Get Schooled

By Karen Armsby

October 31, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this

Way back in the day when my kids were in elementary, I helped a lot in the classroom. Our PTA had good communication with the teachers, and we asked where they needed help and got volunteers sceduled to do it. Sometimes the room mothers (who helped organize parties and chaperoning on field trips,etc.) would also help the teacher with projects or working with kids, helping with reading or math. The planned and scheduled time was good and not disruptive of the teacher’s schedule.

It is the teachers’ workplace, and we parents respected their work space authority, and didn’t come in to run the show, only to assist. Sometimes parents would drop in to observe, and I think this made the teachers nervous, but they put up with it. We also had days when parents were invited to come sit in on classes, and that was eassier on the teachers, because it was planned.

By MamaS

October 31, 2005 08:57 AM | Link to this

“Showing up” is not the same as “being involved”. Talk with the teacher and arrange to come during reading groups and help tutor a slow reader; put up a bulletin board; learn to operate a copier and run off worksheets; chaperone a field trip or set up a class party; help with arts and craft projects — especially those involving paint or glue. That is involvement. Showing up at lunchtime with a MacDonald’s Happy Meal for your child and then wanting the teacher to take her 15-minute lunch break to discuss your child’s progress — that is selfishness and an annoyance to the teacher.

By oldteacher

October 31, 2005 09:00 AM | Link to this

Ok, sounds like you really want some arguments today.

I teach middle school and I teach remedial classes. Most of my parents do not come for conferences. I can write notes and call and ask for conferences but most don’t come. I know that they have to work and earn a living but I do with they could take the time to come and discuss their child once every 9 weeks.

Thank goodness most of my students are great kids. I have very few discipline problems. I would like to see more of these parents at PTO and open house.

By Bill

October 31, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

There are different types of parents who show up to “observe”. There are those who truly intend to be helpful, and they generally are helpful. There is the other extreme - the parent who shows up looking for something wrong. I think that it is probably pretty easy for something wrong to be found if that is what one is looking for. I applaud those parents who are in the school to help, assist, tutor, etc. Unfortunately they are quite often overlooked because they are grouped in with the others who show up just to cause problems. For some reason they feel as if their child is being wronged, and they must run to the rescue. As a teacher and a coach, I constantly have parents who speak to me under the guise of being helpful, but they really want to tell me how to do my job. They do this despite their lack of experience of knowledge. Please know that the parents who come in with the genuine intent of helping are always welcome. I am consistently reminded that people seem to think they know how to educate even when they are not and have not been in schools except when they come to look for something wrong.

By Velatra

October 31, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this

I always welcome parents into my classroom to OBSERVE at any time of the school day. So far, I’ve been very blessed to have parents who understand what the procedures are. I did have a parent about five years ago who thought that I would stop in the middle of a lesson to have a conference with him. When I told him that I could meet with him at another time, he promptly told me, “Well, you told me that I could come at any time.” I had to get very specific with him, and we had no more problems.

By Hattermom

October 31, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

I believe there are two ways parents can be involved in their child’s school. The first, and I think most important, is for a parent to show their child how important an education is by listening to them talk about their day, asking about homework (and yes, making sure it is completed), keeping in touch with teachers through out the year and not just during Open Houses or parent/teacher conferences, and reading with and to the child daily. The second, and the one I think most people think of when parent involvement is discussed, is when parents spend lots of time fund raising for the PTA, bringing treats to classrooms for holiday celebrations, shelving books in the media center and monitoring testing. In my experience, principals and teachers welcome parents when parents are “helping” in ways that benefit the school (see above) but bristle and get defensive when parents offer suggestions about “school improvements” or disagree with administrative decisions.

By Tiffany

October 31, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this

I don’t agree with parents “helping” out with children when it comes to academics. Helping the teacher with activites or projects (making copies, decorating, event planning…) are ok, but not academics. I feel this should only be done by trained professionals. When a teacher allows just any ole parent to come in and “help” out with academics, then that is saying a lot about the teacher and the school….

