This will probably be a long vent, so sorry in advance! A little background - this is my second year teaching. I was a sub for 5 years prior to that. Went back to school got a second degree. I thought I finally found a career I could love and do well. Last year was tough - tough class etc., first year. This year has been a nightmare! The WORST class ever. (except for the few students who do what they are told, behave, work without complaning). Now to top it off a parent has accused me of being racist. (I'm white - student is black). I'll set it up - After a very long week I got a call at home from student's mom (actually future mom) on Friday night 7:00 p.m. wondering why he didn't get recess that day. My reponse - he was working with resource teacher getting his work caught-up. Oh ok, well I have a conference with younger brothers teacher on Monday at 3:15 can I come in before and see how he's doing. Sure, about what time? 2:45. Ok, see you then. Monday comes 3:00 comes - parent, finally at 3:15 dad and student walk into the room. I say hi, what can I do for you? He says I'm here for a parent-teacher conference. Okay, well mid-terms went home today any questions. No response. Also I sent home a note last week that he was supposed to return about how he has been disrepectful to me and other teachers. Oh dad that's the one I told you I threw away. I say but you told me you left on the counter. In enters resource teacher she needs him to sign some IEP update that he has been avoiding and then starts dad's yelling at me how I pick on all the black students and I'm a racist. He wants his kid out of my class. He comes home every day crying because I pick on him. Well I lost it, yes I probably didn't act very professional but I yelled back. He was attacking my character etc. Then in walks the principal and dad starts again on how I'm a racist and wants his kid out this class. I'm still trying to defend myself. At this point I'm really fighting back the tears and feel like jumping out the window. Principal doesn't want to hear my side. Then asks can we go downstairs and talk, is this a good time. I said no this isn't a good time. I thought I was going to have a stroke. Luckily a friend/teacher across the hall came over and tried to calm me down. Then I just went home and broke down. Eight at night prinicpal calls to get my side. I said sorry I lost my temper but I had to defend myself. This is only the second time I have ever seen this dad. I was expecting the mom. I am hard on all my students black or white, yellow or green. I expect them to all do their best and behave. He said he didn't think I picked on the black students, but he was moving student to other 5th grade teacher. Which was fine by me - there is no way I could ever teach that child again. I also have some other problem students that we have to meet with a mom for (yes he is black also). He doesn't do his work, dances in his seat, is always doing what he knows he is not supposed to. I also have a fairly new student who has major baggage (he is white) was kidnapped by father a year ago, mom finally got him back. He was abused, exposed to drugs, etc. Child has major medical problems because of this. Needs to go to bathroom often. I didn't know this until after he went home with an accident in his pants. Called into principal's office, day after racist problem, and told about this, I need to have conference with mom, which I had just scheduled. Also found out from mom at the conference that when I yell at the class or talk loud it scares child and reminds him of dad's girlfriend (that he saw dad stab). This friday before I left for the day I checked my school e-mail. E-mail from principal that I have to meet with him and elem. supervisor Monday at 3:00 to discuss my professionalism, etc. Probably going to have to change my voice. I have worked so hard to get to this point. I love to teach, but hate going to work any more. Do I yell at my class - well yes they are awful, and yes I have tried every know discipline I know. I'm sure many of the other students know what has gone on. I feel like many of the other teachers in the building are avoiding me. I know I'm not the best teacher in the world, but I do the best I can. I try to make sure they learn and find it interesting. I'm afraid I won't be hired back next year. I like this school, it is close to home, my kids went there and in many ways feels like home. But slowly but surely it isn't anymore. I would hate to have to start over at a different school. I don't know what I'm going to do. I need to work. I have 1 child off to college next year, then the following year another and then in 3 years my final child off to college. Besides I really don't know what else I would do. Do principal and admin. forget what it is like to be in a classroom full of spoiled, bratty kids. Have to deal with parents who are more concerned with their kid missing recess than doing their work. They load so much work on besides teaching it is overwhelming. I sick of it all. I don't think I've slept a total of 8 hours all week and I can't even look at food. Luckily my husband is supportive - but he always sees the glass half full! And 2 of the teachers on my floor have been supportive, but I still feel like I'm going to be hung out to dry. Thanks for listening. From reading other posts I know I'm not the only one that is fed up with teaching and all that goes with it. I wonder what would happen if all the teachers who felt this way quit! There would be alot of empty school rooms!
