Advice on My Kid's Teacher

This is your child's education and if the teacher isn't responding or seeming to care I would definitely talk to the assistant principal or principal. It is unacceptable for a teacher to just not teach as far as your child asking a question and even you asking a question for that matter. And if she is unwilling to contact you after you have tried and tried the next step inevitably has to be going to her boss. Explain that you aren't wanting to cause any problems but you will need some assistance adjusting to the new school district and especially the teacher. Good luck!!!

Hello-
I just wanted to let you know that you are not looking for something that you shouldn't recieve. It sounds like you should talk with the asst. principal or even the principal. Your childs education is very important and if you have a question you should get an answer within 24 hours. Depending on the circumstances sometimes sooner. I hope you get your issue resolved without having to make too many waves. If you have to make waves to get what you want than that is what you have to do.

Hey Alejandra!

I don't write in H. very often, but I think I was one of the people that responded to your last query.

In response to this one, "NO, NO, NO! You are definitely NOT asking too much for some simple courtesy and answers and input from the person who you are handing over your child to for the better part of the day!"

Teachers at my boys' school give us all their home and cell numbers and e-mail address info so we can contact them day or night. They even have phones in the classrooms in case they have a question or want to respond during a quiet time of the day to a parent that requested a callback or to discuss an issue. Heck, they have even called us just to tell us that one or the other was doing well because they want a call from the teacher not to be just for a bad reason; such as a bad behavior or, "Come-pick-up-your-kid-he's-sick" call.

Now I'm not saying that this teacher of his maybe not be a little overwhelmed, but school's been in session for quite some time now and if he/she or the school, for that matter, doesn't have the experience to be on top of assimilating a new student and family, I would be a little worried. If it were me, I would ask for a meeting with the principal and the teacher with both you and your husband in attendance to let them know what you are used to and your concerns with your son's inability to get clear and definitive instruction in his course study. Nip it in the bud, I always say. Don't let your son go it alone in a new school with a seemingly apathetic system. Let them know you care about this kid and you are involved in his schooling and not just sending him there for cheap babysitting sessions.

Hope I didn't go too 'activist' on ya, but remember this: this is his first real school experience and he's watching and experiencing how they react and how you react. What is he learning?

Hope this helps.

Wow-it sure sounds like you had a rough start with the teacher. My kids go to Rockwood schools, also, and we've never had any trouble like that. I would try e-mailing the teacher-that works very well for us. I usually get a response within a day. If after a couple of days, you don't get any response, I would head straight to the principal, via e-mail, and express your concerns. That's definately not the kind of welcome your son should have had. The principal at our school is very involved and is good about helping with problems. I'm assuming Kehrs Mills principal is the same. Our principal even checks e-mails at home and will respond the same night. Good luck, hopefully things will get a little bit easier.

I would just walk my unhappy butt in there and start off real "nice". Say I have sent you x amount of notes, called x amount of times there must of been an issue. Start off making it seem as though perhaps the notes aren't getting to her or the phone calls are being missed. If you are not happy with the answer that she gives you then take yourself down to the principle. We lived in St.Charles last school year and my children attended the school. I was not pleased with the school and didn't ever voice myself as I should. We packed the kids up and moved to a much better school. Since you just moved that really isn't an option. Stand your ground! You are not in the wrong for requesting a better relationship with your child's teacher! It is a team effort and most teachers love when a parent is involved. Since you are a stay at home mom perhaps you could make stops in to see how things are going from time to time.
Goodluck
N. =)

Make an appointment to talk with the teacher through the office. Tell her about your sons difficulty with 'her ' way of doing things. Ask that she fully explain things to him. Give the teacher your email number and phone number so she can use that as a communication tool of she is busy.
Then wait a week or so and keep track of how things are going. Write things down. If you are still not happy with the attention your child is getting (again make an appointment)talk to the principal about it. Show them your notes with dates and specific tasks on it. Be polite and calm but concerned.
You should expect the best for your children. If you don't get it go through the proper channels to get it. That's what they are there for. The school social worker may be able to help ease your son's adjustment too. Keep in touch, volunteer if you can.
I am a teacher and mom and it really helps to stay involved...but pleasant about it.
Good Luck.

Alejandra,

I kinda had the same situation to where I was not getting any feed back from the teacher. Finally, I would just show up at any given time and right after school. It would make the teacher talk to me. I am not sure how out spoken you are but I would say something to the teacher like you don't feel that you are being respected as a concerned parent. Teacher's are NEVER to busy to address a situation with a parent. The time might not be a good one during class but they have free time during the day such as when the class in in gym or music to contact you. If this doesn't help then contact the principal. IF you get no response from him then maybe go to the school board. This way they have to hear you. The teacher's are there for the kids and the parents too.
Address your concerns to the teacher and let her know that you NEED communication about your child. I usually call my sons teacher about everyother week, just to touch base with her and to let her know that I as his parent need some feed back on how he is doing.
Does the school have email. Maybe you can email the teacher. Write notes as you said that you have already D. and then phone calls. Express to whoever answers the phone that you have a concern and you need it to be addressed right now.

GOOD LUCK and don't let your guard down. Teachers HAVE to make time to talk to the parents. and listen to them also.

B.

