Dealing with Teachers

I had a teacher in 2nd grade completely ruin my child's confidence in math. I always wanted to give the teacher the benefit of the doubt, but now feel I should've done things differently. It may be too late in the year for this, but you may request a different teacher, so it does not become personal, just site personailty differences.

I pretty much had the same problem with my son's teacher but my son was bored and the teacher wasn't teaching him in my opionion i basicly had it out with the teacher and the next day my son seemed alittle better but would still come home and say he doesn't want to go to school....but we did get lucky we moved and now my son goes to a new school and for some reason he actually loves school all of a sudden and his work looks ten times better and it has only been two weeks. so what i am saying it is probally the teacher have her class switched. I to wanted to think that maybe my son was at fault alittle but when i switch his school it was a totally 360 and his teacher now is wonderful i even like her she also is older and his other teacher was too young in my opionion.

Hi L.,

I am writing as both a teacher and a mother. I can honestly say that I understand your frustration with your daughter's teacher. It would drive me insane to think that my kids were being surrounded by negativity all day long. Especially in first grade! I think that elementary school teachers should be loving and caring ~ a lot like mommy away from home. It's important for the students to feel loved and safe in order for them to learn and explore!

That being said...the fact that someone would tell you to "Screw the teacher" just hurts me deep down. It's part of the reason that so many good teachers leave the profession. Teachers are people and they do have feelings. I don't know this teacher from a hole in the ground...but I'm sure that she is human and deserves at least as much respect as you would give anyone else.

I understand that you have to hold your ground and do what is best for your child. You deserve the best for your little one and it is your responsibility to make sure that she's getting the best! I know how easy it is to blame the teacher ~ chances are it is probably mostly her fault...but do yourself and the teacher a favor and don't go in with the mindset that you are going to attack this lady. You never know what's going on in her life that could be causing her to slip up teaching. Maybe she really doesn't know there is a problem. If you are nice to her and express your concerns in a way that shows your concern but doesn't blame her you will probably see more get done. If you attack her...she'll get defensive and it will be tough to get things done.

I hope that you have a great conference...go in with questions and ask specific things. For example, if you can show her the journal and ask her to explain why she said what she did. Seem concerned instead of upset and I think you will have more luck.

Being a mom and a teacher i can see both sides of the story. you are right. your daughter deserves to be treated kindly and most importantly taught in a positive atmosphere so she will enjoy learning and succeed at it. it is good to hear you have set up a conference with her teacher. Good communication between you and the teacher is VERY important to Becca's success. I believe you should stand firm on how you want your daughter to be treated but I would not go in and attack the teacher. You know your daughter best. however sometimes kids misunderstand things and then miscommunicate them to their parents. Teaching Kindergarten students has taught me that. I have heard some strange stories about the students home lives. oh the things they come to school and tell me. most i do not think are acurate...at least i hope. as a teacher i cannot investigate to get the correct story (unless it is about something that puts the child at harm) but you as a parent have the right to get the story correct. what i am saying is talk to the teacher about the things becca has been telling you and how you noticed she isn't enjoying school as much as before. initiate by telling the teacher "this is what becca can home and told me....and i wanted your take on the situation" at least give her a chance to tell you how she thought it happened. then you can use your judgement and stand your ground if you need to. sometimes it is just a matter of something getting twisted and taken out of context. If you are really curious about what is going on in the classroom ask to volunteer or observe the classroom.
the best advice i can give you is to make it a pleasant but accomplished conference. just as much as you do not like being attacked as a mother, teachers do not like being attack either. however i do understand there are extreme cases and hope yours is not one. teachers have a lot more respect for parents who do not lash out at them. I can go on and on about advice for you. Sometimes there is just a clash in personalities between the teacher, student &/or parent but in first grade i certainly hope its not between becca and her teacher . but of course i love all my students no matter what their faults are!...we all have faults
Please let me know how your conference goes. i wish you the best!

