Inspired by the 'Parents' and 'Teacher' threads

[debster812]

I guess we've been really lucky. DS was in a large Day Care center for 2 years of pre-school and one year of Private Kindergarten. He's in 3rd Grade now, and so far we've been VERY pleased with all his teachers.

His First Grade teacher was an abolute joy, took the time to get to know how he learned, and really helped him succeed.

His Second Grade teacher was a little more no-nonsense, but still very warm, caring, and really helped him grow both academically and personally. His maturity really came along by leaps and bounds last year.

His Third Grade teacher is someone who I personally don't care for, but so far she has proven to be another wonderful teacher, who is really helping DS learn and grow. Because he has been so happy this year, and is learning a lot, my opinion of her is indeed changing.

I read all the posts here and wonder how so many kids can have so many horrible teachers? Trust me, I know they're out there, but it doesn't seem like many of us are pleased with our kids' teachers.

I'm here to say, that so far, our experience has been GREAT, and we have been nothing short of thrilled and pleased with DS's education, and the environment at our elementary school.

To all our teachers--keep up the good work! I could never in a million years do your job, and I am greatful to you.

 

[Planogirl]

We've had almost all good teachers too and those that weren't so good at least tried. We only had one that was questionable but it was her first year so we cut her a lot of slack.

I think that some people are way too critical. There are certainly bad teachers out there but some people seem to think that just about all of them are bad. Ummm, no.

 

[jennyl772003]

I think sometimes the bad teachers are really more of *my kid is perfect so the teacher is wrong* mentality.

My son is in 2nd grade, this is his fifth year in public school. There have been some teachers that got on my nerves a little, but they were all GREAT teachers! The one *I* disliked the most was my son's favorite teacher.

 

[mickeyboat]

This is my children's second year of school, and so far all four teachers have been great. I am not a teacher, so I would never venture to be critical of a teaher's style or performance, as long as my children are progressing as they should and seem happy about attending school. I am pleased as punch about their education so far.

Denae

 

[NMAmy]

Over the years, the majority of dd's teachers have been wonderful. She did have a couple who I wasn't too fond of but the majority were so caring and helpful and I really appreciate everything they did for her.

One teacher I had a particular problem with would assign a huge project to be completed over EVERY break from school. Since dd was back and forth between my house and her dad's during the holidays, it meant that every moment she was with me would be spent working on this project--her dad refused to assist. When I talked to the teacher about it, she told me if I wasn't divorced, it wouldn't be a problem. HUH? Surely other parents went on vacations, visited family, etc, during the breaks?

The previous year, she had a wonderful woman who just bent over backwards to make sure dd (who was a huge worrywart) had her home phone number so when she'd freak out about something, we could call the teacher who would reassure dd that her mom knew what she was talking about.

 

[Marseeya]

My kids have had some really wonderful teachers and only one or two bad ones. The bad ones have been doozies -- and I think that's it right there. One bad teacher can ruin a kid's whole year, and that year can be a huge setback for a kid.

My DD has been lucky so far with her teachers, but the "bad" ones my DS has had really just weren't equipped to handle his needs. They probably would have been A-OK with a neurotypical child; just not him.

 

[SC Minnie]

DD has always had good teachers. Her 4th grade teacher was tough and no nonsense but DD liked and succeeded in her class. I could not be a teacher and appreciate very much those people that are.

 

[luvmydogs]

My ds10 is in 4th grade, and had three years of preschool before that. I can honestly say that we've never had a bad experience with a teacher. Now, I thought his 3rd grade teacher had the personality of a wet dishrag, but she was a *wonderful* educator, and ds learned tons--all that matters to me!

Ds has always been told that unless it is an *extreme* circumstance, we will always back up the teacher--we are a team and work together. In trouble at school = in trouble for it at home. We've never had a problem or an instance to complain; and teachers have my utmost respect for what and whom they deal with on a daily basis.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

My older son had a couple of real doozies through the years. His Kindergarten teacher was a waste of classroom space. His third Grade Teacher was 1 year away from retirement and they should have done everybody a huge favor and just retired her. His 6th grade teacher was a 22 year old new graduate living with her Parents. Everytime I was in the classroom, instruction seemed to consist of her sitting in a corner with the other 12 year old girls, telling them about her Date the night before or her latest crush.

When he hit middle school he got this funky new age Ex-Nun who burned incense in her classroom for a class called Social Issues or something like that. We had some HUGE problems with her.....we had huge problems with him also that year.....and she was not an appropriate person to be around him at that time.

