Does a student have the right to request a different teacher?

Question

hey guys - i'm going to need some help here. My little brother is currently enrolled in high school and he's had the same math teacher for the past 2 years - the teacher refuses to teach him because they have clashing personalities. The counselor at the high school acknowledges that this particular teacher isn't doing his job correctly - however the school has refused to allow my brother to change teachers - he's been assigned this teacher for the upcoming year...

yes the school has many other math teachers to choose from and they supply no satisfactory answer of why they refuse the swap.

so my question is - does anyone know of some sort of law or student protection act that says if the student feels an injustice or feels that they can not learn with a certain teacher than they have the right to change instructors? if anyone can link me a page that would more than wonderful!!!!

thank you :)

Answer 1

His parents need to do all this. THEY can request a new teacher. Do this in writing. If school refuses, parents need to ask the school IN WRITING to get a copy of the schools policy that shows a student and/or parent can not request antoher teacher. If it's not in a  policy, a teacher can be requested.

They will probably retailiate and not allow it. If this happens, write and ask for the reasons WHY they refuse. I bet they have none.

Answer 2

I absolutely think so.

Answer 3

Schools are not obligated to fulfill a student's request for a different teacher. The parents need to be involved for it to make a difference. They should speak to the principal about the problem, and request a different teacher. If that fails, then the Board of Education needs to be involved.

Answer 4

If the counselor has acknowledged that the teacher is at fault then it does not make sense to why they are still placing him in the teachers class. Has your brother talked to the teacher about getting the class switched? Or even the principal? If your parents and brother have had a meeting with the principal, teacher, and counselor and they still refuse to change the teacher you can contact the school board about the school. BUT!!!! your family must try and resolve this by talking to the school administration and teacher first. Otherwise you have nothing to stand on.

As an educator I know how frustrating reteaching can be, but if a student is there I will teach them to the best of my ability. However, if a student is in danger of failing I have already contacted the parent and set up ways to make sure that the student is tutored either by me or another teacher, or that students class is switched; sometimes I need an administrator there to make sure things are done properly for my sake, the students sake and the parents sake. Having an administrator there can only make sure that things are taken care of and the school administration is aware of an issue, Remember that the Students successful education is why everyone is present for the meeting. I hope that everything can get taken care of, for the sake of your brother's education. I hate seeing students drop out.

Answer 5

Students can usually not choose their own teachers some classes would then be overcrowded, while others would be empty.  Your brother's request is probably seen as a mere preference by the school, and is therefore denied because it would mean switching someone else into this teacher's class, probably against that student's will.  His best bet would be for his parents to get involved.  Their statement that their son can't learn from this teacher would be taken more as a desire for a good education than would a request from your brother himself.  It may still not be possible, and there is no "right" to choose your teacher, but it is more likely to be effective.

Answer 6

There are no such laws.

You have multiple problems here. A counselor is not the person to do an evaluation of a teachers effectiveness. that is the purview of an administrator. If it has been brought up with administration - then they are the ones who have determined that it must be something other than a "clash of personalities". Finally - you will get nothing done unless the parents are the ones talking to administration.