I'm in a bit of a quandry. Robbie's teacher from last term and last year has been removed from the school for this term because the principal felt that she was emotionally and verbally abusing the kids, Robbie in particular.
It has now come to light that the Education Department (in their infinate wisdom) have offered her the same position for next term. She says that she doesn't want to come back to school yet, that she doesn't feel school is the right place for her at the moment. She is right, but I want to be a bit more sure of whats going on than that.
The principal is very stressed and feels that he has stuck his neck out to protect the kids and all it has achieved is one term. There is no guarantee that she will come back, but the fact that the Department have offered her the position is a kick in the teeth for him. He feels as though he has been put through the wringer for nothing.
Both the principal and the current teacher (who is wonderful) are putting pressure on me to write a letter to the department expressing my concerns. My problem is that I'm not really sure what my concerns are. The previous teacher taught Pink in year 6 and was fabulous with her, and while Robbie has come home saying that he hates school and he hates Mrs...... I don't feel I have anything really specific to complain about. Robbie isn't the type of kid who will tell me exactly what someone said or did to make him feel bad, he just reacts by not wanting to go to school, not doing any work and generally misbehaving.
I can definately say that the change in Robbie has been immense. He is enjoying school, he is doing his homework. He hasn't once said this term that he doesn't want to go to school.
If the previous teacher has decided not to come back this year then I am tempted to let sleeping dogs lie. Robbie will change schools next year and head to high school but if she really is that bad I feel guilty about inflicting her on any other kids.
I don't know. I will pray and hope the Lord points me in a definate direction. He has to be obvious though, because I'm a bit slow on the uptake sometimes!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Teachers can be bully's too
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10 valued opinions!:
That is a tough one. Good luck on your decision. I find it often helps to look at it from the opposite direction. If Robbie was someone else's child, and your child was going to get this teacher next year, would you want Robbie's mother to write a letter?
I would think what you've written here is fine. Outlining the changes you've noticed in Robbie and expressing concern over him returning to the same teacher and returning to not enjoying school. Ignore whether or not you think she's coming back and assume for a moment that she is (because that is a possibility by the sounds of things).
Does it work to address a letter to the Principal instead of the Department. Something he could forward on? Seems much less intimidating from my point of view.
I agree with lightening, as well as Kelly. Just share from your heart... You would want someone else's mom to do the same if Robbie was 'about' to encounter this teacher. Lots of trials and challenges your direction. I will continue to pray.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds... - James 1
I have often felt that God calls me to speak up when others dont' or won't!
I often leave it a while but mostly GOd calls me to be obedient and following Him is the best!
Even if I feel like I am sticking myself out for the kill, someone has to !
It sure sounds like your son has had a hard time and if it helps another child and family in the future then its worth it. You may never know the effect of a letter and I am sure that you would be very polite yet justified in all you said.
I never like to think that I will regret not sayng something down the track. But you have to be very certain of your motive. Generally its opposition to actions not the person involved...
Lynette
Adelaide
PS Did you find that nice shoe shop in Glenelg?
Kelly, thankyou for that insight, I will keep pondering.
Lightening, I think the principal wants me to write to the department to help support the position he has taken.
Joanie, thanks for you prayers. I'm still undecided as yet but keep praying!
Lynette, no we didn't get time to get down to Glenelg. Just the mall and Marion. Spent enough money doing that without searching out a place to spend more!
I guess my concern is whether you're getting too much pressure from the Principal. A hard one to work out.
You are in a really tough spot; I know God will lead you in doing the right thing. Don't give in to pressure though, if writing the letter isn't what you want to do. And since she was a wonderful teacher to your daughter, maybe just maybe, she should go back and teach that particular grade??? Maybe that is what the teacher is thinking, too? Who knows.
I've lifted you in prayer. May God guide your words and actions on this matter.
Prayers and Blessings.
Lightening, I'm receiving the most pressure from the replacement teacher, which (because I'm cynical) makes me wonder about her motives.
Tiggerdaisy, the whole letter writing thing just isn't sitting well with me. It doesn't feel right. I'm thinking I might talk to the teacher and get her thoughts. It's all starting to feel a bit like a witch hunt.
I can understand where you're coming from with the current teacher. Without knowing all the ins and outs, I wouldn't really know her motivation. I do know one thing. She is very passionate about those kids.
What I can't believe is the Ed Dept's decision. My suspicion is that the Principal has stuffed up somewhere along this process because I don't think she should be allowed back in the classroom until she's at least been through some sort of program to sort herself out. I don't care how good a teacher she is. There's no way, with the little I know that I would EVER leave my child in her care unless I could be 100% sure her issues had been resolved (and even then it would be a stretch).
If the Principal has stuffed up though, it is a little unfair to be putting pressure on the parents.
I just can't understand the Dept's decision on this.
Did you get my email to your home email address last night?
I'm very cynical when it comes to the education department I'm afraid. When Pink was in year 7 we had no end of trouble with her teacher (who later had a breakdown and was diagnosed with bi-polar). After many complaints the teacher was asked to take leave, she ended up in hospital in Adelaide. After only a few weeks she was allowed back into the school. Within a week of her return the teacher just snapped and pushed Pink off a desk at school, injuring her arm and bruising her back. Then, and only then, did the education dept get off their backsides and do something about it and get help for both the teacher and the student. But by then the damage was done and Pink still bears the scars, as does the teacher. I have remained in contact with this teacher, she is a lovely Christian young woman who carries this remorse and guilt around with her still, three years later. She was ill, as is the teacher they have now, she needed help, and it wasn't offered until it was too late. Sorry, this has turned into a bit of a rant.
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