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accused falsely by parent
- Thread starter magpie
- Start date
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connieg
Guest
I feel for you
Hi,
I don't quite know what to say except I hope you can work on getting out of there. The kids sound horrible and you have unfortunately been slandered and I can understand your feelings. The one mistake you made is to try to talk to these parents when you could see they were there for the attack. These kinds of parents, actually most parents, will go after you with all claws out ready to eat you for their next meal. They could care less about your side of the story and won't believe you anyway even if you had a million witnesses. These folks are one of the worst parts of teaching. As soon as you see a conference or meeting go south, stop it and tell them that you can't continue now and will contact them later after you bring your principal or supervisor in to help deal with the issues. I know it was hard to have your character attacked, but I bet you agree with me now that these poor excuse for parents didn't want to hear the truth. They wanted blood and are playing the race card. They are stupid people who can't handle their own kid and are looking for someone else to blame. Be glad if this kid gets removed from your class.
I'm also sorry that your administrator didn't try to support you. I feel for these folks too because they get it from all sides and would be added to any lawsuit that has a teacher's name on it. I hate this part of teaching.
Connie
Hi,
I don't quite know what to say except I hope you can work on getting out of there. The kids sound horrible and you have unfortunately been slandered and I can understand your feelings. The one mistake you made is to try to talk to these parents when you could see they were there for the attack. These kinds of parents, actually most parents, will go after you with all claws out ready to eat you for their next meal. They could care less about your side of the story and won't believe you anyway even if you had a million witnesses. These folks are one of the worst parts of teaching. As soon as you see a conference or meeting go south, stop it and tell them that you can't continue now and will contact them later after you bring your principal or supervisor in to help deal with the issues. I know it was hard to have your character attacked, but I bet you agree with me now that these poor excuse for parents didn't want to hear the truth. They wanted blood and are playing the race card. They are stupid people who can't handle their own kid and are looking for someone else to blame. Be glad if this kid gets removed from your class.
I'm also sorry that your administrator didn't try to support you. I feel for these folks too because they get it from all sides and would be added to any lawsuit that has a teacher's name on it. I hate this part of teaching.
Connie
newtexasteach
Junior Member
Hang in there
I feel your pain.
I think every parent should spend a week or two in a classroom to
get a dose of what teachers go through.
I went back to school later in life to be a teacher.
I love planning, teaching, and the kids.
It is one of the most rewarding careers that I have ever had, but don't
know if the stress is worth it.
I am considering medication.
It would help if
- parents supported teachers when they disciplined their children instead of questioning their motives.
- principals would take our word over the words of some of our co-workers and parents
-principals would encourage parents to try and solve problems with the teacher first
- teachers/co-workers came to you if they had a problem instead of gossiping.
My heart goes out to you.
I feel your pain.
I think every parent should spend a week or two in a classroom to
get a dose of what teachers go through.
I went back to school later in life to be a teacher.
I love planning, teaching, and the kids.
It is one of the most rewarding careers that I have ever had, but don't
know if the stress is worth it.
I am considering medication.
It would help if
- parents supported teachers when they disciplined their children instead of questioning their motives.
- principals would take our word over the words of some of our co-workers and parents
-principals would encourage parents to try and solve problems with the teacher first
- teachers/co-workers came to you if they had a problem instead of gossiping.
My heart goes out to you.
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dkd1173
Guest
Been there!
I have two of these kinds of situations - one two years ago in which a dad came in and screamed at me in front of two classes of children (including his own child) and one this year in which a student, and then his mom also, going on her son's word, called me a racist. It is frustrating and hurtful, because all we try to do is help our students. I guess some parents don't see it that way. I agree with the other poster who said that all parents should be required to come in and teach for a day. They would really have their eyes opened. The general public has absolutely no idea what we deal with on a daily basis.
