teacher's child

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Home : 2004 : December : 16

teacher's child
By S.

I agree that you shouldn't take this personally, although it's hard not to. Human nature is to look elsewhere to put the blame- and the teacher is often the scapegoat.

Was it your principal who told you what the teacher
said? I think a professional principal would have requested a 3-way meeting or at least told the other teacher that she needed to go directly to you. Sounds like some school politics are involved. In a district with a union, the union would not allow other teachers to make derogatory comments about another teacher's skills, and the principal should NOT be passing this along as hearsay.
My

suggestion is this: take a positive initiative and request a meeting with this teacher and principal. At the meeting, explain that you know it's an unusual situation with this mom being both a teacher/parent and you want to ensure that her child's progress is kept between YOU, HER and the principal (i.e. not other teachers). Explain that there seems to have been some miscommunication- show that you've just had one meeting, talk about the enrichment work you've given, show some writing samples and then ask the mother/teacher what other goals she has as A MOTHER (not a teacher) for her child. In other words, you're not being defensive, you're willing to clear the matter up, and you're showing your professionalism. Perhaps suggest a follow-up meeting in a couple of weeks' time.

I also would not say anything about this to your other teaching colleagues. Then, keep doing what you're doing because it sounds like you're doing a great job!