probably talk to the parents rather than embarrass the children. And she did! Again with grace and humor but, boy, that message was loud and clear.

I love my DD's teacher!!! She is awesome!

 

[snoopy]

LOL! I love that teacher too!

We had a similar experience in Luke's second grade class, but with art projects. I think all of the other parents in Luke's class expected him to have elaborate projects, since I'm an artist, and were really surprised to see second grade work. I understood this when I took a look at some of the projects that these "second graders" did. Woodworking that was so detailed, obviously done by an experienced carpenter. Sewing so perfect, it had to be at the hands of a seamstress. And so on and so on. God love this teacher, he just put a stop to it by sending the whole mess home and telling the parents they got one more chance to let their kid do it, or he'd fail the kid AND the parent.

He too was an experienced teacher, there is nothing quite like someone who has been around the bend a few times and knows all the tricks of the trade.

 

[aprincessmom]

God love this teacher, he just put a stop to it by sending the whole mess home and telling the parents they got one more chance to let their kid do it, or he'd fail the kid AND the parent.

I love it!!!!

 

[debster812]

YAY!! for great teachers!

We are having some transitional issues with DS into 2nd grade, and I have to tell you, his teacher (she is a 17 year vet) has been nothing but supportive, caring, and all around wonderful.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

That's great! I hope I can spend my last year (in what, 2019?) as gracefully. DD#1 had a last-year teacher for 5th grade and she did, indeed, have "one foot out the door". During the last week of school DD#1 brought home 9 issues of "time for kids"--some from the winter--she said "these are issues of time for kids that Mrs. H____ forgot to pass out"!!
DH always laughs at conference time when we see the art projects on display. One parent in particular does an awesome job with her kids' projects!
Robin M.

 

[NMAmy]

What a great teacher! Your child is very lucky to be there for her last year.

DD had a teacher who was on her last year for kindergarten. She was an incredible woman and gave my daughter a great love of school and learning. AND she was a big Disney lover! When I took dd to DL during school, she sent a letter with us from the class for dd to give to Mickey. Mickey sent a letter and pictures back for the class. I didn't even know you could do that.

 

[Crankyshank]

It sounds like your DD is going to have a great year