I'm sorry this happened to you, and I understand your instinct to yell back and defend yourself. That being said, unfortunately yelling back probably wasn't the best option. If I were you, when you meet with your principal I would apologize for losing your cool and admit you could have been more professional, but do point out how stressful the situation was, and that you were unprepared for the parent to attack you like that. Part of the blame here certainly does lie with the parent.
Do not meet with these parents again, or any other parents you don't feel comfortable with, without an administrator. Try to stick out the rest of this year at your present school, but you may want to think about making a change next year? Sometimes a new environment makes all the difference. Good luck!
I have two of these kinds of situations - one two years ago in which a dad came in and screamed at me in front of two classes of children (including his own child) and one this year in which a student, and then his mom also, going on her son's word, called me a racist. It is frustrating and hurtful, because all we try to do is help our students. I guess some parents don't see it that way. I agree with the other poster who said that all parents should be required to come in and teach for a day. They would really have their eyes opened. The general public has absolutely no idea what we deal with on a daily basis.
I'm sorry this happened to you, and I understand your instinct to yell back and defend yourself. That being said, unfortunately yelling back probably wasn't the best option. If I were you, when you meet with your principal I would apologize for losing your cool and admit you could have been more professional, but do point out how stressful the situation was, and that you were unprepared for the parent to attack you like that. Part of the blame here certainly does lie with the parent.
Do not meet with these parents again, or any other parents you don't feel comfortable with, without an administrator. Try to stick out the rest of this year at your present school, but you may want to think about making a change next year? Sometimes a new environment makes all the difference. Good luck!
superteach113
Senior Member
Parent's Comments
Unfortunately, teachers seem to attract these horrible comments. After 22 years of teaching I feel I've been called everything in the book and you think I would get use to it, but you don't.
I just had a email from a parent that said I've failed and am doing an injustice to the children I teach! What did I do? I had the children complete a chapter review and then had the test the next day! I was told I should finish all chapters before the weekend so that they can study and prepare for a Tuesday test all weekend! What a joke!!!
We try our hardest not to take it personal but we do. I an fortunate to have a principal who backs me up. But I would have to find another school if I didn't.
Unfortunately, teachers seem to attract these horrible comments. After 22 years of teaching I feel I've been called everything in the book and you think I would get use to it, but you don't.
I just had a email from a parent that said I've failed and am doing an injustice to the children I teach! What did I do? I had the children complete a chapter review and then had the test the next day! I was told I should finish all chapters before the weekend so that they can study and prepare for a Tuesday test all weekend! What a joke!!!
We try our hardest not to take it personal but we do. I an fortunate to have a principal who backs me up. But I would have to find another school if I didn't.
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anon101
Guest
So sorry!
You really sound like a wonderful teacher. I can definitely relate to what you are going through. Teaching is sooo hard sometimes. I really hope this all resolves positively for you. All you can do is act professional, if you made a mistake and the prinicpal calls you on it: apologize, be specific with him/her about how you plan to change, etc. And dont feel guilty about yelling. You sound like you care an awful lot about those kids and they are lucky to have you!
You really sound like a wonderful teacher. I can definitely relate to what you are going through. Teaching is sooo hard sometimes. I really hope this all resolves positively for you. All you can do is act professional, if you made a mistake and the prinicpal calls you on it: apologize, be specific with him/her about how you plan to change, etc. And dont feel guilty about yelling. You sound like you care an awful lot about those kids and they are lucky to have you!
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molly78
Guest
Parents are the worst part of teaching. The second worst part is administrators who forget what it is like being in the classroom (or who weren't that great at it and opted to sit behind a desk instead). I had a parent go off on me the other day because her child came out of school crying (long story which I won't go into, other than to say that this child cries at least once a day if not more than that). Mom says he is a very sensitive child. Truth be told, he is a spoiled child who cries when he doesn't get his own way, or if I reprimand him for doing something he knows he shouldn't be doing. Well, mom threw a tirade on the playground during dismissal time. I had actually been warned by the previous year's teacher about the mom because she had issues with her running to the superintendent's office last year when her "angel child" lost recess due to his behavior. Mom had him moved (the next day) to another class. How happy I would be if he got moved out of my class.
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cincy teache
Guest
Parents....argh!