By Jenn

October 31, 2005 10:54 AM | Link to this

I taught 7th grade, and I loved having parents come into my classroom to observe, and I called & sent home letters to that effect.

Having an extra set of eyes in the class created a much more positive, controlled classroom environment, and as a result, my best lessons were often taught when they came by for an unannounced visit.

By Tiffany

October 31, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this

Jenn, Did they help out with academics?

By Elsie

October 31, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

Tiffany, I don’t think anyone is suggesting that parents teach an entire lesson. Parents can be really helpful with academics without any special training, especially in lower elementary grades. Young children need a lot of practice reading; a parent volunteer can listen to a child read aloud for extra practice. Parents can also serve as an extra set of eyes and ears, helping to monitor what students are working on during independent work. As an elementary teacher, I LOVE having parents come in to volunteer; I find out what their comfort level is, and I will find something for them in that “zone”. The only times I have a problem with parents in my classroom are when they want to interrupt a lesson or when they want to tell me how to do my job.

By Ernest

October 31, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

I’ve been accused of being a ‘helicopter’ parent so I’m mindful of that when I attempt to help. I personally had to ‘swallow my pride’ when I was initially asked to perform copying. I then realized if this task will help the teacher in providing more instructional time with the students, I should just ‘get over it’. The first thing I ask for now are copy assignments (it’s pretty easy also).

Teachers are ultimately responsible for what goes on in the classroom. Though many parents could help in other areas, it only works if it is planned with the teacher.

There have been some schools where I did not feel as welcome. Again, it may have been due to the ‘helicopter’ reputation. Once everyone got over that, things seemed to work OK. Really wanting to help means being an ‘indian’ rather than a ‘chief’. I apologize in advance for not being P.C. with that statement.

By HSTeach

October 31, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

Let me teach…you parent…I’ll deal w/ the problems in my classroom, and I’ll be glad to take input, but don’t assume that your child should get an “A” b/c they work hard…… I WISH I had parents that were that involved to the point where I had these problems…I would love to have this kind of problem…as it is, I only talk to 4-5 parents (out of 80 kids) on a regular basis. It would be a great problem to have it parents interferred!!!! At least it shows they care!

By tiffany

October 31, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this

I made that comment based on an unpleasant experience with a parent who lives in my sub. She was helping the teacher out one day, and while the teacher was away for a few moments, she told the students that Santa Clause is make believe. My daughter informed me and I spoke with the parent. She relayed to me that 3rd graders should not continue to believe in foolishness. Nonetheless, I took it to the principle, and she doesn’t “help” out anymore at her school, but I still have to look at her in the neighborhood.

By OldSchool

October 31, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this

Mine is a unique situation: I teach Engineering Drawing in our high school. Under that umbrella, my class includes Residential Design, Technical Drafting, 3D Animation, Basic Land Surveying, and Solid Modeling. I teach traditional drafting (on the board) as well as AutoCAD. There is no way I am an expert in all those areas although I am very competent in them. I am fortunate to have parents and industry friends who volunteer their time to come in and teach small groups of my students when I need them to.

For example: a local civil engineer trained 5 of my students in surveying by having them help him complete the first ever survey on a city park. They were in the field and in the classroom and it was a marvelous partnership. He is coming back to teach some more students how to draw water runoff drawings for the Dept. of Transportation.

Parents also serve on my Advisory Committee and provide input on my curriculum. I can’t have a huge ego and make this work. It’s a true working partnership and I love it.

Parents and members of the community are in and out of my lab almost daily. The students never have a problem with it as it happens so frequently and is never confrontational. My students know from day one that their parents are welcome and expected to show up whenever they can.

By Ernest

October 31, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

I like how you handle supplementing your class with volunteers, OldSchool. Having an ego can go both ways, on the part of the parent and teacher. Finding that balance is important for everyone.

