A Teacher's Vent

[ifwalker]

Here's a little background info. I teach 2nd grade (generally 7-8 year olds), have been doing this for 4 years now..Many parents non-staff, as well as staff request me for their children...

I had a parent come in with a gigantic list of complaints... :mad2:
1. I have no control of my class
2. Her child has not been chosen student of the month
3. The children I chose were "Be-Be" kids, they were all bad (her words, not mine!)
4. I never leave my rolling chair
5. I don't let her child talk
6. I deny her child the bathroom (even though I called the parent 1st about her medical condition)
7. The other children don't like her child
8. I spend all day talking to people who come into my room
9. I talk about men in my room (really laughable, because I'm married...BUT my husband's name is MANDEL)
10. I let the other children steal her supplies (that's funny, if you check under bookcases in my room, you'll probably find them all)
11. I punished only her for kicking, and of course she didn't do anything

:mad2: What I find interesting is never did she say I was not teaching her child anything...... Well I had to meet for over an hour with her and the principal (taking time from other students), and after I talked to her about every item and explained that said child was not a saint, I was told that something was not right and she wanted her here to tell me everything to my face. I normally like the child to be present, but I did not like that her parent told me that I was lying and her child should be student of the month, etc.....
Now I have to meet again with the child. I have decided that I am not going to defend myself to an 8 year old. If she doesn't think I know what I'm doing PLEASE remove her from my room.
*As for each of the points listed above, I explained to her parent that these were things I chastised her child about, and it seems she was not happy with my being on her case. in one ear and out the other...... :worry:

*Please excuse any grammatical/spelling/ or other errors. I am highly upset and in a hurry. Had to get it off my chest.

[skpaw]

I was a volunteer teacher aide and I spent a lot of time in 2nd grade. I really liked most of it. I wanted to focus largely on helping the kids who were behind in reading. Many of them had no one read to them at home. Some did not have books at home. (We are not in a poor area, it should not be like this!) I understand how hard the teachers work to keep each child learning to the best of their ability.

I also heard about and saw some of the parents who were a pain in the butt. One father wrote a pornographic poem for his child's writing assignment (2nd grade!) this boy could not write much at all and there was no question who wrote the assignment. When parents don't make sure they help the kids learn to read on schedule, they are signing the child up for a lifetime of bad jobs and huge problems. You don't go anywhere in life if you can't learn.

Thank you teachers.

[Rapunzel676]

Ifwalker, you have the patience of a saint. In fact, I think you deserve a raise. I could never do your job. The urge to throttle that parent would have been too great.

Teachers rock! :gvibes:

[deborah62]

I am sorry that one parent is causing such a problem,I also want to say that I admire teachers and the job they do evryday with the kids,they are underpaid and I know what a hard job it is(my cousin teaches 3rd grade)but she wouldnt trade it for a million dollars,she adores those kids,You do something so important,and these kids will remember all the good you did,even though I am 41 I still remember some of my favorite teachers.

[Lydiad1957]

Take a bow and then pat yourself on the back.
I have three kids and have volunteered in all of their classrooms and I feel your pain. It is so difficult to be a teacher today. The classrooms are overcrowed, there are discipline problems, and many parents don't take the time to realize how disruptive one or two kids who don't want to behave can be. I hope it all works out for you. Make sure you document every behavior issue because I am sure her mom will be complaining again. Does this mom volunteer in your class or is she just hearing all of this from her daughter?
Good Luck
Lydia

[agcshort]

You have such an important job, one of the most difficult and also way underpaid. Don't let that bad apple spoil the wonderful job that I know your doing. I volunteer on a regular basis in my kids classrooms, and I can see all the dedicated hard work they do. Keep your chin up! :)

[ifwalker]

I'm feeling better. It was award day, so everyone was happy with their accomplishments. :gvibes:
I decided to document everything on this little girl.
Her teacher from last year was telling me about how she would wander from the playground, or caome back 15 minutes after lunch with a huge bouquet for her. She does the same things for me, it's just that know has a clue as to where she is. You end up looking for her and freaking out :worry:.
No, Mom has never come in. I wish she would. I have a very open door policy. I like for parents to come and see how "mature" their little angels are. Parents are usually shocked by how independent their kids can be.

:halo: YAY FOR MY LITTLE ANGELS!! :halo:

[udalum]

I would certainly want to talk to the previous teachers of this child. Perhaps they can give you some insight into dealing with these parents. Good luck! And, you only have a few more months of the child in your class.

[Mary Beth]

Can you suggest to this mom that she should come and volunteer in the class? That might help, if she could see her child in action. The child might probably act perfectly at first, but would get used to mom being there and slip up.

BTW, I agree that teachers are doing a most important job and are underpaid! Plus, they have to put up with all kinds of aggravation from the silly parents!