My son is 5 and will be officially starting school this September. He was in daycare until he was almost 3 and I know what it feels like to think that your child isn't being treated well or fairly. When all you have to go on is your child's behavior, words or reactions, it can be TOUGH!!!! The bottom line is that nobody will love or take care of your child like you will!

After much research, thought and prayer, my son will be starting a homeschooling group called Classical Conversations. www.classicalconversations.com It is a homeschooling group that has classroom time, an actual curriculum that you follow each week and a fantastic record for producing students that are smart, well-rounded and ready to take on the world. It has been in Virginia for about 2 years now and the course is really spreading like wildfire.

My son will be joining the Warrenton group, but there are also Gainesville, Leesburg and Front Royal groups.

Our children are our lives! They deserve the best. And, sometimes, the best is home with mom.

A.
____@____.com

Is Becca in public school or private? If she's in public school, I'd fight to have her tested for learning issues. Private schools don't have the same responsibility that all kids succeed to their best ability and the free resources available to them.

My son was in first grade when it became evident that something was wrong. He very rarely finished "seat work" and homework was a nightmare! We had him tested by the school psychologist and ed diagnostitian and then subsiquently by Occupational Therapy at AI Dupont. He has a fine motor delay and mild ADD. I was shocked! I'm an educator myself and would never have believed it. But its the best thing I ever did for him. It has become invaluable to know what is going on in his brain so that when issues come up, we have a context for them.

If she's in public school, she may qualify for accomodations to help with reading to level the playing field for her. I know this is hard to think about (believe me!) but you don't want her to lose her interest in school and her self esteem when it comes to her work.

As far as the teacher goes, you can talk to her and be really straight about your concerns. Frankly the school year is almost over, so you probably won't change the teacher's behavior, but you might be able to use this time to get Becca some help so that next year is better. Meet with the guidance counselor in the school to make sure that next year's teacher is really hand picked for success. Every teacher has a different style and a different strength. My son had a math teacher last year that was terrible at teaching boys...she just didn't do it well. We basically wrote off Math until this year(fourth grade) and it's going much better. I know what you mean about not being "one of those moms". I'm not either, but nobody will fight for your kid if you don't. You just have to knock on enough doors to get the right answers.

L.

L., SCREW THE TEACHER!!! Go straight to school and call a meeting with the principal and councelor. You have every right as a parent to question how this teacher does her job. You also have every right to demand a review and remove your child from the classroom. With the No Child Left Behind, they MUST accomodate your daughter if she needs additional help. If not you have the right to to retain an attorney. They will do whatever you want if you threaten a suit. Too many parents will not stand up for their kids or will just accept whatever the school says. I critiqued my son's progress report, disputed it, and had his failing grade corrected to an 88. They "forgot" to give him 2 make-up quizzes after he was absent. If you don't call attention to the problems, then ALL the kids suffer. And they will remember you and believe me, they will kiss your behind. Be firm. I am a weakling when it comes to alot of things, but when it comes to my son, I have huge inner strength that just comes right out. Good luck.

OK L...... YOU ARE BECCA MOTHER AND YOU ARE RIGHT!!!

You need to go into that teachers classroom with that attitude. They are teaching your children because you are letting them do so! The problem with some teachers these days is that they are overworked and under paid. There are just too many kids in the classes these days and the children do NOT get the proper attention they need. Even if your child is "sensitive" she still should be able to come home and give you some positives. Also..... a lot of times if children do not fit into that "cookie cutter" mold then they get thrown aside. First grade is vitally important in the reading area. If Becca is not getting the proper attention in this in school it could be damaging to her and make your efforts at home less successful!
Some times children and teachers just do not mix. We have had that happen with our boys. But...they were also able to give me positive things their teacher had said, done, commented on!

