WWYD? Teacher using "themself" on the homework page.

[Schmeck]

I wish I could let typos and other errors slide, but after 6 years as a quality control inspector for an embroidery company, I find that my brain just won't let go of that focus! I do admit that I make lots of typos myself, but I try to go back and fix them when I find them.

 

[princessmom29]

I wish I could let typos and other errors slide, but after 6 years as a quality control inspector for an embroidery company, I find that my brain just won't let go of that focus! I do admit that I make lots of typos myself, but I try to go back and fix them when I find them.

Exactly. We can't all be perfect all the time. I am a science teacher, and I have a disability that makes spelling extremely difficult for me. I do my best to spell check everything I send home, but occasionaly mistakes slip through. I tell the kids at the beginning of the year about it, and that if I misspell something on the board they are frre to correct me, just don't be a jerk about it. It is no reflectiion on my competency as a teacher, and I whish parents would realize that one tiny gramatical error or misspelling doesn't mean a teacher is incopetent, even an English teacher. Most of my parents get this, but it is obnoxious to have a parent that points out every error you ever make. I apperciate that the parents read what I am sending home, and I read what comes home from my DD's class. I think that a pattern of repeated improper usage would obther me enough to say something, but no one tiny error on a single worksheet. This stuff happens and doesn't mean that the teacher is incopetent. Everyone has a bad day once in a while. This is just my perspective on things.

 

[DawnM]

My 3rd grade son came home with a homework assignment with spelling and grammatical errors all over it.

I took out my red pen and corrected it before having him complete the assignment. I don't think she even saw the paper I corrected as it didn't need to be turned in, but I couldn't help myself!

Dawn

 

[CLR4321]

If you feel you need to say something about it, I would anonymously write a letter to the principal of the school. If it is needed, it would be addressed with the teacher directly.

 

[Fintastic]

I know teachers are human and make mistakes. But as teachers it makes them look bad to send out correspondence with a bunch of errors in it. It's like going to an overweight nutritionist or a doctor who smokes out in the back between appointments. You have to practice what you preach!

 

[Fintastic]

My son's teacher made labels for all the kids folders and his said Dallas's folder. She did correct it with white out but I know I would have said something if not. What would be the point of teaching my son something wrong. I do understand it isn't exactly a common issue but for him it will be something written more often then not.

"Dallas's folder" is correct.

 

[deva]

I think part of the whole issue stems from using "them" because people want to be gender neutral. For example, "The student needs to pick up after themself". Not wanting to be gender specific with himself or herself and not wanting to take the time to write both, people have gotten lazy and use themself instead - which, of course is totally wrong. This type of mistake is quite common.

 

[CheshireSmile]

"Dallas's folder" is correct.

If his first name is Dallas, then yes, it would be Dallas's folder. He's just one person whose name happens to end in an -s, not any reason to use s' and make it appear to be a plural possessive.

 

[Microcell]

Where were you all last year when my DS's 1st grade teacher wrote "Even Stephen" (which I know is spelled correctly but kinda misses the point). And Rolercoaster? She also wrote an email to me saying "I haven't had a moment to catch my breathe".

11 kids in her class of 22 had to be put on a reading plan because they were so far behind on reading. My son and I go round and round about how he forms the letter B (which is in his name) because he starts it at the bottom and even though I asked his teacher to help me emphasize it last year. SHe said "we taught that in the fall" He was doing it right in Kindergarten..

Vent over, watch the letters that come home closely is my advice.

 

[Schmeck]

Exactly. We can't all be perfect all the time. I am a science teacher, and I have a disability that makes spelling extremely difficult for me. I do my best to spell check everything I send home, but occasionaly mistakes slip through. I tell the kids at the beginning of the year about it, and that if I misspell something on the board they are frre to correct me, just don't be a jerk about it. It is no reflectiion on my competency as a teacher, and I whish parents would realize that one tiny gramatical error or misspelling doesn't mean a teacher is incopetent, even an English teacher. Most of my parents get this, but it is obnoxious to have a parent that points out every error you ever make. I apperciate that the parents read what I am sending home, and I read what comes home from my DD's class. I think that a pattern of repeated improper usage would obther me enough to say something, but no one tiny error on a single worksheet. This stuff happens and doesn't mean that the teacher is incopetent. Everyone has a bad day once in a while. This is just my perspective on things.

I think this is amazing - I am very grateful that you are not my children's science teacher, as I am wondering how someone could get certified to be a competent science teacher if he or she has a disability that requires the students to have to make consistent corrections. That should not be part of a student's burden, to have to correct the teacher's spelling!

 

[seashoreCM]

Don't call attention to it. In addition, for success in school, you and your child need to make only good impressions on the teachers.

That said, once I could not let my boss get away with a misspelling. We were making signs and posters for display in a department store. Now we did have to be careful about proper names, for example.
"Vanderbuilt" -- was incorrect in the situation where I saw it.
"Domitory" -- could be a trademark or proper name but was not when I saw it.
Ph.D. in English needed before you comment with a smiley face with hands out to the sides and shaking its head.

