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?
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI work in a public school system and one thing that has been known to work at my school is that parents will speak with the grade level chairperson of that particular grade level. Then if the problems or issues are not resolved then the grade level chair person will set up a meeting with the parent, principal and teacher.
I have seen the problems resolved with talking to the chair person.
I understand you concerns about your son suffering, however if you do not solve the problems and or concerns now he will suffer throughout his school years, now is the time for him to receive the foundation that is so necessary that will help him to be successful throughout his life.
Stacey I think setting up a conference with the principal will be a good idea because it sounds like you need a mediator. The teacher is set in her view of teaching and you are set that you want the best for your son. When there is a stall in the communication, it is time for intervention. As Lori stated, you don't want this to stigmitize his future school years. To be stressed in kindergarten will only make him stressed in later years. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteThis definitely is a tough situation, especially since you want what is best for your son. I agree with Lori and Barbara that going to the principal may be the best solution, especially if there are other parents who are having similar issues with this teacher. Hopefully meeting and discussing these issues can help you and the teacher work together and come up with something that will work for your son and the other students!