I worry for your little Becca and I worry for you. Be firm. Be strong. Be empowered both as a mother and a woman. You gave birth to Becca. You raised Becca to be who she is. You are teaching Becca how to become a strong confident woman and she needs to see her mama that way! Do not back down and demand better from her teacher! Ask if there are any problems she is plagued with and tell her what you are dealing with. Be sure to not use words like.... "Becca said".... they tend to have a punishing effect to them!
Be strong L.....

Jenn
Mama to Bryce~9 Austin~6 Taylor~ 14 mnths
Step mama to Nich~15 Christian~14

I had a similar situation with my son in the first grade, though not with reading, with attention and completing work. I tried to communicate with the teacher and even sent a gift in the beginning of the year with a note describing how my son would learn best. Not even so much as a thank you. She was rude and did not offer any helpful ideas, she only complained about him. And I tried so hard to be positive with her and polite. I got to the point where I lost patience and went to the principal with my concerns in writing and we met in person. Even through communication with the principal and her conferencing with the teacher things did not work out. She was not flexible, so I had my son switched to another teacher. What a 180 degree turnaround in his attitude and grades! The new teacher was so kind and attentive to his needs. Now my son is in second grade and having a fantastic year, like it never even happened.
Sometimes it takes drastic action like that. First grade is an extremely important stepping stone into your child's education and attitude toward learning. If you have tried your best to communicate with the teacher and get no results or if you are just that uncomfortable talking to her, then state your concerns to the principal and ask his/her advice. But make it clear that the current state of things will not continue, one way or another. Mind you, kids easily misinterpret and reinterpret information said by adults, but their feelings are real and it is best to get the whole story from at least one adult or more if possible. That way you can help your child understand better what is really going on and not take so much to heart. I am a speech therapist and I have seen both inappropriate behavior from teachers and students. Students sometimes use a situation when they are corrected to "split" adults, pitting one against the other. This doesn't sound like the case with your daughter though. I hope things go well for you.

Hi L.,

I had the same problem with my kindergartener. At this age the children should love school. He never wanted to go to school and it started in kindergarten!!!!! I didn't think it was the teacher I thought maybe my son wasn't ready for school, he still wanted naps in the afternoon, he would fall asleep right before school and I didn't know what I should do. I thought oh this is my youngest and I'm having trouble letting go. But you know what no one in my son's class liked the teacher and how she was. There were stories from many kids. So I would check it out. Observing the class, she's going to be on her best behavior, I did that and found nothing.

I mean I thought it was me in my case because my son was sick alot and he didn't want to go because he was tired so I would keep him home thinking "oh it's just kindergarten". However one time he came home and he had peed his pants and was afraid to tell the teacher and sat there most of the afternoon that was a problem should have sent a real flag there. But I thought oh i don't want to make a big deal of this. My son forgot his homework a couple of times. To me that is my fault A and B his in kindergarten and I don't want homework. By the end of the year she didn't want them forgetting so she yelled at him and took his recess away. Again a Kindergartener!!!! He didn't tell me about that right away and I asked my neighbors kids who were in the class and they said they felt bad because she was yelling at kids who forgot their homework.

So I called her and she said as a class they decided what there punishment was going to be and I said you know my 5th grader doesn't get her recess taken away for missing homework. So I would believe what your child says. She's really too young to make something crazy up and especially if she liked going to school in kindergarten.

You know there are alot of not so good things out there in the world and sometimes we need to protect our kids. I wish I would have been a little smarter and did something more about that teacher.

Good Luck!!!

L., I have experienced what you are going through right now. My daughter's kindergarten teacher was a real meanie, and probably a thousand years old, to boot. She yelled at the kids constantly, and belittled students in front of each other. It doesn't seem as if your daughter's teacher is to that point, but I would certainly have something to say to her. She should be encouraging the kids instead of insulting thier work. I would definately tell her what you daughter had to say, and hopefully things were misconstrued.(Probably not)Teacher's are under a lot of stress, but I don' think that's an excuse to lose their cool. Sometimes things happen, but usually if you have a conference with the teacher, it shows that you will not stand for bad treatment for your daughter, and she will probably change her tone with Becca.(and hopefully with the other children as well)

I used to teach. I've dealt with many parents, and we sometimes weren't on the same page, or getting different information from the children. Two things to remember...1) take everything your child says with a grain of salt...they often interpret differently. 2)sometimes teachers don't mesh with students, their personalities may conflict.
You should definitely, if you haven't already, meet with the teaher. If that doesn't go as well as you had hoped, meet with the principle. You don't want to "fight" with the teacher. Keep in mind you are both on the same "team", and she will respond better to constructive criticism than harsh criticism.

