Requesting not to have a specific teacher???'s

[clh2]

In our school district, we have the option to request our kids to have a teacher that has a specific set of qualities, that would enhance our children's ability to learn. (This is a really short explanation of how this works.)

I have really tried not to "work" the system - although I specifically did request that my DD NOT have 1 specific first grade teacher. I have not requested any specific teacher since that year.

My DD will be in 5th grade next year. All the 5th grade teachers next year will need to be hired, since the current ones are retiring this year.

I have heard through the grapevine that a former neighbor has applied for one of these positions. While we really like this family, and this individual is very nice - I am truly under the impression that her teaching obligations really take a back seat to anything else going on in her life. She taught in 4th grade in our school several years ago, and many parents who I know that had children in her class really felt like that year was a wasted year for them, and much harder for them to "catch up" in the following year.

If I do a letter to the principal, would it be impolite to suggest that I would prefer for my daughter to not have Mrs. X, since we are family friends???

Thanks,
Cheryl

 

[Kallison]

I think that is very appropriate.

 

[TimeforMe]

Being that you are personal friends, I think that is a very good reason to request your child not have her as a teacher. I don't think being "impolite" enters into the equation at all. The principal, being a professional, should not have any reason to question you or mention it to the teacher at all.

Having said that, however, I don't put much stock in other people's opinions of teachers. There are just too many variables that form their opinions and which would not necessarily impact your situation. One of the best teacher experiences my DS ever had (and one of the teachers I liked and admired most) was one a friend of mine pulled her son out of her class mid-year. For her and her son, it was the right decision. For me and mine, she was a dream!

Also, I work in a school system and while I think most teachers are extremely dedicated and truly love their job, they all consider it just that--a job. Why wouldn't teaching take a back seat to anyone's family and/or personal life? It is still, after all, a job.

 

[WDWAurora]

I don't think it's inappropriate at all. I have to think though that maybe being friends is a better "real" reason to not want your child in the class than what you've heard about the teacher, because I was in my mom's best friend's class for 1st grade, and it was tough! I had a hard time not calling her by her first name and it was hard to know how to act appropriately, because things that were ok with her in social settings weren't ok at school, I couldn't get "special" attention since I knew her better and I didn't understand that, etc, etc...

 

[Disney Doll]

A teacher, like any other professional, is great if your kid does wonderfully, but stinks if your kid does lousy. As far as what other people say, I'd ignore it.

But, the personal friends could be an issue, and one that is better avoided, for both parties. I'd write a note saying that you would prefer your child not be in her class because of the personal friendship and the position it could put either of you into.

 

[cats mom]

Sounds like you have the same request form we do - no requests for particular teachers, just teaching styles.

I know at our school if you fill out the official form, the teachers will see it. The note to the principal might be a better option... depending on your principal.

I have had the most luck working with my childs current teacher at least at our school they have a huge say as to the class make-up and teacher assignments.