What do you think (school related)

[Cinderella94]

The fact that the principal's first reaction was to move the boy out of the class makes me think that there is already an existing problem with this teacher and they can't touch him

 

[lajones81]

Hmm...they're not. I'm concerned about any child who is being hit by his teacher. My son says kids tell him to stop all the time. Honestly, the first time he hit my son my son blurted out, "What the hell?!" I mean, it really startled him. He said the teacher just laughed.

I just asked him if today was any different. He said no. In fact when Mr. X yelled something in class today, a student said "cut it out, man, that's stupid" and Mr. X replied, "Your face is stupid."

Besides, I would think a teacher would automatically assume students did not want to be hit in the head from behind. Maybe it's just me.

As a teacher, I am particularly dishearted by everything the OP is reporting, but especially the above comment.

 

[RitaZ.]

There are so many things wrong with the teacher's behavior. The man's behavior is alarming and out of control. He should not be in a classroom. Imagine going to work to be hit and insulted by your boss or a co-worker. How many people would put up with that? Why should students have to put up with that?

OP, you did the right thing. In minor situations, I believe in giving a rational teacher an opportunity to tell his or her side of the story. However, this man isn't rational. Who knows how he would react if you confronted him. In this case, let the principal get to the bottom of it. Good luck!

 

[Rora]

I just asked him if today was any different. He said no. In fact when Mr. X yelled something in class today, a student said "cut it out, man, that's stupid" and Mr. X replied, "Your face is stupid."

Whoa. Mr. X is waaay out of line. I hope the principal takes action here- his behavior is interrupting the students' learning. Ridiculous.

OP- I would opt to have your son moved to a different class. Even if the principal takes action against Mr. X, his behavior might not change, and even worse, he could take it out on his students.

If all else fails, rally the parents of this class. I'm sure they aren't pleased either.

EDIT: I'm a 3rd grade teacher.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I am so surprised at how many people seem so quick to defend the actions of this teacher. Both his words and actions are abusive and controlling behaviors. Even down to the startling the kids. That is a form of abuse.

Just because this guy is a teacher doesn't mean it's not possible that he could have an abusive and controlling nature. An abuser can be anybody. ANYBODY.

The principal may want to avoid a confrontation with this teacher, therefore he's taking the easy way out by trying to move the OP's son to a different class. Why should the son be "punished" by being moved from a class he doesn't want to be moved from, while this teacher is allowed to continue abusing the other students?

OP, it's very early in the year, so it's going to be a really long year for these kids if this teacher isn't stopped. Kudos to you for standing up for your son AND the other students as well. I hope you stick with it! Our kids are worth it!!!

 

[a1tinkfans]

The fact that the principal's first reaction was to move the boy out of the class makes me think that there is already an existing problem with this teacher and they can't touch him..either because of a disability (Tourettes was the first thing that popped into my head), union, or tenure. I don't know what I would do about the other students, but my kid would be out of that class, and I would want a full explanation as to what was being done about this teacher.

Is he a good teacher otherwise?

 

[AlaskaMOM]

I don't know how it could be a problem getting rid of this teacher - he is breaking the law everytime he touches a student in an inappropriate manner.

BATTERY
Battery is a crime and also the basis for a lawsuit as a civil wrong if there is damage. A battery is any:

Willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another; or
Actual, intentional and unlawful touching or striking of another person against the will of the other; or
Unlawfully and intentionally causing bodily harm to an individual.
A battery is any physical contact with another person, to which that person has not consented. An assault is basically an attempt at a battery. The terms assault and battery often go together. Defenses to battery include lack of intent (such as an accident), defense of others or property, or self-defense.

Normally a parent would let the administration handle these issues, but if they can't seem to handle it, call the police. I'm sure there is plenty of witnesses to these actions. And I don't think tenure can save a teacher who's been found guilty of a crime against a student.

Good luck Libertybelle, and thanks for standing up for all the kids!

 

[surfergirl602]

The fact that the principal's first reaction was to move the boy out of the class makes me think that there is already an existing problem with this teacher and they can't touch him..either because of a disability (Tourettes was the first thing that popped into my head), union, or tenure. I don't know what I would do about the other students, but my kid would be out of that class, and I would want a full explanation as to what was being done about this teacher.

Is he a good teacher otherwise?

I was thinking the same thing, but even then... even if I teacher who has these problems is not allowed to lay a hand on a child. I don't care what you have. If you touch my child by hitting them on the head or whatever, I'll bring the wrath of God down on you.

 

[DisneySaver28]

I guess I'm the only one who disagrees? I had a teacher a little bit like the one the OP described and we all LOVED him! He was in his 20's and my peers and I thought he was so cool. It was one of the only classes that I remember everyone paying attention and enjoying the lessons!