Just this week I had a similar situation with a parent who stormed out of a parent conference angry at me. Why don't they realize we are human beings with feelings just like them? They think that they can come in and talk to us any kind of way. My administrator is no help. She tends to take the side of the parents.
Just this week I had a similar situation with a parent who stormed out of a parent conference angry at me. Why don't they realize we are human beings with feelings just like them? They think that they can come in and talk to us any kind of way. My administrator is no help. She tends to take the side of the parents.
Sounds familiar!
My class is lazy, disrespectful, and unmotivated. Last year I started sending weekly reports, it showed behavior and work habits. It worked well with last years class. This year is a different story. It worked at the beginning of the year, but then it wasn't as effective and I noticed I yelled a lot. Two of my co-workers told me that we needed an "intervention" for my yelling, I realized that there was one thing I stopped doing in my class, that was to keep track of behavior. I have a sheet on a clip board and mark little codes when the students did inappropiate things. Amazingly the end of the week went much better, and I stopped yelling. I don't know if this could help in your situation, but at least the parents can't accuse you of anything, when you have been letting them know all along. If you want information on the evaluation process, I got it from www.mspowell.com, it is wonderful.
My class is lazy, disrespectful, and unmotivated. Last year I started sending weekly reports, it showed behavior and work habits. It worked well with last years class. This year is a different story. It worked at the beginning of the year, but then it wasn't as effective and I noticed I yelled a lot. Two of my co-workers told me that we needed an "intervention" for my yelling, I realized that there was one thing I stopped doing in my class, that was to keep track of behavior. I have a sheet on a clip board and mark little codes when the students did inappropiate things. Amazingly the end of the week went much better, and I stopped yelling. I don't know if this could help in your situation, but at least the parents can't accuse you of anything, when you have been letting them know all along. If you want information on the evaluation process, I got it from www.mspowell.com, it is wonderful.
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Renea
Senior Member
Paid not to yell.
I think we’re paid NOT to yell at kids. Ideally we should have strategies that control the class with out threats or yelling. OK, I admit that I have raised my voice at students, but it’s a rare occasion. To my knowledge I don’t have many parent complaints. I’m fortunate that my administrator expects students to behave and usually supports us. Yelling affects the entire class in a negative way. We should have other methods of control.
I think we’re paid NOT to yell at kids. Ideally we should have strategies that control the class with out threats or yelling. OK, I admit that I have raised my voice at students, but it’s a rare occasion. To my knowledge I don’t have many parent complaints. I’m fortunate that my administrator expects students to behave and usually supports us. Yelling affects the entire class in a negative way. We should have other methods of control.
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ima yeller
Guest
paid not to yell
I agree that we should try to maintain our professionalism, but there are times when yelling is just about the only thing the students will respond to - especially in middle school. In a perfect world, all the redirecting techniques and positive reinforcers will work, but in reality yelling is one strategy we use to get their attention. I think we need to accept yelling as a normal human response to some of the outrageous things kids do, and not beat ourselves up for "losing our cool. "
Do I yell and scream at my kids all day? No. But sometimes they need it.
I don't think "paid not to yell" is in my contract.
I agree that we should try to maintain our professionalism, but there are times when yelling is just about the only thing the students will respond to - especially in middle school. In a perfect world, all the redirecting techniques and positive reinforcers will work, but in reality yelling is one strategy we use to get their attention. I think we need to accept yelling as a normal human response to some of the outrageous things kids do, and not beat ourselves up for "losing our cool. "
Do I yell and scream at my kids all day? No. But sometimes they need it.
I don't think "paid not to yell" is in my contract.
website
I too use the weekly behavior forms - have done it for 3 years and they are great! Parents know exactly what kids are doing all week. The website is: www.ms.powell.com
I too use the weekly behavior forms - have done it for 3 years and they are great! Parents know exactly what kids are doing all week. The website is: www.ms.powell.com
thanks
Thanks to all who listened. All weekend all I've done is play out what my meeting with my principal and supervisor is going to be like. I have already apologized to the principal for losing my temper. I believe that most of the time I am a professional. But when parents yell at you or swear at you (I had that happen last year) my natural instincts come out. What about parents acting professional? We have to sit and take it because the powers that be are afraid of lawsuits. I feel that my principal has already made up his mind and there isn't much I can do or say. So tomorrow I will go to the meeting, try not to brake down, and take what they give me. I will try and get through the rest of this year. I will try not to raise my voice. Which is hard to do when almost every kid in the class is talking and not listening. I will teach to the ones that want to learn and try to keep my sanity. Thanks again for your advice I knew it would be nice to know I'm not alone.
