ngdawg

My daughter is in eighth grade honors algebra. She has always had to work hard on math, but always pulls up A's or at the worst, B+.
This year she was placed in this high end class and it is with a teacher who simply doesn't know how to teach. This is not just from a frustrated 13 year old. As a teacher's aide I was placed in one of her classes three years ago and after less than three weeks, asked to be taken out. I'm an adult and couldn't follow this woman's instruction.
Her MO is to quickly cover the day's lesson, ask nonchalantly, 'Everyone got it? Good.' Then proceeds to give the problems/ equations, etc. She doesn't explain much at all nor does she give the kids a chance to ask questions. The brightest of kids are failing her tests.
I have told my daughter that the second she says her little "Got it? Good", her hand should shoot up and she has to say she doesn't get it. Silence is not going to help. Apparently, she doesn't even get the chance to raise her hand. In four weeks reports come due and she will pull a C in most likelihood-her first C ever, keeping her out of Honor Roll. This is an important year as they start High School next year.
So....my question. I would like to nip this in the bud. I thought of sending a note to this teacher explaining the problem, but of course, I can't be accusatory. The principal, from what I've been told, is a tyrant of sorts-I have never dealt with him and I don't know if this is even something that should go to him. I don't know the other parents, but I suppose if my daughter tells her friends in the class that I am writing or contacting, they may as well. I do know one student is getting tutoring and still is failing and she too is an Honor Roll student otherwise.
Teachers, input please! And any parents or students that had to deal with this kind of situation-how did you? Did it work? Would I be seen as an advocate or a meddling mother?

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fallsauce

I'd say definitely write to her dean, (if she has one,) and also her principal, (though he may be too busy?) When I was in high school, there was a really bad science teacher and all the students complained, (publicly, I'm not sure if anyone wrote anything,) and the teacher didn't get his contract renewed.

Also, can't you ask to put your daughter in another class? They may allow it if it's very obvious that she doesn't learn well with this teacher.

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feelgood

You have absolultely every rights to meddle. You are your daughter's mother and if she has trouble speaking out for herself, don't be afraid to speak out for her. My parents has done that for me all the time and I don't really mind. In the end, my issues would be resolved and hopefully your daughter's issues will be resolved as well.

Teachers are suppose to clairfy the lessson for their student and if this particular one cannot do that, especially if some of her student are trying to get some clarification then obviously the teacher has issues with the way she is teaching her class. You need to bring this up with her, tell her the issue and possible solution and if that doesn't work, the prinipal needs to be notified of the problem.

snowy

Yes, you need to take this up with your daughter's teacher. If she proves to be unresponsive/unhelpful when it comes to the criticism, make arrangements to discuss it with the principal. Most likely, you won't actually talk to the principal, just one of the assistants. But don't be afraid to take it as far as the principal. Try and mobilize other parents if possible--several of you is more helpful than one when going to the asst. principal or principal.

If this lady's teaching does not improve after conferences with her and her supervisors, and you find her supervisors unwilling to help, also do not be afraid to write a letter to your schoolboard and the editor of your local paper. This lady's teaching style is unacceptable, and every teacher, regardless of how long they've been in the business, must always be willing to accept criticism. Unfortunately, education is one of those fields where people who are bad at their jobs get to stick around.

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Daoust

As a teacher, I agree with everything Onesnowyowl has written. These are appropriate steps to take.

Also, as a teacher, I will tell you what will not work - going on a tirade, being pushy or aggressive or non-compliant. I'm not saying that you are like that, NG, but I am saying that I've dealt with some real bitchy, overly aggressive parents, and it only takes one or two seconds of a parent telling me what to do before I completely shut down on them. Then it generally goes to the other staff. "I just had an interview with Jane's mom. Watch out for her!" Hey, I know. It's not overly professional, but it's how it works.

If you come in to the teacher, and express genuine motherly concern for your daughters wellbeing, and manage not to tell the teacher that she's doing something wrong, and that they had better shape up, I think you will have done your best. As OneSnowy said, if you don't start to see change, bring it up to the Principal. It is a principals duty to stick up for their staff, but if the staff aren't meeting their professional requirements, it is the principals duty to address that...

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