Inspired by the 'Parents' and 'Teacher' threads

[KarenB]

I am a teacher and a parent. My DSs are now on 10th and 11th grade and I can only say I am very pleased with the education they have received in this district. Sure, some teachers were better than others, but they all had their positive points and treated my children fairly.

On the teacher end, I do get tired of the negative teacher threads. Actually, I don't even open them any more. I go into my job giving 110% everyday and believe me, I am far from perfect. I would be very hurt if I knew someone was writing some of the things I read on this board about me.

Karen

 

[Planogirl]

I don't get ANY underlying feeling that teachers feel that they're better at all! I do think that they have to put up with a lot of nonsense from parents and administrators and that they can get defensive sometimes but who can blame them?

There are actually plenty of parents that seem to look down their noses at teachers and want to be in charge of everything but that's not going to happen. The logical approach is called 'working together' and a parent does their child a disservice when they always seem to be working against the teacher. JMO.

 

[tinatark]

My ds' are in 5th and 6th grades. Last year was horrible for our family, both personally and professionally, so to speak.

Both of dh's grandparents died, in September/Feb - 500 miles away = a week out of school for each - we got ZERO empathy from my ds' 4th grade teacher (at a christian school, she is the wife of a local pastor!)... the school year just went downhill from September. There are many other factors - but I will say this private school requires their teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree - not a teaching degree. This teacher had been an accountant in a former life, had 4 children - came to work there. She was horrible - drill sergeant. The year was so bad that in April and May I was counting down the days! I will admit she understood my frustration !

My older son had a teacher I wasn't sure about at first, she was a little screechy - but he really liked her - she resigned for health reasons in November, they ended up with 6 teachers during the school year. His grades dropped from all A's (from K) to C's.

Needless to say, they've been moved - to another private school, which required more accountability - this school has SACS certification, and licensed teachers. We're much happier where they are now.

BTW - the first week of school, my younger sons' teacher (she's a 13 year teacher) asked about his teacher from last year- said she saw characteristics in him which told her he either had a very lax or a very strict teacher! Wow - intuitive!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Wishingonastar I agree that is a dismal track record. With your attitude about teachers unfortunately that record will continue no teacher will be good enough for you. I have 2 kids youngest is a freshman in college. Never have I met a teacher such as you describe. My oldest is a teacher and certainly does not feel that way!

I would like to say that your assumption here is definately not true. Not true at all.

We are now well into the second grading period here in our school district. Our school year starts early! And, DS is having a good year! He has a teacher who is actually respectful, and puts the children's well being ahead of any 'teachers agenda'. I have not had one single complaint!

Not one!


My thoughts and feelings are the product of my and my DS experiences (as well as many others I know) My experiences are not the product of my thoughts and feelings. I just want to set the record straight.

 

[Daxx]

With your attitude about teachers unfortunately that record will continue no teacher will be good enough for you.

I would like to say that your assumption here is definately not true. Not true at all.

What else can we assume? You call us teacher-gods, proclaim us self-righteous and nosey, among other things.

 

[Kitty 34]

We had one problem with a teacher when my oldest DS was in high school but got it straightened out fairly easily. Otherwise we've always had good luck with teachers. Of course it helps when I know all of them as I have subbed for 20 some years at the school.

 

[llij]

I haven't read all the responses yet, so forgive me if I repeat anything.

I am currently in graduate school working on my Masters in Education. I remember one of my professors telling us that over the course of our children's education 60% of our children's teachers will be wonderful while 40% will be people who should not be working in the field of education. That really surprised me when she said that, but I value her opinion since she worked in the elementary/middle school setting as a teacher for approx. 35 years before she moved up to teaching us! Her point was that she wanted us to be in that 60%. If we don't have the love for working with kids then we should just pack up our textbooks and go home. That really stuck with me and I am so glad that she is so open with her students (us) about the vocation of teaching.

I also want to add that I come from a family of teachers and realize all of the hard work that goes into teaching. I am so grateful for all of the teachers hard work and commitment to doing what they love. I've also been very fortunate that my daughter's have had wonderful experiences with their teachers. I hope that our good fortune in this area continues.

 

[LoveBuzz2]

I haven't read all the responses yet, so forgive me if I repeat anything.

I am currently in graduate school working on my Masters in Education. I remember one of my professors telling us that over the course of our children's education 60% of our children's teachers will be wonderful while 40% will be people who should not be working in the field of education. That really surprised me when she said that, but I value her opinion since she worked in the elementary/middle school setting as a teacher for approx. 35 years before she moved up to teaching us! Her point was that she wanted us to be in that 60%. If we don't have the love for working with kids then we should just pack up our textbooks and go home. That really stuck with me and I am so glad that she is so open with her students (us) about the vocation of teaching.

I just wanted to say I agree with you here, and your professor! My mom, who is also a teacher, has said this exact same thing to me. The teachers I've met who LOVE what they are doing, just shine. You know?