*Also, have you had your daughter's eyes checked? Go to a pediatric eye doctor (not your pediatrician). Her eyes may not be working well together, thus causing trouble with reading, writing, and frustration on the part of your daughter, and also her teacher.
I strongly recommend you make her an appointment.
Good luck!

I know when I confront teachers, principal's n such I get a bit uncomfortable. For one, I'm not a teacher. I do however know that you should not yell or insult a child. The greatest painters in the world may have started out with a bunch of scribbles. I know when I look at art, most of it still looks like a bunch of scribbles. Is that teacher going to insult them? Insulting a child only helps them grow up to believe they can't do anything right. If after talking with your childs teacher on tuesday, if that don't help, then bring it up to the principal. I would not tollerate someone insulting my child. Not another child, or especially an adult who is suppose to be guiding my child to move up in the world. It it were me, I would be up at the school putting the whole place in an uproar. I would be having the teacher and the principal in one room and let them all know how I feel. My children and husband are the only family I have. When it comes to protecting them, I go way over board. But if I dont' defend my children, who is going to? (just my venting at this point) lol
I wish you much luck. If you need any tips on putting the teacher in their place, I'm good for that. I can give you all the tips you could use. LOL
Again good luck.

I can remember the horror stories about one of the fourth grade teachers where I went to school. And, as luck would have it, I got that teacher. She did yell a lot, and she did other things that some students felt was unfair, but now, at 25 years old, I look back and remember Ms. Law as one of the greatest teachers I had. The things that many didn't like back then are the things that I am now thankful for having learned now.

Hi L.,

Sounds like her teacher is a bit overwhelmed. I think that happens alot in the public schools. They have so many children to handle and sometimes if they have a few that need more attention than others they can't handle it. It sounds like maybe the teacher may be expecting too much of your daughter b/c she is a good kid. I can't really say too much about public schools from experience, my son goes to a private Montessori school. My nephews are in public schools though and I hear stories from my sisters.

We put our son in the Montessori school b/c he is also very bright and we didn't want him to get bored in school. We absolutely love the school and the way of learning. It's almost impossible for the children to get bored, they are always doing something with their hands. In a Montessori school, children learn by exploring and doing things rather than looking at books and doing worksheets all day. I highly recommend it if you are thinking of alternatives. Just make sure to find a good one like Children's House of Bucks County in Fairless Hills. Not all schools that call themselves Montessori are truely Montessori. I know you are not from this area but if you look online you can find a good school near you.

Good luck with your meeting, I hope you can get through to the teacher so that your daughter can have positive experiences at school.

I'm glad to hear that the teacher knew that she was being harsh on Becca. Just because a child is not working up to expectation is no excuse to say insulting things to her, no matter what. But, teachers are people too.

Please follow up on the specialist, and if your child continues to lag behind in her reading, insist on an evaluation. My son is LD, which is not a horrible thing, but the schools never evaluated him until it was too late. I didn't know about LD at that time, and my son suffered for it. If reading disabilities are not addressed in the first three years of school, the person may never read at their age level, even into adulthood. It is imperative that these things be diagnosed early for the sake of the child's future. A quick and easy home test that may help you know if dyslexia is a cause of hindering your Becca's reading is to ask her to rhyme. Ask her for a word that rhymes with an easy word, like bee. If she has difficulty sorting out the sounds so that she can substitute another sound at the beginning of the word, such as me, please request that she be evaluated for LD. This is not a substitute for a professional evaluation, but it can give you a clue. Don't take the word of the school that she has to be a certain amount of years behind to be evaluated, that's just not true, nor is it the law. There is a Federal law to help children in school who have disabilities, and the schools have to follow it.

