What was the teacher thinking??

[portocall]

Another in the "let it go" camp.

Certainly not a good example (or an example at all really) but it was a sub. Usually you need to think out a lesson before you teach it and in the case of subs, that is seldom possible. Obviously this teacher didn't think ahead of her mouth.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

It sounds like they were having a debate type discussion, thowing ideas out there.

 

[luvsJack]

I am going to go the other way a bit here. There were a classroom full of kids that heard this right? Now I am sure, OP, that you will have a talk with YOUR dd about what the true meaning of heroic is and how that particular example is not heroic; but what about all the other girls?

I wouldn't go to the principal but if this sub is going to be back in the classroom, I would certainly say something to her. She needs to realize that this could be something that could be hurtful to these girls in years to come and that she should not be saying things like that. Even if this school year is almost over, what if she subs next year in another classroom and this comes up again? I would have to say something.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

No, I wasn't complaining. My daughter related the story to all of us this evening over dinner.

My daughter is generally very accurate, and went on to describe the rest of the class, from the point she stopped reading her book and started paying attention. There were a handful of protests from the students about defining heroism in this way, and then a student suggested that terrorists could be heroes, so the class got into a lively debate on that topic instead.

My daughter told us that she spoke up in class and told the teacher that sometimes the heroic thing to do isn't the right thing to do. I told my daughter that she was completely missing the point - staying in an abusive relationship isn't heroic, it's just dumb. And it's bad for the kids, too.

My best friend was very offended by the teacher's statement and my husband was on her side. They think this teacher needs to know how wrong she was. But my husband hardly ever writes any letters - he just rewrites mine. And I didn't really think it was that big a deal, in the grand scheme of things. I mean, there's battles I'll fight - but I'm not sure this is one of them.

So I said I'd toss it out here and see what a bunch of complete strangers think.

Nice to know a bunch of you are in the "let it go" camp, too.

Yep, in the grand scheme would not be on my radar either. Yea, it was irritating however just not worth it imo.

You talked with your dd and that is what counts.

My middle school dd went many rounds with the social studies teacher over religious and political spewings from her.

She loved and hated my dd. My dd is glad to be finished with her. Although it did have the effect of her looking into politics to spar with her. The teacher crossed the line too many times and my dd could not take it.

I did not complain, although my dd thinks another parent might have. She stopped doing it near the end of the yr.

I told my dd if she wants to spar then educate yourself.

For me to step in and say something it has to be big. And my dd is passionate about her stuff so her educating herself and sparring is really not a bad thing. She knows how to debate really well. In fact she is considering debate for HS.

 

[Colleen27]

If it were a permanent teacher I'd probably bring it to the principal's attention, but for a sub? I'd just tell my DD my point of view on the subject and move on.

 

[Magpie]

It sounds like they were having a debate type discussion, thowing ideas out there.

I wondered the same thing, and that's certainly what it turned into with the "are terrorists heroes" question, but my daughter is quite positive the teacher was sincere.

It's too bad... I really hope none of the girls in that class are living in abusive households.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

It sounds like your daughter wasn't paying enough attention to be a reliable source for what the teacher said.

 

[DizBelle]

I would mention it to the teacher (that the sub was for) the next time you see her (him?). Just mention what your daughter thought she heard so the teacher is aware of it and can maybe address it in class.

 

[sunnyday123]

I am going to go the other way a bit here. There were a classroom full of kids that heard this right? Now I am sure, OP, that you will have a talk with YOUR dd about what the true meaning of heroic is and how that particular example is not heroic; but what about all the other girls?

I wouldn't go to the principal but if this sub is going to be back in the classroom, I would certainly say something to her. She needs to realize that this could be something that could be hurtful to these girls in years to come and that she should not be saying things like that. Even if this school year is almost over, what if she subs next year in another classroom and this comes up again? I would have to say something.

This. And I have to say, initially I would be extremely mad that she said this. I've been in an abusive relationship ( he hit once, but that was enough) and to call those that stay as "heroic" kind of demeans all the crap I went through to get out. Add to the fact that I would NEVER,EVER want my DD to think it was "heroic" to stay in a relationship like that would probably lead me to talk to the sub.

 

[Minnesota!]

I would just tell my daughter my thoughts on the issue and let it go.

Ditto....

 

[luvsJack]

I would mention it to the teacher (that the sub was for) the next time you see her (him?). Just mention what your daughter thought she heard so the teacher is aware of it and can maybe address it in class.

This is a good idea. I just can't help but think of that little girl sitting in the corner that may end up in an abusive relationship and thinks back to this person saying "its heroic to stay in it". That would be so sad.

If the classroom teacher addressed it she could find out exactly what was said and exactly what needs to be said to correct it in the minds of these chidlren.