By Gil Gibson

October 31, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this

The responsibility for children’s education rests with the parents.

Public school personnel, from the superintendent to the custodian are hired by parents to help carry out the parents responsibility.

For any teacher or administrator to resent or try to limit parents’ involvement, or even comments, shows they do not understand the relationship here.

By Tiffany

October 31, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

In reference to OldSchool comments….. Like I stated earlier Elsie….”trained” professionals, and not just any ole parent.

By tiffany tanner

October 31, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

By the way….good job oldSchool.

By Leia

October 31, 2005 12:15 PM | Link to this

Usually, when a parent comes to “observe” - it is when they’ve been given reports that their child is misbehaving. So, they show up, sit in the room, and their child acts like a complete angel!

So, the “observation” is used against the teachers, in that the child didn’t misbehave at all, and all of the teachers are picking on him/her!

Let me come “observe” how you parent your child at home!

By OldSchool

October 31, 2005 12:15 PM | Link to this

Ms. Tiffany, do not assume that all the parents who help me in my lab are “trained professionals.” They certainly don’t need to be. What I need is a volunteer who LISTENS to me and tries to do what I ask of him/her. Often I can teach them some basic drafting and they can help my beginners. I’ve had parents listen to students read the material aloud and discuss it with them. It’s not always rocket science and often both learn something. Parents get involved with their own students when floor plans go home for a little “what would YOU like in a kitchen/bath/master suite?” input. Some of those parents really put in their two cents and have the student take notes.

C’mon down, you don’t have to be an expert to find a role in helping me. This is good stuff and I LOVE it!

And thanks for the pat on the back! There are a lot of teachers just like me…we’re just quiet about what we do.

By Robert

October 31, 2005 12:26 PM | Link to this

As a high school teacher, I welcome parental involvement. Mostly because some students will go home and lie to their parents about what is really going on at school and some parents will believe it hook, line, and sinker, and then blame the teacher/school. If a parent is involved then they should know the truth!

I think when parental involvement is not welcome is when the parents do not respect the professional educators decisions. Professional educators are trained and have years of experience and when parents want to step in and go against the advice of trained professionals - well then of course there is conflict. It would be like if the child went to a Medical Doctor for a broken leg and the doctor says to put a cast on in order to heal, and the parent says no…… what do you think will happen?

By Dan

October 31, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this

What irony, the paradox you have asked us to comment on is perfectly illustrated day in and day out on this very blog.

By Dan

October 31, 2005 12:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah Robert just like that, except that doctors typically are among the highest academic performers in HS and Undergrad, then go through a rigorous post grad of which only the top get admitted, then years of internship and residency programs. A better analagy would be a chef wanting to top the kids steak with bernaise sauce and the parent saying no he will just have the meat and potatoes.

By Manny

October 31, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this

Dan - I was waiting for your daily teacher-bashing comment, and you haven’t disappointed me! Now, we’re equivalent to a chef! You crack me up.

I was number 3 in high school, top 5% in undergrad, top 5% grad, and have a Ph.D. I think I deserve the right to be considered a professional.

By tiffany tanner

October 31, 2005 01:00 PM | Link to this

Well, OldSchool, I still feel the same way, because of my experience. I thought it was okay too before I had my unpleasant experience. Helping is one thing, teaching is another. I do not want just anyone teaching my children. Remember, I said “teaching”.

By sam

October 31, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

Yes, I’m a public school teacher as well, and I was my high school class salutatorian and graduated magna cum laude from college. I chose to teach because I wanted to, and I still enjoy it—so don’t assume that teachers can’t do any other highly skilled profession. Unhappily I do see some deadwood around my school….

I also welcome parental involvement and I cannot think of any situation in my career—13 years—when it was negative. I only wish I had more of it! The students who are the best prepared are generally those whose parents have already taken a strong interest in their child’s education.

I do have some teacher friends who have had to deal with overly pushy parents, but it seems to be rather rare.

