Mistreated by teacher

[Goofyluver]

I totally agree. I think what we see and what we feel depends on where in the country we are. Where I live Black on white racism is much worse then white on black. It may definitely be different elsewhere. It's sad that it has to exsist at all.

Oh, we are agreeing now!!!!!!! I agree. It is sad that racism has to exist at all. I do feel uncomfortable with those that bring race into situations where maybe it is not so warranted.

 

[Bob Slydell]

For fear of stating the obvious, the OP is in Pennsylvania, not Mississippi.

 

[VSL]

Reverse racism IS VERY ALIVE and VERY WELL!

What on earth is 'reverse racism'?

If one race being discriminating towards another is 'racism', then what is 'reverse racism'?

 

[Crankyshank]

What on earth is 'reverse racism'?

If one race being discriminating towards another is 'racism', then what is 'reverse racism'?

Reverse racism refers to African Americans holding racist attitudes towards Caucasians.

 

[JadenLayne]

I actually didn't know where the OP was, didn't look. I could just relate because of where I live the same thing happens.

Reverse racism, once I think about it does sound horrible because racism is racism regardless.

But here it is a term used for black on white racism which is really bad where I live. I've never really thought about how it sounds until now. It's a term used here just as often as "dude" or "awesome."

Racism is racism though regardless.

 

[Jennasis]

Hold on there...Your daughter called out an answer differing from the rest of the class and when ASKED by the teacher to explain WHY she chose that answer...your daughter clams up and says "nevermind". Heck yeah I'd be peeved to as a teacher. Don't bother offering up an opinion or answer in class unless you are prepared to back up WHY you picked that answer.

Your daughter should've stood her ground and defended her answer (right or wrong...then she could've learned why she was wrong if she was).

I bet your daughter was simply embarassed to be called out in front of the class and is making the teacher out to be a harpy.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

What about a small tape recorder and have your DD record the way she is being talked to. Of course if the meeting doesn't do any good.

You may want to be careful about that. It's illegal to tape someone without their knowledge. You might get yourself in trouble.

 

[Hannathy]

Your paying $20,000 a year for the Math teacher to teach Math not boost your DD's self esteem! I wish all teachers would stick to the subject matter. And by the way in Math there are right and wrong answers. I see nothing wrong with asking her to defend and explain her answer and if the student refused I would be annoyed she was taking up class time disagreeing and then not sharing her reasoning. Your DD is getting older and needs to learn to state and defend her ideas or she is going to have a very hard time in High School.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Your paying $20,000 a year for the Math teacher to teach Math not boost your DD's self esteem! I wish all teachers would stick to the subject matter. And by the way in Math there are right and wrong answers. I see nothing wrong with asking her to defend and explain her answer and if the student refused I would be annoyed she was taking up class time disagreeing and then not sharing her reasoning. Your DD is getting older and needs to learn to state and defend her ideas or she is going to have a very hard time in High School.

I have to agree with you there.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Your daughter should've stood her ground and defended her answer (right or wrong...then she could've learned why she was wrong if she was).

Bolding added by me One of the best ways to learn (and therefore, teach) is by figuring out your mistakes.

 

[missypie]

Your paying $20,000 a year for the Math teacher to teach Math not boost your DD's self esteem! I wish all teachers would stick to the subject matter. And by the way in Math there are right and wrong answers. I see nothing wrong with asking her to defend and explain her answer and if the student refused I would be annoyed she was taking up class time disagreeing and then not sharing her reasoning. Your DD is getting older and needs to learn to state and defend her ideas or she is going to have a very hard time in High School.

11 years old is sort of a tough age....in between the sweet hugginess of elementary school and the down to business nature of classes in high school. (Don't know if she's in 5th or 6th grade.) Lots of 5th and 6th grade teachers decide that those are the grades to make them "grow up" and are intentionally tough on them. It's kind of jarring for the child to make the transition.

 

[LetsgoDisney!]

When I was a senior in high school (so a few years older than your DD) I had a chemistry teacher who acted the same way you are describing- I had to have surgery and was out for a period of time. When I went into the office to pick up my assignments, he said- OOHH it's you- am I gonna catch something???” I sucked it up, called him an A$$ under my breath and kept going. When I finally was allowed to go back school, I raised my hand to answer a question- He pointed at me and said in the meanest voice I think I've ever heard "You answer it but I don't remember your name cause you're never here". I was so embarrassed that I too just said never mind. I never raised or participated in another thing in his class. When a person of authority intentionally or otherwise belittles a student, I think it should be strongly dealt with. IMHO if any teacher can't encourage participation and learning in a caring environment then it's time they leave the profession. And being able to handle things in law school is a little different than elementary school. OP- good luck and give your DD a hug from me- I know how she feels. She will get passed this but good for you for standing up with her.

 

[missypie]

I had a couple of teachers in elementary school who were violent men with real anger problems and, probably, personality disorders. Because of this, I've never been one to tell my kids "the teacher is always right." My kids know that teachers are human and that I will stand up for them when I feel appropriate (which isn't always when they deem appropriate.)

 

[Bichon Barb]

11 years old is sort of a tough age....in between the sweet hugginess of elementary school and the down to business nature of classes in high school. (Don't know if she's in 5th or 6th grade.) Lots of 5th and 6th grade teachers decide that those are the grades to make them "grow up" and are intentionally tough on them. It's kind of jarring for the child to make the transition.

As the mom of an 11 year old and a 13 year old, I call 11 and 12 the "Napoleon Dynamite Years". Everything is "GOSH!" and "That's so STUPID!" and "WHATEVER I FEEL LIKE!" and lots of eye rolling.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Hold on there...Your daughter called out an answer differing from the rest of the class and when ASKED by the teacher to explain WHY she chose that answer...your daughter clams up and says "nevermind". Heck yeah I'd be peeved to as a teacher. Don't bother offering up an opinion or answer in class unless you are prepared to back up WHY you picked that answer.

Your daughter should've stood her ground and defended her answer (right or wrong...then she could've learned why she was wrong if she was).

I bet your daughter was simply embarassed to be called out in front of the class and is making the teacher out to be a harpy.

well said

 

[missypie]

The teacher may very well be a harpy. But it is pretty hard to replace a math teacher this late in the year with someone competent to teach math. You don't want them to have a sub who doesn't know the subject matter; maybe they could coax someone out of retirement, but it would be hard.

 

[BuckNaked]

I might have had an "el cheapo" private school education, but it's always been my experience in any class that if you are not going to answer the question, or pose another relevant question, you don't speak up. Especially in math class where you had to justify your answer on the board in front of the class

Same here, except I was in public school.

 

[milkabum]

I would talk to someone who can do something about this. It sounds horrible.

 

[poohandwendy]

I am confused, is this an 'incredible private school' or a school with 'on going problems' that have been going on all year?

I think your DD is telling you what she wants you to hear and that they teacher will have an entirely different take on your DDs classroom attitude and performance.

 

[RitaZ.]

Your daughter should've stood her ground and defended her answer (right or wrong...then she could've learned why she was wrong if she was).

Oh, please!

The kid is 11 years old! Many adults have difficulty being assertive when the situation calls for it. You see it in real life and even here on the DIS every single day.

To the OP, get both sides of the issue. The teacher's tone may have been nasty, maybe not. Your DD was clearly embarrassed that her answer differed from her classmates'. Kids this age just want to blend in with the rest, it's a tough time.

Just keep working with your DD on building her confidence. Like I said, it's a tough age.