Teacher question- need advice

[Stitchfans]

DD is in 7th grade. So far I have been pleased with all her teachers throughout the years except one. (different story done and over with) Anyway this year being in middle school she has a different teacher for each subject. So far all her teachers appear to again be great teachers except for her science teacher.

The problem is the woman spends all her time on the computer. She has the students read their text books, take notes, and sometimes she hands out work sheets. Once in a great while she may hold a lab. DD says if someone is having a problem she will get off the computer long enough to try to help, but isn't much help at all.

I am afraid this will be a wasted year for science for DD. Should I speak up, and if yes, to who? I was heard many parents in the past say that if you complain about a teacher the teacher will often take it out on your child. Is this true? Should I leave well enough alone since DD is doing well in this class?

Another concern is what if she has a problem and no one to turn to?

 

[Serena]

I don't know what to do about that teacher. I'd have her try to make friends with the kid that gets A's in that class.

 

[disney junky]

Here are some suggestions.
If you start with the administration, the situation immediately becomes adversarial.
You can talk to the teacher. Get his or her opinion. Sometimes I'll give an assignment, check out how everyone is doing and then get some work done at my desk...I teach seniors though, so I expect them to be a bit more independent. Until reading this post, I hadn't thought a lot about what the perception might be when I would sit at my desk while students are working. Ask if there will be more "hands on" work for the year.
Talk to guidance. Tell them your concerns. Perhaps there is another class she can transfer to, though you are probably pretty far into the year. I know we just finished the first marking period.
I would hope that the teacher doesn't take it out on your child but there are no guarantees. It would seem that this is the teacher's "style."
I don't think it's a bad idea to get other parents' opinions on this. You could probably even observe the class, but of course what you might see on that day may not be a reflection on what goes on every day.
Otherwise, you can just endure the year and hope your daughter gets as much out of it as she can. Is science a subject that interests her greatly? Keep in mind, you just have your daughter's best interest at heart.

 

[WDWMom]

You could always anonymously write a letter to the principal and ask him/her to observe the teacher without warning. They can do this from outside the classroom if there are windows on the doors. You could also just ask the teacher what her style of teaching is without mentioning the computer. Say something about how DD likes to interact, do labs, and wondering how many there might be. This way you are not accusing her of slacking (which she is) but maybe get her to think your there are other ways to teach. You could also find another teacher to talk to and see what they think. All the teachers know who the slackers are (at least at our middle school they do) and wish parents would speak up.

 

[Iott Family]

Talk about a no win situation. If your DD is doing fine then I would just talk to the other parents and maybe see if a group of you can alternate and sit in on the classes? Maybe that will encourage teacher to stop Dis'ing(HAHA) and teaching. If your DD is having troubles then definitely talk with the teacher first. Maybe ask her what her curriculum is and voice concerns about not enough class discussion and too much textbook/workbook w/o teacher guidance. BUT be careful of putting the teacher on defense because your child will suffer!

 

[Stitchfans]

Thank you. Very good advice here. Still not sure what I will do. Have to think about it some more. Maybe my best bet is to talk to her, but be real careful what I say.

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

You always want to start with the teacher - but, it sounds like this is the teacher's style (as mentioned) and the principal is likely well aware of it. I have this problem with DS's 8th grade science teacher. His counselor wants DS to hang on until the end of the semester. Then, if he is still struggling, they will switch him into another class.

 

[CheshireVal]

If she's doing well in the class, I'd just let it go.

Your daughter will likely encounter several teachers in the next few years (and beyond) that you won't be happy with, but this one sounds harmless.