 

[cats mom]

So, basically, he's checking to see if my son can switch classes. First, I do not want him to have to switch classes unless it is necessary. Second, what about all the other students in the class? My son says the kids all express annoyance and frustration from Mr. X's behavior. I sent him a reply that said as much.

What would you do? Do you think Mr. X's behavior is ok? As far as the startling goes, my son said he'll do the hitting and also just blurt out loud weird noises throughout the class. Very strange.

Oh, my son is in highschool.

Personally I'd be thrilled to have my child out of that situation.

Hopefully there will be a switch that won't affect the rest of your DS's schedule too much, if at all. Yes, it will be a pain for him to switch classes/teachers at this point, and I'm sure he'll have some adjusting to do.
(Voice of experience here: I went back to school shopping last night... again. My DS was just switched to a new chemistry teacher; this one has a very specific supply list, and DS already knows he will be playing catch up for awhile.)

No, it's not really fair to the other students in the class, and I think Mr. X's inappropriate behavior definitely needs to be addressed. But that's not likely to happen overnight... so I'd just be glad my child was out of that classroom.

By high school I expect my kids to handle a lot, and I might have suggested they make a trip to the guidance and/or administrative office before I stepped in. But this is a situation where I absolutely would have stepped in if necessary.

I too am surprised that some folks find the kind of teacher behavior that has been described OK.

OP, please come back and update us when you hear back from the principal again. I hope he comes up with a solution that works for your DS.

 

[AlaskaMOM]

I guess I'm the only one who disagrees? I had a teacher a little bit like the one the OP described and we all LOVED him! He was in his 20's and my peers and I thought he was so cool. It was one of the only classes that I remember everyone paying attention and enjoying the lessons!

A little bit like MR X is different than being MR X. The OP has stated that the kids have told him to STOP, that would tell you that they don't think it's a "cool" class or teacher

 

[emer95]

I am a teacher too, and I am shocked by Mr. X's behavior. To think that students who are trying to learn are being forced to manage and deal with inappropriate adult behavior is really unacceptable.
OP, you absolutely did the right thing. Good for you, and for your son for having the courage to stand up for what's right. I think the principal needs to do a little surprise observation on that teacher.
Keep us posted.

 

[flying_babyb]

The class should walk out and go to the principal's office all together the next time this yahoo does something. The principal has to address this ASAP!

When I was in high school we had a teacher who would get mad and throw things. Our whole class walked out and reported him one day. IT was good, he ended up getting anger managment and turned out to be a great teacher.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Oh my - I feel so bad for your son. Can he not fight his own battles? Why does mommy have to step in?

This could have been a good lesson for him.

 

[surfergirl602]

Oh my - I feel so bad for your son. Can he not fight his own battles? Why does mommy have to step in?

This could have been a good lesson for him.

Wow - what a way to take a serious situation and and be a jack about it. Completely uncalled for.

What do you think parents are for? It's not like we have a child and then completely abandon it at birth.

 

[Green Tea]

I still think the other children are immaterial to your choice. The conversations with the principal about the teacher should deal with your child. I'd be pretty upset as a parent if the principal called me in and said Mrs. Jones tells me there is a problem with Suzy and Mr. Strange. If I have a problem with Mr. Strange, I would deal with it in the manner my family decided was best.

The teacher shouldn't touch the kids; you are right. Even if he has a disability, the rules regarding personal space should be adhered to.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

No but where does it end? If a teacher in college is disrespectful to her son, is she going to call the dean?

By high school one should at least try and handle the situation by reporting it himself. IF he gets nowhere, then a parent can step in.

 

[Alphabetsoup]

Quite frankly, the first time I heard that this teacher was hitting students or cussing at them I would have been IN the principal's office personally and demanded a meeting with that teacher. I would have then informed the principal and teacher that if that teacher in any way touches, cusses at or threatens my child I would have him brought up on physical and emotional battery charges and would go after the school (including the principal) for continuing to allow such inappropriate behaviour. I would also be reporting the teacher to the school board AND the state certification body.

While letting our kids fight their own battles is a good thing after a 'certain' age... in this particular instance expecting the teen to handle it all could be construed by the teacher (and principal) as the teen not having the support of a parent, possibly giving them the idea that the student's concerns and discomfort is not worth dealing with. Worse yet, it could invite retaliation from the teacher, and the teen may be too afraid to bring in parents at the point.

Assault is assault...to have someone in a position of authority do this to students is...is...words fail me.

 

[Liberty Belle]

No but where does it end? If a teacher in college is disrespectful to her son, is she going to call the dean?

By high school one should at least try and handle the situation by reporting it himself. IF he gets nowhere, then a parent can step in.

Why, yes, of course. And when he marries, I plan to move in to make sure his wife treats him right.

 

[emer95]

Why, yes, of course. And when he marries, I plan to move in to make sure his wife treats him right.

Love it!

chicagodisneyfan, you're a peach!