How do I know? I had to fight for services for my son from 2nd grade through 12th grade, and it was a hard fight. I became the mother they hated to see at meetings, but I eventually got what my son needed. My son, now 23, is successful, loves to read, and his reading and writing are getting better every year. It was well worth the fight, because he now can survive in a world that is so very reading-based. Anyone who wants links to resources feel free to contact me.

Listen L., you better go to that school and demand a confrence with that teacher ASAP, and have the principal present too. My son had the same problem in 1st grade and he became very ill becuse of it. He was throwing up everyday before school and I finally had to take him out of school and away from that horrible teacher and home school him. I had a conference with the treacher prior to that with the principal sided with the teacher the whole way. I forgot to mention it was a cathlic school so they have their own rules. They can't get away with it in public school. Ever since I transferred him he has been doing wonderful. He is in 6th grade now and is on the honor roll all the time and loves school. Sometimes you get teachers that hate their job and take it out on the kids. Protect your daughter and view your opinion about how your daughter dislikes school. Do not back them in a corner when talking to them. Just ask them why they think she is not liking school and what they can do to make it right. Stand your ground and be strong. Good luck and God speed...

L.,

I strongly encourage you to call a meeting with the teacher, the principal, and the school counselor. Anytime you have a concern, the teacher and the administration should be willing to discuss it with you. As the teacher for information regarding your daughter's classroom performance. Remember, they work for you.

Do you know other parents whose children are in your daughter' class? Try talking to them for an additional perspective. If their kids have a similar reaction, then there is a much larger problem.

I would approach it from a number of different angles. WRITE DOWN what you want to go over with the teacher, and practice framing it in a way that won't make her defensive, but that lets you stand your ground in looking out for your daughter's best interests. The "I messages," wanting to work in partnership with the teacher to ensure success in all areas including self-esteem issues, not just academics.

I would also broach the subject in a kind but concerned way with other moms that you know from the class. Find out if this is a problem in general.

How often are parent volunteers in the classroom? There are volunteers in my son's school every day to help with Kid Writing. Ask the teacher if you could volunteer one afternoon a week with something, maybe cutting out manipulatives, etc. if not directly helping out with instructional activities. If childcare is a problem, but there are other concerned parents in the class, maybe you could work together to ensure that parents have a chance to get in while you rotate care for the younger ones.

If you are not satisfied after your meeting with the teacher, do not be afraid to broach the subject with the principal.

Also take into consideration that school is much more academic in the lower grades than when we parents were in school. I remember playing and singing in kindergarten. My son gets 10 minutes of playtime in a half-day class if all the objectives have been met that day. Maybe that is something that is frustrating for your daughter. Maybe the kids could benefit from a "seventh inning stretch" or something every so often if they spend a lot of time in their seats. I would ask if the kids have any down time or stretch time. One of my friends who is a kindergarten teacher for an all-day class incorporates some yoga stretching and/or exercises every so often.

Hope this is helpful!
V.

dear L.,
I am a mother of 3teens.I have found the communication between the parent and teachers need much improvement. Dealing with kids all day can be trying, even for the most patient person. There plate is too full as far as I am concerned.The teacher may not realize how they are coming across to the children. For those who do, shame on them for such discouragement.Positive reinforcement is the best way to get the attention and respect of the student.Yes i said respect. To get positive behavior you have to give that out.If the student hears yelling regaurdless as to whom it's at and what ever reason it causes kids to start responding that way. It's up to the teacher to set the example. To make the classroom a safe haven.Kid's should be able to confide in the teacher. If they are afraid of them [to their own behavior]the teacher has reimforced negitive behavior and reactions are what the kids learn. They need to be taught to be tactful. Kid's shut down when yelling is involved, its a upsetting experience for all involved.Let her/him know the kids see them.To valadate how the kids are feeling make that person more axcessable and the communication gap closes.Remember how your child feels is never wrong everyone is allowed feelings. We don't have to agree with how they feel but i feel if you respect there feelings they will respect your.They drop there wall and open up to a good talk and problems will be solved. Good luck!!