Thanks to all who listened. All weekend all I've done is play out what my meeting with my principal and supervisor is going to be like. I have already apologized to the principal for losing my temper. I believe that most of the time I am a professional. But when parents yell at you or swear at you (I had that happen last year) my natural instincts come out. What about parents acting professional? We have to sit and take it because the powers that be are afraid of lawsuits. I feel that my principal has already made up his mind and there isn't much I can do or say. So tomorrow I will go to the meeting, try not to brake down, and take what they give me. I will try and get through the rest of this year. I will try not to raise my voice. Which is hard to do when almost every kid in the class is talking and not listening. I will teach to the ones that want to learn and try to keep my sanity. Thanks again for your advice I knew it would be nice to know I'm not alone.
Bonnie gr. 2
Full Member
It can be tough
I had a situation a few years ago with a difficult class that did not listen. There was one particular child with many issues who would act out. I was told it was because he knew he could push my buttons and that I should ignore him. Ignoring him just gave everyone else permission to misbehave (second grade.) I tried positive reinforcement--rewards for staying on task, a jolly rancher in a cup after 10 minutes, 10 jolly ranchers was a class reeward. I was told that telling the kids they earned a jolly rancher was distracting, telling them their time was starting over for misbehaving ws distracting. With positive reinforcement aren't you supposed to tell them when they've done the right thing? I called the parents of the kids who were behaving. I made a running list of things we did well on the board every day. Unforutnately, I yelled. Part of the problem was my relationship with the administrator, part was the kids, part was me. It was suggested that I read a book on discipline and watch some videos we had. Asssertive discipline and Dealing with Difficult Students. I did this over the summer. Surprisingly, the principal left over the summer. My new principal new very little about the year before when he came in. He knew that I watched the videos. Honestly, they helped only a little. A lot of it was stuff that I had used, unfortunately the kids hadn't seen the videos to know what their part was.
But it showed my new principal that I was willing to try something and look at my performance. He was very pleased.
So I guess my suggestion is to hang in there. Offer to do some research on other behavior plans. Then let them know that you have done that. It will show your administrators a willingness to learn and improve. There might be something in the book or video that you can use. You can also find lots of information on the internet.
I wish you luck.
I had a situation a few years ago with a difficult class that did not listen. There was one particular child with many issues who would act out. I was told it was because he knew he could push my buttons and that I should ignore him. Ignoring him just gave everyone else permission to misbehave (second grade.) I tried positive reinforcement--rewards for staying on task, a jolly rancher in a cup after 10 minutes, 10 jolly ranchers was a class reeward. I was told that telling the kids they earned a jolly rancher was distracting, telling them their time was starting over for misbehaving ws distracting. With positive reinforcement aren't you supposed to tell them when they've done the right thing? I called the parents of the kids who were behaving. I made a running list of things we did well on the board every day. Unforutnately, I yelled. Part of the problem was my relationship with the administrator, part was the kids, part was me. It was suggested that I read a book on discipline and watch some videos we had. Asssertive discipline and Dealing with Difficult Students. I did this over the summer. Surprisingly, the principal left over the summer. My new principal new very little about the year before when he came in. He knew that I watched the videos. Honestly, they helped only a little. A lot of it was stuff that I had used, unfortunately the kids hadn't seen the videos to know what their part was.
But it showed my new principal that I was willing to try something and look at my performance. He was very pleased. So I guess my suggestion is to hang in there. Offer to do some research on other behavior plans. Then let them know that you have done that. It will show your administrators a willingness to learn and improve. There might be something in the book or video that you can use. You can also find lots of information on the internet.
I wish you luck.