I honestly suspect she had a bit of a crush on him. They day we pulled him from Public School and put him into Private school, she wrote her phone number on his hand in black marker with the message

"If you ever need to talk, give me a call .... Mary."

But to be fair, he also had some really excellent teachers.

My Middle son was in Public School grades 1 through 4 and he had great teachers. He had an IEP for his hearing disability and the school always worked hard to get him into a top notch classroom. He is in a Private Christian School this year. I honestly don't like his main teacher this year very much personality wise, but my kid really really likes the guy. He does seem to do a good job teaching though.

 

[froglady]

I've had 17 years of teachers for my children, DD is a senior in college, DS is in 7th grade.

I've liked some teachers better than others; a couple of the "best" (ie, DD and DS learned and retained the most) were not teachers that I cared for personally, nor did I particularly like their teaching style, but they got RESULTS. Tough? YES. Rude? Often. Are my children better students because of them? DEFINITELY!

So far they haven't had a really bad teacher, and even the mediocre ones haven't caused any permanent damage.

 

[disykat]

14 years of teachers for my kids - not including preschool. I can think of three I wasn't crazy about. Two were nice ladies, but just not the greatest at teaching. One was too interested in forwarding her career (she was doing a principal internship and teaching at the same time) and not very interested in the kids or their feelings. While those years weren't great like some of the other years - the kid's still learned what they needed to.

This year is the first year I've had a huge issue with a teacher - one of my 7th grader's teachers. I've got to hand it to her, she is a good teacher and my son likes her. However, she made a comment to me at open house about my son's health issues that still makes my blood boil every time I think about it. She didn't want my son in her class and I actually fought to keep him in there, because academically it's where he's supposed to be. Even after our rough start, she's obviously doing her job -my son likes her and is learning a lot in her class.

While I expect their overall education to be good, I don't expect every teacher to be my idea of wonderful. My kids have mostly terrific teachers that have impressed me tremendously.

 

[LoveBuzz2]

We have been fortunate with 4 great teachers for my DS.

I had to edit. It was just too long of a story! Have a great weekend everyone..

 

[crs7568]

My daughters have had some teachers who were better than others but I honestly think that many parents are quick to look to find fault in the teachers. Some parents scrutinize every word that teachers say to their children.

 

[golfgal]

With the three kids, DS13 in 8th grade and the twins is 5th grade we have had 3 teachers that I consider "bad" teachers. One of the teachers simply does not belong in a classroom, she has no control over the class, doesn't know her subject-if kids ask questions her reply is "it's in the book" an moves on. I was subbing for an aide in her room for a week and was horrified by her lack of knowledge and skills. The other two were just poor teachers. They were totally unorganized, the kids pretty much did what they wanted, when they wanted. They at least knew their subject matter (math and English) but just couldn't get their act together. All of my comments are based on first hand knowledge of their teaching skills not comments from my kids or other parents. Other then these three teachers, all the rest of them have been WONDERFUL!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I know that I might sometimes come off here as 'teacher-bashing'. Even a few times where I was really not 'bashing' at all. I do feel that teaching children is a very wonderful, and very demanding, profession. And, for that I give KUDOS to most teachers!!!

However, My DS is 7. Already he has had two teachers with whom I had serious enough concerns to go to the administrators and to pull him out of their class. (One in pre-school, and one in public school) And, one teacher who this was her first year teaching, and it was just simply not up-to-par.

At only seven years old, that is a dismal track record.

And, I did want to mention one other thing... Almost every teacher that I encounter. The definate majority. Even including DS teachers who were good teachers... Well, I find a definate underlying feeling of 'we are teachers.. we can do no wrong.. we have all the 'rights' because we are educators, we are in control.. and parents are lousy.'

If what I see and hear and read in public is any indication, I simply do not want to hear the parent-bashing that must go on in the teachers lounge????

I have to reiterate Marseeya's comments...
These are little children. One 'bad' teacher can equal an entire year of suffering and devastation, and academic set-back. My DS has experienced this first hand.

edited to add:
My sister had a First Grade teacher that was so bad (I think she was finally fired) that it really affected her, and continues to affect her. She refuses to send her kids to school. She homeschools. So, sometimes it is sad but true that teachers can have a lasting effect on their students lives.

 

[Teacher03]

I know that I might sometimes come off here as 'teacher-bashing'. Even a few times where I was really not 'bashing' at all. I do feel that teaching children is a very wonderful, and very demanding, profession. And, for that I give KUDOS to most teachers!!!