I also would say that parents should be welcome in the classroom at virtually anytime, but a parent conference during classtime is inappropriate.

By tiffany

October 31, 2005 01:23 PM | Link to this

OldSchool, I take the congrads back if you are letting unskilled parents “teach” your children.

By RF

October 31, 2005 01:37 PM | Link to this

Dan— I was at a christmas party with a friend who is a doctor. When the assorted doctors in the group we were with found out I was a teacher, they were all amazed and said they could never do the job I do. Now, this was coming from a heart surgeon, an anesthesiologist or two, and a pediatrician. The medical profession respects us, and they’re “at the top”. Where does that put us lowly teachers then???? :- )

By Laura

October 31, 2005 01:37 PM | Link to this

I know of two schools that forbid parents inside the building - period. Both are elementary schools. One does it because the staff is afraid of some of the parents. I know a teacher at that school. The other school does it because they had way too many parents at the school everyday. School has about 1000 kids and a lot of very over eager helicopter parents and it was a distraction to the teachers and students to have literally hundreds of volunteers in the school every day. I know a parent at that school and the parents received a letter in the mail about the new policy and that was the reason given.

In my son’s current private school the school prefers not to have parents in the classrooms at all. Parents aren’t even allowed in for parties - which are totally controlled by the school. It’s a large LD school and the teacher’s are highly trained and the max class size is 10 with lots of other paid staff. They don’t need any parental help in the classroom. They want the parents raising money and that’s what they do instead. My son is on a field trip today and it’s NO PARENTS.

It’s kinda a relief. When kiddo was in public school I left work once a week to stuff their weekly packets and do other things and it was a huge distraction for my son. When I was there all he focused on was me. Yet, there was this pressure to be involved. You have to be at the school all the time or you’re a bad mother. That’s what it seemed like anyway. Read any parenting magazine and it says, “Live at your children’s school.” I don’t know if I agree with that anymore.

By Dan

October 31, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

You may be Manny but you are certainly in the minority and academically speaking, while your academic acheivments probably place you in the top percentile of education professionals, it would be average in the medical community and with a far less challengning curriculum at that. It’s not teacher bashing it is observing. I never said teachers weren’t professionals, I was simply implying that intllectual comparisons to physicians is a bit self aggrandizing at best, simply egotistical at worst. And RF I am sure they appreciate your work, the point is every parent teaches and educates their child or they should (as supported here by most teachers) and while a trained teacher certainly can handle a class of children more efficiently than the normal adult, certainly when dealing one on one with a single child, the gap is certainly narrower between the teacher and an educated parent than it is between an orthopedic surgeon and the average educated parent.

By Jenn

October 31, 2005 02:15 PM | Link to this

tiffany,

When parents came in, it was to have an extra set of eyes only, not to teach. Guest lecturing is one thing (which I also didn’t do, but support), teaching is another.

As for dispelling the myth of Santa Claus, the parent was out of line, but that’s not teaching.

By RF

October 31, 2005 02:42 PM | Link to this

Dan—your assumptions about the “gap” between medical professionals and teachers is exaggerated, and is yet another example of the popular belief about “those who can…” I find it offensive, factually incorrect, and totally wrong for an educated person to assume that a doctor is on a higher intellectual level than a teacher. How does one learn to be a doctor without teachers? Apparently you haven’t studied education in college. A PhD in education is just as good, and as hard-earned, as a medical PhD.

By Dan

October 31, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

RF ask yourself a question.
Do you think your physician friends would justify their status by saying “Hey I was at a xmas party and this gentleman I met, who is a teacher, said he doesn’t think he could do my job”
Yeah I thought so. They KNOW you can’t do their job, however I am pretty sure they could sub admirably tomorrow in a elemtary or High school science or math class. Kind of proves the point doesn’t it.