Carrie in WV
Full Member
The correct address is www.mspowell.com
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c green
Guest
Fight or Flight
Fred Jones talks about the 'fight or flight' reflex being brought out in teachers in a classroom, and gives some advice for working around it, but man, is it hard!
On a typical day, I'm insulted, nagged, whined at, told I'm not doing a good job, told I'm responsible for making people sick, I have people make animal noises behind my back, laugh hysterically when I turn, and then get indignant and angry because that was someone else, and "I can't laugh? Is that right? I can't laugh in class? Now I'm in trouble for just laughing?" I have people destroy materials I paid to make for them. I have people ignore me while I'm talking. I have people hurt other people under my protection. I can't leave. I can't throw a punch. I can't shout 'you're a MORON!'. And that's a pretty good day, and before I see any parents or administrators. My goal is to respond to almost NONE of this, and serenely float along, being consistent.
You know it's bad when you find yourself thinking 'What would Jesus do?' and you're Jewish. And it occurs to you that he might resign and then go take a walk on the beach with a couple of the kids who actually want to learn something, and help them build a sand castle.
My point (and I do have one), is that it's almost impossible to keep your temper perfectly, endlessly, while you're under attack. It's even harder, I think, with parents, because they're adults, it's harder to refrain from responding normally, and while the professional relationship puts caps on what you can say, it doesn't put caps on what THEY can say.
Sounds like you had a bad, bad convergence of bad stuff.
My best advice, magpie, would be to go ahead and finish out the year, if at all possible, and then find somewhere else--it sounds like bad situation all around. Breathe deep, we're all wishing you the best!
Fred Jones talks about the 'fight or flight' reflex being brought out in teachers in a classroom, and gives some advice for working around it, but man, is it hard!
On a typical day, I'm insulted, nagged, whined at, told I'm not doing a good job, told I'm responsible for making people sick, I have people make animal noises behind my back, laugh hysterically when I turn, and then get indignant and angry because that was someone else, and "I can't laugh? Is that right? I can't laugh in class? Now I'm in trouble for just laughing?" I have people destroy materials I paid to make for them. I have people ignore me while I'm talking. I have people hurt other people under my protection. I can't leave. I can't throw a punch. I can't shout 'you're a MORON!'. And that's a pretty good day, and before I see any parents or administrators. My goal is to respond to almost NONE of this, and serenely float along, being consistent.
You know it's bad when you find yourself thinking 'What would Jesus do?' and you're Jewish. And it occurs to you that he might resign and then go take a walk on the beach with a couple of the kids who actually want to learn something, and help them build a sand castle.
My point (and I do have one), is that it's almost impossible to keep your temper perfectly, endlessly, while you're under attack. It's even harder, I think, with parents, because they're adults, it's harder to refrain from responding normally, and while the professional relationship puts caps on what you can say, it doesn't put caps on what THEY can say.
Sounds like you had a bad, bad convergence of bad stuff.
My best advice, magpie, would be to go ahead and finish out the year, if at all possible, and then find somewhere else--it sounds like bad situation all around. Breathe deep, we're all wishing you the best!
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connieg
Guest
shake the sand from your sandals
Hi,
It is always interesting when others list all the stuff we have to put up with all day and then we sit back and marvel that we made it through another day. I also thought about your Jesus comment and remember that he told his apostles that (paraphrase) that is their words and instructions were not being received by those they were trying to instruct that they should shake the sand from their sandals and move on to the next village. But, here we are trapped. We can't do that and to make matters more vivid, almost NO school setting around the world would tolerate the nonsense we have to deal with. The kid would be put on a farm or a factory after your parents beat you senseless.
Connie
Hi,
It is always interesting when others list all the stuff we have to put up with all day and then we sit back and marvel that we made it through another day. I also thought about your Jesus comment and remember that he told his apostles that (paraphrase) that is their words and instructions were not being received by those they were trying to instruct that they should shake the sand from their sandals and move on to the next village. But, here we are trapped. We can't do that and to make matters more vivid, almost NO school setting around the world would tolerate the nonsense we have to deal with. The kid would be put on a farm or a factory after your parents beat you senseless.
