Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for my girls

T

Tallchick

Cathlete
It is the time of the year where one tells the current teacher who they would like for their children for the next year. I never had to write letters before, and I really never bothered because last year, the teachers for the coming grade were all good.
Except that my daughter's horrible second grade teacher became a fourth grade teacher this past year and we got stuck with her.
This is a school where parent participation is required. When I am in the classroom, I see this teacher snipe at children and treat only the best students with any respect.
I don't want another one of these and I know who I want.. My older daughters needs someone strict and fair and my younger daughter someone compassionate since she is a bit timid.
Any advice? Thank you thank you!!
 
You get to pick teachers? Wow. That's so cool! We just get who we get. I would have no idea how to go about writing that letter. Best of luck!
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

Gee, I'm sorry you're in this position. But honestly I've never been associated with a school system that allowed a parent to choose a teacher for their child. That said, it all rolls down to the roll of the dice pretty much in the type of teacher most children get. My husband is in education and I've seen things you wouldn't believe.

I homeschool my kids.

I realize none of the above really helps, but I do want to send my best wishes to you..I understand the frustration.:)
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

we don't actually get to "pick" but we can give choices. That does not mean we always get them. This is an "Open" school, where it is not completely funded by the school system.
I agree that there are some terrible teachers out there, some people should not be in the profession. However, I have had this nasty, mean woman and my daughter has suffered. She deserves someone who actually took the job because she wanted to be a teacher, not because all the time off.
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

Hi Tallchick,
We get a similar form every year in my kids' elementary school. Here's some ideas based on advice I have gotten advice from friends and parents

My child does best with a teacher who is a clear communicator and creates a positive atmosphere.
Older daughter:My child does best with a teacher who provides structure and clear rules, but is not punitive.
My child does not do well with criticism that is not given in a constructive way and can sometimes shut down when this happens.

Younger daughter: My child is very shy and needs a teacher who is upbeat and can help draw her out. Sometimes her shyness can be interpreted as stubbornness, which isn't the case, and she needs a teacher who's willing to give her a fair shake.

Maybe there are some teachers here though who have ideas about what to do. What I have been advised is to avoid naming teachers' names or saying something negetaive about a teacher, but put everything in terms of "how my child learns best....."

hope this helps!
Barb

:) :)
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

I know how you feel, we get luck of the draw, my son's luck has been awful, my daughter's great.
Sounds to me like even though you know which teacher you would like, you really know which teacher you Don't want.

Since your daughter already had her for second grade (if I read your post correctly) can you negative request this teacher because your daughter already had her saying something like, it is good for kids to experience different teachers for they may have something new to bring to the table for her.

Hope it works out for you.

Good luck
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

Wow, thank you for great input. I appreciate it sooo much!
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

We're not allowed to request a certain teacher, but we are offered parent input forms. I usually do something very similar to what Barb says - I will say something like "my child does best with a teacher who is nurturing and makes my child feel respected and valued". I've found that the principal doesn't want unhappy parents and has always been very accommodating. Once, I have actually said that I would prefer my child get a teacher with a personality similar to Mrs. So and So and we got that teacher - that was the closest I have ever been to actually requesting a specific teacher.

Erica
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

I would just be brutally honest and give the name of the teacher you want along with the comment that if she cannot get your first choice, that you DO NOT want her to have Ms. Badteacher. They will be much less likely to assign her to your daughter.
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

These forms are allowed at my school (where I teach and where DD attends). I swore that I would never "teacher shop" (what I call it as a TEACHER). But as a MOM with a different perspective, I love that we have this choice!

Follw Barb's advice, but also add in what someone suggested..."the environment of Mrs. __________closely matches what we are looking for for our child." The principal would like to keep everyone happy. Just coming out and saying the name is what almost everyone in my school does!

Also, in my school the next year's teacher never sees these forms and does not know who requested or did not request. I like that as a teacher. I do not want to know!

Another thing to think about is you should request if you have that option and know who you want/don't want. You are the taxpayer and can make requests! The only time in our school where the requests are sometimes not honored is when last year's teacher says that 2 children should be separated and both parents make the same request. Then someone will not get their request.

Hope that helps! Good luck!
Jenn
 
RE: Help! What to say to get the teachers I want for m...

absolutely great advice. Thank you. Excellent forum with wonderful, helpful members and no one sends bill.
 
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