Teachers' Behavior

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Home : 2003 : January : 23

Teachers' Behavior
By Another viewpoint

I consider what you described completely unacceptable and can't imagine a professional reacting in that way. (Although I know some do!) Research clearly indicates that children need a safe place in order to learn. There's
no way your daughter can do her best in a situation in which she feels intimidated. And if this is happening it absolutely has to stop!
Having said that, I do think I would give the teacher the benefit of the doubt and go into the conference with an open mind. Perception is reality for the person involved, but all teachers know that at times children misunderstand our actions. So

I think it would be helpful to go in with the attitude that you know this teacher just doesn't understand how her actions are affecting your daughter and assume that she is willing to change.

It's definitely important for the teacher to become aware of how your daughter is feeling. Perhaps the teacher isn't aware how pressured your child feels with the way she runs the math drills. That issue seems like one that just needs some guidance.

The yelling and pounding the desk seem much more troubling. I think (if things don't change after the conference) I would insist my child be removed from the classroom. As Renee pointed out, these feelings of insecurity can last a long time.