By RF

October 31, 2005 03:01 PM | Link to this

Let them try. What you fail to understand is that it is a difference in skill area, not level. I have great respect for doctors. I know I couldn’t do their jobs. I also firmly believe that they wouldn’t be able to do mine either. At least I met one group of DOCTORS who doesn’t see your obvious predjudice. I’m glad my doctor doesn’t have your elitist attitude about himself. Question—are you a doctor or a teacher? I doubt it. If you were, you’d realize what a ridiculous assumption you’re making here. Here’s an idea—why don’t you become a sub for a week and then get back to us. Enough—I said I wasn’t going to stoop to your picking today, but I did anyway.

By tiffany

October 31, 2005 03:06 PM | Link to this

Jenn… I agree…

By Choi

October 31, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this

RF don’t stoop….. Dan is doing what he does best…..get things heated up a little!!!!

By RF

October 31, 2005 03:31 PM | Link to this

About parent volunteers—-I wish more of my parents would express an interest in being involved. I think it’s expected more in elementary and middle school. By high school, there’s really not any classroom involvement. I think it would mean a lot to have a parent come in and read to kids, even in high school. I would welcome my kids’ parents into my room and gladly have them help, as long as they understand procedures and rules for my class. I would welcome their input about my teaching——after class.

By Dan

October 31, 2005 03:36 PM | Link to this

You aren’t stooping RF I am just trying to raise your awareness. It is pretty clear that you have a bit of confusion between skill and intelligence. Even the President of Columbia Univ teachers college is not impressed with the state of the education curriculum.

“Educational reformers had reason to take heart earlier this year when Arthur Levine, the president of Columbia University’s Teachers College, issued a report blasting the nation’s schools of education. You can’t go wrong attacking ed schools, even if you’re the head of a famous one yourself.

Mr. Levine singled out the “inadequate to appalling” graduate programs in educational leadership and called for the abolition of the Ed.D. degree. These programs, he asserted, suffer under the weight of lax admissions standards, weak faculties and inappropriate degree requirements and are often cynically used by their host universities as “cash cows.” A rather bold bit of truth-telling on his part; and apparently there are three more such scathing reports coming from Mr. Levine, as part of a project underwritten by the Annenberg, Ford, Kauffman and Wallace Foundations.”

The whole article is here but I think you need to subscribe to the WSJ http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110007469

The fact is if the education curriculum was as difficult as a medical one, you wouldn’t have enough teachers there would be 500 kids per class.

By RF

October 31, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this

I still don’t see how that makes doctors better because they have to go to school longer, but whatever. Those of us who love to teach, and have some measure of skill in our profession, are proud of what we do, and feel, however deluded it might be, that we are as good as anyone else. Believe what you choose, but I know how much skill it takes to be a teacher. Sounds to me like Mr. Levine needs to take care of Columbia, and perhaps the rest will follow if they’re so bad. He too is allowed his opinion. I’ll keep my rose-colored glasses on Dan and believe that I am a highly qualified, well-trained professional, as well trained in my field as any doctor is in his. Thus, I believe that I am just as educated and intellectually capable as any doctor. No, I didn’t go to school for all those years before I could practice, but I have definitely done them since.

Judging from your grammar, you had some excellent teachers along the way, or did you just teach yourself?

By Karen Armsby

October 31, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this

Dan, Enough! We are all tired of your insulting rhetoric, and know-it- allness.

By Choi

October 31, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this

Laura…. you took the words straight out of my mouth!!!!!!!!!!

By Kym

October 31, 2005 04:20 PM | Link to this

As a parent I think it should be okay to pop in now and again not so much to check on the teacher but also to check on your child and make sure they are on task. You can do this by coming one afternoon and having lunch with your child at school. Teachers always seem to welcome it with smiles and surprise. I know one single dad who made surprise inspections on his son, after the teacher complained about his behavior. Okay I cheated on the ajc a little today and read CNN first there was a great article on what is happening in Denver Colorado about teacher pay possible being tied to performance.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/10/31/teacher.pay.ap/index.html

I wonder how well this would go over in our school system here?