I have a daughter in first grade also and a daughter in seventh. My older daughter is my sensitive child. To this day her feelings are hurt very easily. My suggestion is to contact the principal and she if you can sit in the class someday and observe. Granted the teacher may act different while being observed but you can still get a feel for how your daughter interacts with the teacher and other students.

That is tough. I would try my best not to go in with a defensive attitude. I would tell her that you are concerned about your daughter's performance and see what you can do to work together to make school a more positive experience for everyone.
It is so hard to know what is really going on.
It sounds like things aren't going well and I agree that if the teacher said something like that, it wouldn't be appropriate.
I would also talk to Becca about how she isn't always going to like her teachers or get along with them but she still needs to try her hardest and follow directions. She probably is but I know my parents had to tell me that sometimes with some of the teachers I had growing up. Many, many years of school have taught me that you don't always get the best teacher or the most kind person to lead your class but you need to try to get along with them and do the best you can.
For what it's worth, my first grade teacher was awful, from what I can remember. Complete with banging a ruler on a desk and being mad pretty much every day. Luckily it is just a bad memory now.
I'd do my best to work with her and let her know you are concerned but the end of the year is coming soon so if things don't get much better maybe you can take some comfort in that.
Sorry she is having such a rough year.

I'm sorry to hear this and I can definately relate to it. When my daughter was in the first grade (5yrs old-she started early)we also had this problem.

She loved pre-school, kindergarten and learning all new things but most of all just being at school. However, in first grade she started fighting with us about going, playing sick, just basically giving us a hard time when it came to school. When we finally got her to talk about it, she told us it was because her teacher yelled all the time. I talked to a few other children in the school (family & friends) and some parents as well. Everyone confirmed that this teacher made a habit of yelling at the children and making examples of bad behavior by having them sit on the carpet (in the middle of the room) or by hanging the work for all to see "what NOT to do". I called the teacher the first time, like you not wanting to assume my child was an angel and because she was definately overly sensitive....but after that I requested a meeting with her and the pricipal.

Please let me tell you that once I enlightened the principal as to the teacher's "methods" everything ceased. My daughter was able to finish the year in peace. I do however, attribute her current love of school to her second grade teacher Mrs. Dyer. If it were not for this woman and her love and praise of all of her students I don't know where we would be today.

If you have had any type of discussions with her teacher in the past and are still having issues I would recommend that you don't stop there. Any time there is a concern you should immediately involve the pricipal and or the guidance department. It is not only the schools job to teach our children but also to make them feel safe at school. A child that is constantly yelled at does NOT feel safe and will NOT be encouraged to learn. Good luck.

Hi L. i have been a daycare provider for many years about 14. i have 4 children and a stepson. You are right some teachers are not meant to be teachers. They dont have the patience or understanding you needto teach a child. If i were you i would be very concerned. they usually have reading programs at the school. If your daughter is having trouble check into an extra class that will do more one on one with her. As far as having nothing positive to say about school she is so young she should be having fun and enjoying school. I would do a suprise visit and ask the principal if it would be ok to observe. see her teaching techniques and if she does yell all day that may be the reason your daughter is having trouble learning. No one can learn in an enviroment that is all negative. You are doing the right thing by being concerned stay on top of it. Good luck let us know how your meeting goes. steph

You've gotten a lot of advice here. One thing I would add is to volunteer in the classroom as much as possible. That way you're in the room and while the teacher might be on her best behavior, you'll still get a better feel for what goes on in there. Of course, you'll still want to meet with her and possibly with the principal, etc. I dont' know that I'd push to change teachers this late in the year--it may be more traumatic on your daughter than anything, but get into the classroom whenever you can and get your daughter tested if appropriate, and outside help/tutoring from a college student or qualified tutor, if needed. Good luck!!