>>> Dallas's
For names ending in S, you can also add just the apostrophe for the possessive form, for example "Mears' Shuttle". Note that for this specific company that serves Disney guests, "Mear's Shuttle" is incorrect. For plural, add ES, for example the family of the aforementioned company's founder would be referred to as the Mearses.

 

[luvsJack]

I think this is amazing - I am very grateful that you are not my children's science teacher, as I am wondering how someone could get certified to be a competent science teacher if he or she has a disability that requires the students to have to make consistent corrections. That should not be part of a student's burden, to have to correct the teacher's spelling!

Seriously? You don't think someone can be knowledgeable in science and not be able to spell? I work in a college, have several PhD's that have me proofread their letters and e-mails for spelling and grammatical errors. They are extremely good at what they do and know everything they need to know in their subject area, but they are not necessarily knowledgeable in grammar, spelling and punctuation.

I had a science teacher in the 6th grade. He was a great teacher. That was probably the one year I actually enjoyed science and learned something from the class. (science is NOT my strong point) We did all kinds of hands on projects and experiments that year, it was really great. He could not spell to save his soul. He would send home lists of words for us to define each week. I always took my list to my dad first so that he could correct the spelling and I could find the words! Did not change the fact that I learned so much in science that year nor did it take away from his ability to teach the subject.

 

[NotUrsula]

WOW! I am shocked. I am a teacher, and this kind of discussion really bothers me. It is very difficult to have every word you say, or write analyzed and judged. I really didn't think parents did this. I wonder what your child is thinking about this teacher after all of this discussion. My concern would be giving my child a slanted view of his or her new teacher, and not an open mind.

Just for the record, DH & I did *not* discuss this in front of DS, nor would we. I would not undermine the teacher's authority by pointing out her shortcomings (real or imagined) to one of her students. Normally the students don't look at the online homework list, as they have their assignments distributed in the classroom. The list is there to inform the parents, so that we will know if homework has actually been assigned that day.

As to having every word analyzed and judged; don't we all, in our professional capacities? I carefully proofread every word that appears on my department's website. My employer expects me to do my work correctly. If I make a mistake and do not catch it, then I would hope that someone other than my boss would be kind enough to point it out to me so that I can correct it ASAP.

I would never write an anonymous letter to an employer -- no one deserves that. If I have a complaint about a mistake I take it first to the person who made it.

 

[Schmeck]

Seriously? You don't think someone can be knowledgeable in science and not be able to spell? I work in a college, have several PhD's that have me proofread their letters and e-mails for spelling and grammatical errors. They are extremely good at what they do and know everything they need to know in their subject area, but they are not necessarily knowledgeable in grammar, spelling and punctuation.

I had a science teacher in the 6th grade. He was a great teacher. That was probably the one year I actually enjoyed science and learned something from the class. (science is NOT my strong point) We did all kinds of hands on projects and experiments that year, it was really great. He could not spell to save his soul. He would send home lists of words for us to define each week. I always took my list to my dad first so that he could correct the spelling and I could find the words! Did not change the fact that I learned so much in science that year nor did it take away from his ability to teach the subject.

From what the PP had posted, yes, I expect my children's school teachers to be able to spell. I also expect them to do everything your great 6th grade teacher did, and be able to spell as well. I would also expect professors in college to be able to figure out how to proofread their own papers, considering I'm spending $50,000 a year to send my oldest daughter to their elite establishment.

Are our societal standards really heading in this crappy direction? Proper spelling and grammar are optional for our teachers?

 

[princessmom29]

I think this is amazing - I am very grateful that you are not my children's science teacher, as I am wondering how someone could get certified to be a competent science teacher if he or she has a disability that requires the students to have to make consistent corrections. That should not be part of a student's burden, to have to correct the teacher's spelling!

It is not consistent correction, very rare that I misspell something on the board. i would say mabye once a month they have to point it out to me, hardly a "burden". FWIW I graduated Magna Cum Laude in Chemistry, not chemistry education where the dumb things down, but true chemistry, have had my research published in a scientific journal, and returned to school to get a teaching degree. The fact that I happen to be dyslexic, with particular effect to my spelling has nothing to do with being competent in chemistry. It just means I ahve to work harder than others to spell correctly and sometimes make mistakes.

Seriously? You don't think someone can be knowledgeable in science and not be able to spell? I work in a college, have several PhD's that have me proofread their letters and e-mails for spelling and grammatical errors. They are extremely good at what they do and know everything they need to know in their subject area, but they are not necessarily knowledgeable in grammar, spelling and punctuation.

I had a science teacher in the 6th grade. He was a great teacher. That was probably the one year I actually enjoyed science and learned something from the class. (science is NOT my strong point) We did all kinds of hands on projects and experiments that year, it was really great. He could not spell to save his soul. He would send home lists of words for us to define each week. I always took my list to my dad first so that he could correct the spelling and I could find the words! Did not change the fact that I learned so much in science that year nor did it take away from his ability to teach the subject.

