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Speaking Ill about Teachers


Posted

With the new school in full swing, let’s reflect on our attitudes toward teachers and how parents can assist their child and the teacher in the learning process. Each year parents send their children to school to receive a quality education.

Parents expect the teachers to do their jobs in an ethical and professional manner. What should a parent do if they do not agree with the discipline, education philosophy or personality of the teacher. Let’s reflect on the impact of talking bad about your child’s teacher in front of your child and the impact it has on your child and the opportunity for your child to receive a good education.

We all want the best for our children especially when it comes to receiving an education. If you disagree with a teacher, think about the way you are allowing yourself to express the concern. Whether you are talking about teacher issues on the telephone to a friend or to other family members, think about what you are saying and if your child is overhearing the conversation. What is the cost and damage to your child’s education experience if he or she hears you badmouthing the teacher?

It can have an adverse effect and the child may not respect the teacher. A bad conversation about your child’s teacher can undermine your child’s education because your child may not be receptive to learning from someone he or she does not respect.

However, if your child hears you saying positive things about his or her teacher, they will see you as being supportive and will more likely value their learning experience. A good dialogue with a teacher leaves the child thinking that the parent appreciates and respects the person (teacher) that is responsible for their learning. This could contribute to setting the stage for a warm and positive relationship with the parent, teacher and child.

What should parents do if they do not agree with the teacher? There may be times when a parent may have to disagree with a teacher. Disagreements are part of conflicts and conflicts are a part of life. If a conflict is handled appropriately there is a potential for growth and understanding. The first thing to do if you have a question or concern is to address it with the teacher.

Don’t wait to see if it gets better or let your emotions become overwhelming. The more your emotions become involved the less objective you may be able to focus on the education issue. Request a meeting with your child’s teacher as soon as an issue arises and try to stay positive.

Another way to address a concern is to volunteer in your child’s classroom. This will allow your child to see you as being an active participant in his or her education and allows you (the parent) to observe the classroom environment. Volunteering in your child’s classroom will also assist in creating a positive teacher/parent relationship in which dialogue may be easier if an issue has to be discussed in the future.

Just remember the teacher and parent should have the same goal: your child’s education.

Emil Knowles is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor with an office in Green Cove Springs.