By Choi

October 31, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

I said Laura… I meant KAREN

By Manny

October 31, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this

Dan - you may not think that I’m as “smart” as a doctor or that my curriculum wasn’t as difficult, but, I live in the same neighborhood as doctors, my children play with their children, and they come and ask for my help when they cannot help their kids with their homework or when they need any help with their computers! Hmm - what does that tell you?

It’s amazing that they don’t feel superior to me, why do you think they are?

By Dan

October 31, 2005 04:58 PM | Link to this

Rf I just do a lot of crosswords But seriously I had some wonderful teachers that made significant impacts and I have mentioned them in these blogs. Some I am sure could have chosen any profession they had the inclination to, others who were simply blessed with the compassion and love of teaching, that I believe is innate in some people. But I had even more teachers along for the ride, they may have had PHd’s or whatever the minimum education was at the time. There is certainly a reasonable argument as to the comparable responsibility and societal impact regarding teachers and physicians. Teaching is certainly an honorable profession and one to be proud of, if done with honor. Unfortunately though, the worthiness and excellence of our teaching population is largely safeguarded by honor only, because of the laxness of the education system. My point was not to say that everyone who is a teacher and has accumulated and accomplished his/her degrees in that field cannot be an intellectually superior person, just that the completion of said degrees does not guarantee it, with quite as much surety as a physicians academic accomplishments. I do need to be a little more tactful. But still rather have a physician teach my kid biology than a bio teacher set his arm ;o)

By Dan

October 31, 2005 05:12 PM | Link to this

Well congratulations Manny. No one said anything about superiority. I am sure they call a plumber when they have a leak too. (and I am not saying that teachers are plumbers!!)
Unlikly they would have their child go to you for help with biology though I just thought RFs analogy was overstated. I still maintain that a parent and teacher can have a much more meaningful and balanced discussion regarding the attributes of a given lesson plan then a parent and physician could have regarding the best course of action to mend a broken bone. We have all been students for a significant portion of our lives and while not every one has stood in front of a class, I submit most have taught children or peers on some level. Social implications aside, because we are not talking about the superiority of a person or group of persons. Do you really think if given the opportunity and inclination to change careers (financial considerations aside), that as many teachers (% wise because there are far more teachers than physicians) could become doctors as vice versa.

By oldteacher

November 1, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this

Just remember, someone’s kids are trying to learn from the worst teacher in the world. Someone has an appointment with the worst doctor in the world. Someone called the worst plumber in the world.

By Taxpayer

November 1, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this

When my child was in preschool and elementary school, I volunteered for everything and was, indeed, the prototypical “helicopter parent.” However, I wanted to help out and to be involved because neither of my parents ever did anything at my school or attended any of my events or activities. I truly overdid it, and when my daughter hit middle school, she said to me, “Stay away from school, please!” She’s now in high school, and I help raise money for the school. That’s it. I volunteer my time with charities and leave my daughter to have her own space. We’re both much happier. I’d advise that parents check first with their children to make sure the kids want to have the parent at school. I wish I had backed off much sooner.

By RF

November 1, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

Thank you Dan for being more tactful. I think we accomplish a lot more in these discussions when we choose our words more carefully. One is always entitled to his or her opinion, but I’ve learned that the merit of the opinion can be influenced greatly by the tone of its expression. I’ll tip my hat to you for rephrasing your ideas in a more appropriate manner.

One thing perhaps to think about is that while a doctor is extremely well versed in his chosen field of practice, he might or might not be able to teach. We have a science teacher this year who has years of experience as a chemist who felt called to become a teacher. Now, while he ‘knows his stuff’ as a chemist, he is suffering badly as a teacher. He said yesterday that he had no idea how stressful this job was going to be, and how much skill he thought he had that he didn’t when he entered the classroom. It isn’t as simple as you might think for professionals in other fields to become teachers. Just as I wouldn’t be able to set a broken bone with any measurable skill, a doctor would find teaching a room full of kids awfully difficult. I know first aid, so I know about as much about medicine as a profession as the average doctor knows about teaching.