Thank you. At least SOMEONE gets than disability does not equal stupid. For the record, I do spell check everything written that I send home, and will check if I know ahead of time I will be putting it on the board, but impromptu discussions or off topic question do come up, and those are the times I am most likely to misspell something. Mostly it is transposing letters. It dsoesn't help that i was adyslexic child who was also never taught phonics.

 

[princessmom29]

From what the PP had posted, yes, I expect my children's school teachers to be able to spell. I also expect them to do everything your great 6th grade teacher did, and be able to spell as well. I would also expect professors in college to be able to figure out how to proofread their own papers, considering I'm spending $50,000 a year to send my oldest daughter to their elite establishment.

Are our societal standards really heading in this crappy direction? Proper spelling and grammar are optional for our teachers?

So what level of mistake or imperfection is acceptable in teacher?? Just how perfect do you expect them to be? Are they ever allowed to make a mistake at all? What kind of disability would be acceptable to you??What about a teacher is a wheelchiar?? They can't stand at a board. Are they allowed to teach?? A disability doesn't make someone incompotent, and I think they are a great learing excperience for the children in the class. Lets them know that not everyone is perfect, and they don't have to be either. They just need to do their personal best!! i do everything I can to make sure mine doesn't effect my students, but I am certainly glad they are more understanding and accepting of differences that you are.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

We all know that teachers aren't perfect, and certainly, we all make mistakes, including typos. I think the difference, particularly in the OP's case, is that the mistakes are on typed papers that are coming home. All teachers (in every subject matter, but especially English teachers), should proofread materials before hitting that print button. Many of the mistakes mentioned in previous posts (kindergarden, for example) would be caught with a simple spell check. If misspellings and incorrect grammar are sent home often, concern is warranted, and I say this as a parent and former teacher.

 

[princessmom29]

We all know that teachers aren't perfect, and certainly, we all make mistakes, including typos. I think the difference, particularly in the OP's case, is that the mistakes are on typed papers that are coming home. All teachers (in every subject matter, but especially English teachers), should proofread materials before hitting that print button. Many of the mistakes mentioned in previous posts (kindergarden, for example) would be caught with a simple spell check. If misspellings and incorrect grammar are sent home often, concern is warranted, and I say this as a parent and former teacher.

You are right in that when there is a definite pattern of incorrect usage and typos that soemone is not bothering to correct something should be said. I was responding to the PP that said that b/c I have a disability that means I sometimes misspell words written on the board in an impromptu situation, where there in no spell check, that I shouldn't be teaching. I know how to spell the words, but sometimes my brain and hands just don't communicate correctly. When I am typing it is easy to fix, but once it is on the board wrong it is there. I usually pretype my notes to avoid it happening it does occasionally when kids ack impromptu questions I am answering. it is usually simple transposition of letters that is easily fixed.

 

[luvsJack]

From what the PP had posted, yes, I expect my children's school teachers to be able to spell. I also expect them to do everything your great 6th grade teacher did, and be able to spell as well. I would also expect professors in college to be able to figure out how to proofread their own papers, considering I'm spending $50,000 a year to send my oldest daughter to their elite establishment.

Are our societal standards really heading in this crappy direction? Proper spelling and grammar are optional for our teachers?

But if you are paying for that particular professor to teach her Chemistry or History or Art Appreciation or Drama--don't you think that the person's strength may lie more toward those subject areas and not to spelling or grammar? I would rather know that my student's history teacher knows everything there is to know about history and knows how to teach it to my child, than to worry about whether he/she can spell.

BTW, I should not have used the words "knowledgeable about grammar" in my pp. Its just a weakness for some and they would prefer to have someone proofread for them.

 

[Schmeck]

So what level of mistake or imperfection is acceptable in teacher?? Just how perfect do you expect them to be? Are they ever allowed to make a mistake at all? What kind of disability would be acceptable to you??What about a teacher is a wheelchiar?? They can't stand at a board. Are they allowed to teach?? A disability doesn't make someone incompotent, and I think they are a great learing excperience for the children in the class. Lets them know that not everyone is perfect, and they don't have to be either. They just need to do their personal best!! i do everything I can to make sure mine doesn't effect my students, but I am certainly glad they are more understanding and accepting of differences that you are.

Of course someone in a wheelchair can teach, and someone with a disability that doesn't affect the quality of the job being done deserves to have that job. Would you want someone with Parkinson's Disease to perform brain surgery on you, though? Everyone has limitations, and not everyone is suited to do every job. I would make a horrible bus driver, I'm a lousy cook, I can't sing on key, and I know I wouldn't last one day working in our local middle school.

You are right, no one is perfect, but a teacher should be competent enough so that the children in the class don't have to constantly correct the teacher's spelling.