Based on your extra information

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Home : 2003 : March : 30

Based on your extra information
By Cathy-Dee

I agree with the others who have posted since your new information. You still should not do the home visit unless you have a couselor with you (because of the friendship between the parent and the Principal I wouldn't even
accept his being there as helpful at this time).
What would probably be the best course of action with the least amount of reprecussions is to do this on Monday morning.
Be honest, tell your Principal you thought over his request during the weekend and discussed it with trusted friends and colleagues and based on the emotional state the child is in (evidenced by his accusations) you

feel that the best place for a meeting is in the school. Then say you are willing to meet at any time with the family but that you want at least one other adult in the room with you during any meeting with the child.

It seems that since the parents are getting divorced the child is looking for outlets for his anger, fear, hurt, etc., and you have become his target. Yes it's a frustrating thing but can end up being a good thing in the end. Be extra positive when talking with the Principal and then with the family if the opportunity arises. Be honest with the child and let him know that you do not understand why he feels this way but that you would like to be someone he can trust and count on. Ask him why he has said the things he has and why he feels so negative about being in your class. Be prepared to handle anything he says - you might be a great teacher but remind him of his father and the student may not even realize this. Or your speaking voice may be harsher than he needs right now. Or you may have done nothing at all. Sometimes I've had to take a step back and talk with a child because they seem fearful of saying something to me or doing something because of how I might react. And I'm usually a much-loved teacher, but for different children in some circumstances any teacher can say or do the wrong thing and not even realize it. So then you have to be the one to open that door of communication and not let any of the comments the child might say hurt you or offend you.

Don't let this one thing "sour" your taste for teaching. It may mean looking for another school for next year but teaching can be a wonderful career even with some of the negative things that can happen.

Good luck and let us know what happens.