However, My DS is 7. Already he has had two teachers with whom I had serious enough concerns to go to the administrators and to pull him out of their class. (One in pre-school, and one in public school) And, one teacher who this was her first year teaching, and it was just simply not up-to-par.

At only seven years old, that is a dismal track record.

And, I did want to mention one other thing... Almost every teacher that I encounter. The definate majority. Even including DS teachers who were good teachers... Well, I find a definate underlying feeling of 'we are teachers.. we can do no wrong.. we have all the 'rights' because we are educators, we are in control.. and parents are lousy.'

If what I see and hear and read in public is any indication, I simply do not want to hear the parent-bashing that must go on in the teachers lounge????

I have to reiterate Marseeya's comments...
These are little children. One 'bad' teacher can equal an entire year of suffering and devastation, and academic set-back. My DS has experienced this first hand.

edited to add:
My sister had a First Grade teacher that was so bad (I think she was finally fired) that it really affected her, and continues to affect her. She refuses to send her kids to school. She homeschools. So, sometimes it is sad but true that teachers can have a lasting effect on their students lives.

I am a teacher, so I always feel the need to defend teachers. However, I do agree that teachers can have a lifelong effect on students, both negative and positive.
We all have teachers that we will never forget, either because they inspired us or because they demeaned us. I believe most (not all) teachers try their best to inspire students.

I don't know about other teachers' lounges, but where I teach, we do not "parent bash." Do we complain at times, yes, but we give the same respect to parents that we would like them to give us.

I hope your son has better teachers in the future! I know how frustrating a bad one can be. I have three children, the oldest two are in college, and the youngest is a sophomore in high school. For the first time in my kids' education, I had to go to the school last year and complain about how a teacher was treating my daughter. (Unfortunately with little results, but that is a whole other story!)


A LITTLE OVER A YEAR TO OUR ALL GIRLS TRIP TO WDW!

 

[mum4jenn]

My dd has had WONDERFUL teachers each year. They all have different teaching styles and ways of doing things but dd has grown and learned so much. I am so thankful we have such a great school system as well as such wonderful teachers.

 

[sue1013]

At only seven years old, that is a dismal track record.

And, I did want to mention one other thing... Almost every teacher that I encounter. The definate majority. Even including DS teachers who were good teachers... Well, I find a definate underlying feeling of 'we are teachers.. we can do no wrong.. we have all the 'rights' because we are educators, we are in control.. and parents are lousy.'


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!

 

[Microcell]

When he hit middle school he got this funky new age Ex-Nun who burned incense in her classroom for a class called Social Issues or something like that. We had some HUGE problems with her.....we had huge problems with him also that year.....and she was not an appropriate person to be around him at that time.

I honestly suspect she had a bit of a crush on him. They day we pulled him from Public School and put him into Private school, she wrote her phone number on his hand in black marker with the message

"If you ever need to talk, give me a call .... Mary."

I would have been so mad!!

As far as this thread, I think there is a fine line between people who don't parent enough and teachers who parent too much.I think I have had good teachers and when I get the "You can't do it, so I will parent your kid" attitude, I make sure they know they will have my support on behavioral issues because I am interested in nuturing my kids and making sure they are a positive contribution to society, but I expect to be part of the punishment if needed.

Sometimes communication is needed to clarify things. Some of you might know about my question a month or so ago about my Dd7 writing a declaration of love to a boy on the bathroom wall. Well, after our own punishment that weekend, the school came up with thiers, and it included having to be "escorted to the bathroom by a buddy" and it had no criteria for when it ended. I was annoyed, because DD did confess and it was a first offense.

Well, I called and asked when the end date was, thinking the whole time that they were trying to humuliate her, and I found out that the Principal added that because while talking to DD, she looked near tears the whole time and she feared that when she told DD to "go with the group to the restroom" that she might wet her pants for fear of not being allowed to go without the group. All that time I thought one thing, when she was looking out for DD!

In other words some problems might be miscommunication. That and a sense of entitlement on both sides!

 

[aprilgail2]

I loved my daughters preschool teachers and I loved her kindergarten teacher. She has a teacher now that I like but not one I would have picked for her to have simply because she is pregnant which means that in Jan she leaves and my daughter get a substitute...not an idea I am to keen on....but my only other choice was another first grade teacher that just had a baby and is out until Jan and the 3rd teacher just had a baby during the summer and they were not sure when she was returning when it was time to give out the teachers....now if we talk school nurse or lunchroom ladies...then I can complain LOL!!