Hi L.,

First of all...you are not alone when it comes to dealing with situations like this with teachers. When my daughter was in 1st grade (now in 3rd grade) her teacher was very mean and rude to the kids. My first suggestion is that if you are able to get in contact with as many of your daughter's classmates parents to find out if their child has had any of these experiences. I did this and I found that I was not alone. If the parents are as concerned about their child as you are with yours, then see if they will get together with you and go in and talk to the teacher, principal, guidance counselor and who ever else is an authority figure affiliated with the school and get to the bottom of this situation. I will be glad to tell you that the teacher that my daughter had in 1st grade is no longer teaching at the school.

You have to be very stern about this matter. My daughter also hated going to school and would come home uspet.

Believe me the school will be very surprised that you are concerned about your daughter in this matter. And that you are not taking this very lightly. And like I said, if you are able to get other parents involved it will help immensely and also let the school know that you aren't just some over-protective mother. Document anything that your daughter has told you and take it with you. And don't worry about possibly being made out to look like that "bad one" cause you aren't. You are a concerned mother and if the school can't appreciate that then I would be looking for a different school. Most schools are proud to have parents involved in their child's lives...as we find that there are so many parents out there that find it a convenience for them when it is time for school.

I am proud to say that I have a better repore with the school that my children attend. As my middle child is not the only one of my children that have had issues with their school.

I sure hope this helps and if you need anyone to talk to, please feel free to contact me ____@____.com

I would also like to hear how things turn out.

Best of luck and I will be pulling for you.

Hi, L. :) I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's recent experiences at school. I used to be an elementary school teacher. I taught for four years, then decided to resign...one of the reasons was because I saw myself becoming how your daughter's teacher is acting. Let me start by saying that there is no excuse for her teacher talking to her like that...although I do know how she was probably feeling. The main reason I stopped teaching is because of how teachers are forced to teach. If the writing isn't neat enough, it's the teacher's fault...if the spelling isn't right, it's the teacher's fault...and this is according to the school board. The amount of pressure that teachers have today is rediculous. It's important for your daughter to know that the comment her teacher made does not mean she doesn't like her or that she's not doing good enough. When I was teaching, I was very close with all of my students...they knew that they could come to me with anything. Maybe your daughter can talk to her teacher or write her a little letter telling her how her comment made her feel. Also, the best approach for you when you meet with her might be to take the avenue of "I know that it's hard for teachers these days, blah blah blah, but my daughter is very sensitive and we need for you to just be aware of that when you tell her that she needs to improve on something..." Something like that. If after taking that approach things don't change, then by all means, be more stern and direct...even go to the principal if you need to. But many times, teachers don't always remember that everything they say and do is being heard and watched by little ones. They just need a little reminder every now and then. I hope this helps :)

I personally had this in first grade. i loved school until I had the teacher from hell. She yelled all day and I stopped trying because it was never good enough. This teacher failed 11 children out of the 21 in my class. They have alot of older teachers who have been doing this for so long that they are tired of doing it. Then my younger sisters had to go to the same school where they had the same issue. We talked to the teacher and got no where so we went to the principal and threatened to go tto the superintendant. A little changed but atleast the school year is almost over.

I taught third grade for 7 years, and I can say the worst thing was to have a parent be accusatory right away without hearing my side. I can also tell you that if this teacher has some students who misbehave all the time, that can alter her mood (although I know it is not right to take it out on the rest of the kids). When you meet with this teacher tell her that you are concerned b/c your daughter doesn't seem to be enjoying school, and ask her if she notices your daughter's feelings as well. Then ask the teacher how the both of you can work together to solve the problem.