By Robert

November 1, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this

RF, Thank you! You clarified my point exactly.

In addition, a parent giving advice on medicine is about as helpful as a parent giving advice on teaching. Everyone seems to believe that they know pedagogy (much less content), but few have been trained and even fewer can properly do it.

By Don

November 1, 2005 08:51 AM | Link to this

Ive always been involved with my childs education even though me and her mother were not together. She is currently in high school. I always and still do make sure at the beginning of each school year to welcome her teachers back and introduce myself. I also find out when its acceptable to request parent/teacher meetings to find out if there are any problems and to offer assistance. I will never forget when my daughter was in 1st grade and I requested a meeting with her teacher. My daughters mother had already ok me to pick her up from the school and to make such meetings with the school administration which included this teacher. The teacher ok’d the meeting then promptly called my childs mother. I was really upset. This was not a question of security or endangering the child. This was a teacher being a b…. Next time I saw this teacher I made sure she understood I wasnt an MIA dad and she would not make me one. This was the only unfortunate experience Ive had with a teacher.

By oldteacher

November 1, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this

Don, you should have also spoken to the office staff. Sometimes the custodial parent will come in and make a request that if the other parent contacts the school, she is to be called before anything can be done. It might not have been the individual teacher’s fault. We have rules we have to follow too.

By RF

November 1, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this

Robert— isn’t it amazing how many people think that teaching is soooo easy?? It’s like the guys (myself included) who go into Home Depot on Saturday thinking “Sure, I can replace that faucet”, only to find that they have to call a professional AFTER they flood the kitchen. Many, many people have a basic knowledge of the pedagogy, so they THINK it’s easier than it really is. I appreciate everyone’s input, so long as they understand that I have carefully worked all these years to become the “professional” in my field. Most parents are great about it, but of course there are always the few who aren’t. I wish I had more parents involved in high school.

By Lee

November 1, 2005 09:42 AM | Link to this

Points to ponder: (1) You may be a “professional” and have advanced degrees and years of experience, but even so, I have found that everyone from the Janitor to the CEO knows at least one thing pertinent to my job that I don’t know. A wise man will listen and take heed. (2) 50% of the (Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers, Accountants, etc.) graduated in the bottom half of their class. (OK, OK, I know it is only 49.9999%, forgive me for rounding). (3) A college degree does not necessarily indicate wisdom or intelligence. It only means that you took the requisite number of courses and passed a few tests, wrote a few papers, etc. (4) Not everyone can teach. Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Unfortunately, this includes some Teachers who are already in the profession.

By RF

November 1, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

yes Lee, even the janitor knows a thing or two about kids, but would you really want one teaching in your child’s classroom?? I appreciate everyone’s wisdom and take it to heart. I can’t speak for every teacher, but most do have the common sense to seek and accept advice. And yep, there are always a few bad apples in teaching, just as I am sure you have a few idiots in your field who make you wonder how they manage to dress themselves. It’s relatively pointless for folks to constantly bring that point up. DUH- don’t you think we know there are some who don’t need to be teaching? Believe it or not, most of those don’t stay around very long anymore. It’s too challenging a profession these days for the lazy to just hang on. They can’t keep up anymore. Which half of the graduating class were you in? I made the top 10

By Nikole

November 1, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this

Don, depending on the situation, like if I had never met you, I probably would have called your child’s mother too. I am speaking as an elementary school teacher.

By Don

November 1, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

Like I said previously she had okd everything with the school administration which included this teacher. I had met her and received information on which days of the week to schedule such a meeting. Also she had met me on several occasions.This individual took it upon herself to inform my childs mother of the school conference I had scheduled. What does this have to do with child endangerment?