Don't give up! You are totally right that you should have access to the teacher, and free and regular communication between you. I'd suggest writing a straight-forward note to the teacher expressing your need for time to talk. List your topics (helping your son adjust to the move, spelling test systems, whatever) and ask for a definitive time to meet. Make a copy of your note before you send it, and if she doesn't respond, go to the principal and express yourself. I know it feels risky to talk to the principal about a teacher - one fears the teacher may retaliate against one's child. But I've had to do it a couple of times for my younger daughter, and it's always worked out fine. Also, if parents don't bring these problems to the principal's attention, they may never be addressed and the teacher will behave this way for years to come!

As for your son, if he is really having difficulty adjusting, you might ask to speak with the school counselor. In my experience, the counselor will sit in the back of the class two or three times observing your child, and then make recommendations to you and/or the teacher for ways to help your son integrate and become comfortable.

Education consumes a huge number of hours in your son's life, and it should be the best, most positive experience it can be. It's a team job - parents and teachers together - and your son's teacher can't do a really good job of serving your son's needs without accepting the information you have about him. Hang in there and don't give up. You're definitely thinking straight!

I wouldn't back down - a successful student needs parental involvement. If a teacher doesn't want to communicate with the parent and keep them involved/informed, I would be requesting a new teacher. Communication with parents is part of every teacher's job, whether they like it or not and irregardless of their "system".

I am a teacher. The next step is to go to the principal. She should not be treating you that way.

You are NOT asking too much! Yes, teachers are busy, yes they have alot of other students but they chose to be teachers and your son has every right to a good one. Its important that he feel like he can ask the teacher questions. I applaud him for wanting to do so. Teachers that shut down questions are questionable in my book. She should be showing him extra care since he is new and it isn't too much to ask for her to explain the assignments. That's the minimum of what she should be doing. I would hope she is interested in every aspect of him adjusting to his new school.

If you call her, she should call you back. If you email her, she should email you back. If she doesn't, you can try going right after school and talking to her then. If you can't seem to get a response, I would set up an appointment to talk to the principle and talk about your concerns. Don't be shy or second guess yourself on this. You are your child's best advocate and this is important for him. You are doing the right thing!

Alejandra I am so sorry that you have experienced this with this Teacher. I can understand if she is busy, but as a parent you have a right to get to talk to her. My next step would be to ask for a meeting with her. If you get no response then I would ask to meet with the Principal. It happens way too much, the teachers not responding to a student and parents, the child feels frustrated and confussed. I hope this helps. Good luck

DOont feel like you are the one at fault H.. You have EVERY right to be bothered by this attitude. I have faced the same situation on numerous occasions. My advise to you would be to learn when the teacher has some "free time". while the students are in PE, ART, Music, that sort of thing. Then make arrangements to have a meeting with her. At the meeting explain your side of the situation, reinforcing your desires to be an involved parent. On a few occasions, I have had a teacher tell me that she was unaccustomed to having parents willing to have open communication lines. If she is still unresponsive, then go to the prinicpal. Explain that you have tried on multiple occasions , in a variety of ways to communicate with the teacher and would appreciate their assistance in getting the lines open. If the teacher still doesnt respond, then settle in for a time where you have to go the extra mile. Dont back off. Like I said before, you have EVERY right to be involved in YOUR child's education!!! After all, you are the one paying the taxes that pay the teachers!

I would "play dumb" and ask the principal, if not the principal's secretary, what line of communication is preferred since you are not using the form of communication the teacher prefers. I get a lot of information by playing the dumb parent. There is no excuse for the teacher not contacting you when you first requested to have a converation with her. Teachers do have a lot to do, but part of what they have to do includes making sure new students are orientated to the classroom, there is an open line of communication between the parent and the student, and especially the success and well being of the student.
We do have great communication with teachers and my children's schools, but in times when I have wanted a little more for one of my daughters who is special needs I have played the dumb parent and gotten what I wanted.
I did have a teacher several years ago that was just plain mean and did not like me and I felt picked on my oldest son. I played dumb with the principal for fear of reprecusions from the teacher against my son, and got the situation taken care of.
Instead of always calling it "playing dumb", I call it "psychological warefare for the greater good of my children"
Good luck,
T.

I saw your post and I am a teacher in Rockwood and I must tell you.. It is very demanding on the teachers and the kids. They wouldnt be a top 10 school district if they werent. I hope things get better for you.

Alejandra,

Hi - I do not think you are asking too much out of your son's teacher. My husband is a teacher and he gets daily emails from some parents and alway takes time every night to answer their questions. Yes - teachers are busy, but part of their job is making sure parents know what is going on with their children. I would think she would welcome someone like you who is enthusiastic and obviously interested and involved in their child's education.

You may contact the Principal of the school to let you know your concerns. That is where I would start.

Good Luck!

J.

FWIW I don't think you are over reacting all. You might consider chatting with the principal. If that doesn work I would really seriously consider changing schools. And at this pooint he doesn't really have any firm attachments at the school he is at so there is no point in waiting out the year or other nonsense involving leaving the poor kid with an inconsiderate, rotten teacher one moment longer than takes to demonstrate that she isn't going to get her act together.

I am sorry that you are experiencing such a negative attitude. I work in a school system and no that is not normal! I would definately get the principal envolved! I would maybe even drop in from time to time. Does your school have email? That is how most of our parents communicate to our teachers. Good Luck!

Wow, I would be frustrated also!! Communication between home and school is very important!!! I can't believe she has not responded to any of your attempts. If it were I in your situation I would go talk to the principal. I would explain how you have made attempts to talk with your sons teacher and have had no luck. Make sure that you express that you know how busy teachers are and you are just wanting at this point to understand the policies of the school and communication. Good luck!!