Connie
S
shaley
Guest
sorry you're having a rough year
If there are a large number of kids misbehaving make them clear their desks and sit with their heads down and not make a peep. I did with with my 6th graders when they were rowdy. One of them finally sighed. I asked him if I was wasting his time and he said yes. I told him I felt exactly the same way when I went to the trouble to make lesson plans, teach, remind them of the rules, and yet they chose to talk instead. We only sat that way for about 15 to 20 minutes. I told them it would be very boring to come in and sit with their heads down all day and have to do everything for homework. 20 minutes can be a very long time when you're not allowed to do anything.
I refuse to yell. I tell my students that I will not yell because I have to save my voice to go home and yell at my own kids!
Good luck!
If there are a large number of kids misbehaving make them clear their desks and sit with their heads down and not make a peep. I did with with my 6th graders when they were rowdy. One of them finally sighed. I asked him if I was wasting his time and he said yes. I told him I felt exactly the same way when I went to the trouble to make lesson plans, teach, remind them of the rules, and yet they chose to talk instead. We only sat that way for about 15 to 20 minutes. I told them it would be very boring to come in and sit with their heads down all day and have to do everything for homework. 20 minutes can be a very long time when you're not allowed to do anything.
I refuse to yell. I tell my students that I will not yell because I have to save my voice to go home and yell at my own kids!
Good luck!
Gina TX
Senior Member
Shaley, thanks for the idea. I have sixth grade too, and I think I am going to try that.
Thanks Carrie for the website update.
Magpie, I am so sorry. What everyone else has said is so true. It's hard to hold your temper when you're under attack and yet by an adult who should know better, and to top it off is probably part of the reason you are having trouble with their kid to begin with. I really feel for you. Hang in there and just know you are not alone by any means. Keep us posted.
Wishing you well,
Gina
Thanks Carrie for the website update.
Magpie, I am so sorry. What everyone else has said is so true. It's hard to hold your temper when you're under attack and yet by an adult who should know better, and to top it off is probably part of the reason you are having trouble with their kid to begin with. I really feel for you. Hang in there and just know you are not alone by any means. Keep us posted.
Wishing you well,
Gina
Laura
Senior Member
Sad situation
Sorry to hear aobut you. Did your principal end up supporting you? Do you have a union? If these parents are harassing you please file a restraining order. If your principal is not supporting you call your union if you have one. I would also look into a slander suit toward the family and your principal if he does not support you.
Sorry to hear aobut you. Did your principal end up supporting you? Do you have a union? If these parents are harassing you please file a restraining order. If your principal is not supporting you call your union if you have one. I would also look into a slander suit toward the family and your principal if he does not support you.
pkjw
Junior Member
Another thought...
Did you teach this same grade last year? If so were there similar problems or was it better?
I ask this because I had two wonderful years when I first began teaching then had to change grade levels and had two really bad years. My teaching personallity just did not mesh with that grade level. Now in small groups or one on one they were fine but one on one I just couldn't take it. Toward the end of my fourth year I begged my administrator to move me to a higher grade, yes I like the older students...the little ones wear me out emotionally. This year I moved up one grade to 3rd and it is much better. I still think I would 4th or 5th would have been even better but I have noticed I am not getting frustrated and fighting the urge to yell (and losing) anymore. I think we all have different teaching personalities and as much as we can we need to try to stay with the age groups that we teach best. If it would be possible to change levels for next year, do some soul searching and decide if there might be a different grade which you would be less frustrated at teaching.
Did you teach this same grade last year? If so were there similar problems or was it better?
I ask this because I had two wonderful years when I first began teaching then had to change grade levels and had two really bad years. My teaching personallity just did not mesh with that grade level. Now in small groups or one on one they were fine but one on one I just couldn't take it. Toward the end of my fourth year I begged my administrator to move me to a higher grade, yes I like the older students...the little ones wear me out emotionally. This year I moved up one grade to 3rd and it is much better. I still think I would 4th or 5th would have been even better but I have noticed I am not getting frustrated and fighting the urge to yell (and losing) anymore. I think we all have different teaching personalities and as much as we can we need to try to stay with the age groups that we teach best. If it would be possible to change levels for next year, do some soul searching and decide if there might be a different grade which you would be less frustrated at teaching.