Communication in Action (Week 5)

            This week we were asked to share a personal conflict we are having with someone that involves communication.  Then we were asked to reflect on how we could solve this problem based on some newfound knowledge we have learned in our course recently. 

I have really been struggling communicating with my son’s Kindergarten teacher.  A lot of parents are unhappy with how she is handling a few things.   His teacher sends home apples with students if they behaved during the day.  The entire first week of school went by, and my son did not bring home one apple.  I emailed her the following week only to find out that my son had a horrible week and, she literally had nothing good to say about him.  I was angry that she did not even let me know that he was having problems, and I was disappointed that she could not think of one good thing to say about him.  I am a firm believer that when I communicate with parents about a problem I am having, I must share something positive first.  She also sends out emails about twice a week if our student has not mastered a topic.  Our students are about to be assessed, and I have tried to seek guidance from her.  She simply told me to just go look at the standards online.  There is no way that she is going to test over all of them at one time, thus why I was seeking a short list.  I have confided in many parents, and they are also upset with the emails they are getting.  If so many of us are receiving them, then she needs to go back and re-teach!  Overall, the teacher is not slowing down and it seems like she is sticking to her agenda and not the children’s. 

Our course in communication has really taught me a lot of new knowledge and tips that could help me mend my problem.  One solution is to change the power dynamic.  I feel that his teacher is on a power trip thus why she is refusing to listen to parents because she feels that only she knows what is best.  I know the Principal well because we use to go to church together, so I have been considering setting up a conference with her and my son’s teacher.  Sometimes, we do have to seek higher authority.  I just do not want this to backfire and my son suffer because of it.  Another solution is to simply compromise which is what I have been doing.  I understand that she is my son’s teacher, so I am spending a lot of extra time at home tutoring him over everything that he is bringing home as well as rewarding him often for good behavior.  I do believe it is my job as a parent to reinforce what is happening at school.   

I would love to hear what my fellow professional colleagues have to say as well as parents!  Should I compromise and continue to do what I am doing, or should I go one step above the teacher and seek counsel from the Principal?