How can I switch my son's second-grade teacher?

Question

Prior to the end of school, last may, I wrote a letter to the principal and requested a certain teacher. My son, instead got a teacher who has had complaints filed against her. I have also heard her being described as incompetent by her co-workers. Isn't it my right to be able to switch his teacher?

Answer 1

I'm not sure if it is your right or not.  But it is their right to say "no".  If they switch one child then they have to honor everyone's request, and that could turn into mayhem.

As far as her incompetence, that is a performance issue that has to be dealt with, and presumably is being dealt with by the school.  You don't say how long this teacher has been teaching at this school.  If she is relatively new then she is entitled to time to "get her act together."  In my school system we have a very extensive evaluation system that consists observations and meetings.  She is deserving of that time (three years in my system).  If she is not new.... well, I'm not sure what to say to that.  

You don't say what the complaints were filed for.  Behavior management?  Instuctional delivery?  Ready yourself and get a copy of your state's second grade standards.  Watch that your son is reaching those standards through his classroom teacher.  If not, make an appointment with the principal, with full documentation of the issues.  However, realize it might just be a meeting where you are giving information, I'm not suggesting something may come of it.

But with all this said, this could be a great learning opportunity for your son.  This is a chance for you to help him learn about life's dissapointments, and being an independent learner.

School systems can be difficult. But they are dealing with a large population and it can be difficult to make everyone happy.  You need to ready yourself for not getting a different teacher by coming up with ways to deal with this issue through out the school year.  

It's a stinky situation that you are in!  I wish you luck!

Answer 2

No, you should not switch your son's teacher based on rumor and heresay. Give her a chance. There is no way the school can accommodate every parent's personal preference for their child's teacher. If she was that bad she'd be fired. Schools don't have the option of retaining actually poor teachers in our climate of No Child Left Behind. Her success is now measured and your son will learn in her class.

It's not your right to switch his teacher. The school knows things you don't about the makeup of the class and what's best for your son in his learning. Just wait and see.

ETA: I still stand by my assertion that the school can't accommodate every parent's whim for the teacher they think they want their child to have. The popular teachers would have every parent requesting them and the principal would be forced to prioritize the requests.

You can't manipulate the school to your desires, even as President of the PTA/PTO/World/Whatever. Would it be right for the students with influential parents to get the most popular teachers while the students whose parents have to work full time or otherwise are not as engaged with the school get the leftovers every time?

My parents spent their careers as teachers and guidance counselors. Sometimes the teachers who are not as popular with the parents because they are not sweet and personable but rather are tough and make kids learn are the best teachers.

I still say give her a chance even if the other mommies feel sorry for you because your son didn't get the most popular teacher this year, and get over yourself.

Answer 3

you should, or switch schools, but thats probably seriously inconvienient, so yeah, you should

Answer 4

yes you do have a right to be able to have your son switched and it should have been followed through. My only guess for why he did not go to the other teacher as you wanted is that the other teacher already had a full class. I would just go in and talk to the principle and hopefully you can work things out to your advantage.

Answer 5

You should be able to switch your son's teacher. It's YOUR choice if you want your son to have a good teacher or not.

Usually a week or so before school starts for students, teachers and the principal come back to school to sort things out. Around that time, you should call and you should request again that your son changes teachers. You have a good reason. If that teacher is having complaints about her, then she ought to find a job elsewhere.  

Answer 6

Yes, it is your right and you shouldn't have to ask more than once. Phone the principal or speak to her in person, and act indignant that your directions weren't followed the first time. Good luck.