Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

I don't even know what I am looking for here-maybe just venting. Sorry-this is long!

I am disappointed for DS. He is going into 1st grade this sept. I had been told by many BTDT mom's that in 1st grade, there was one fantastic teacher, one moderately ok and one who was laid back and disorganized. He got assigned to the last one He did so well in K and now I am dreading 1st. I don't want him to lose all the skills he gained becoz his teacher doesn't motivate him enough. Ofcourse I realize we can do a lot more with him at home(and we do) but with a full time job and a baby, taking up slack for his teacher wasn't on my list.

So if you have been in this situation before, what did you do? Wait and see how it goes-and complain if issues arise or write to the principal now? Actually, i don't even know what I would write about. I understand not everybody can be assigned the best teacher and we have to work with what we get but I am just bummed. Also, I have a sinking suspicion that I should have done more-asked for a better assignment even though the school district says you can't ask until you have personal experience with the teacher. ugghh..

So any words of wisdom for me..

Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

Having had many moms speak out against a teacher to me, I'm glad I didn't do anything. My son would have missed on on having an amazing teacher - who not only understood him but strove to build his confidence.

Personally, I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. There will be terrific & crappy teachers along the way & outside of a major issue, I'd let it go unless I had a personal experience with them. (ie over the administrator's dead body will my daughter be getting the crappy teacher that my son had).

Message edited 7/11/2012 4:58:33 PM.

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

This situation stinks, but I really think there is nothing you can do. Not everyone likes every teacher and I one of my boys teachers was the "Strict" one and alot of paretns did not like her. I loved her and she was a great teacher for my son.

I had experinece with one teacher and asked for my kids to not be in her class next year, but I have personal justified reasons, not just parent polls on it.

I think being involved and speaking to the teacher often helps in keeping the kids on track. If there is anything that arises once school starts I would take it up with the teacher and then go to principal if it is not resolved. I would probably just not wait it out as long as I would normally when dealing with an issue.

Good Luck, it stinks to feel like your child is not getting the best education he can possibly be getting. I would just try to push the thoughts back and make an opinion on the teacher by what you see and not what others are telling you.

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

Thanks for your thoughts. I am trying to forget all that I heard before and try to make my own judgements. As you say, everybody has a different perspective on what works for their kids. Hopefully this teacher will work out well!

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

When I was young my mom had this fear for me. Well the teacher turned out to be exactly what I needed and I thrived in her class. I would give the teacher a chance. If there is really an issue after a month I would put up a stink. If it would make you feel better I would call the school district now and ask if there is any chance you can get a different teacher.

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

In our district, you can't request a teacher (or not a teacher) unless you've had 1st hand experience with them already (aka, only your 2nd or later child can be switched).

During my own school career, I've noticed that what some parents may consider a "bad" teacher, other parents may consider "exactly what DC needs". Some DC work better with a strict teacher, others with a "friend" teacher, others with a more laid-back approach. Every DC will interact differently, and get a different experience with the same teacher.

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

Re: Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

One thing I have come to realize over the years (my oldest is going into 4th grade) is that for every teacher, you will find 10 parents who HATE the teacher and 10 more who LOVE the same teacher.

The schools do a good job matching children with teachers (at least my kids school does).

Don't base your opinion of a teacher on someone elses experience. You may come to love a teacher who others don't like... or vice versa.


As for the WWYD part... I would do nothing. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Let it be.

Message edited 7/17/2012 10:46:05 PM.

Dissapointed in the teacher assignment for next grade-WWYD?

Thank you for sharing your experiences-i am happy to hear that so many of you have had good experiences with a teacher inspite of reports to the contrary. I hope my son does well with this teacher too!