Is this an inappropriate thing to say?

Question

I had a 2nd grade student who was particularly bossy.....always trying to tell me how to run the class. As my administrator was walking past my classroom, she heard me tell this child, "You are not the one in charge of this class."

I probably would have said it even if I had known she was outside my door - I didn't see anything wrong with what I had said. She absolutely REAMED me, though, saying I was too harsh and unprofessional.

I'm trying to see her side of it, but (compared to the things I was THINKING about saying to this child) I don't think I was harsh at all. What do you think?

Answer 1

It is not inappopriate to say!

Answer 2

I probably would have said the same thing. I dont see anything wrong with it. Usually, if someone above me says I did something wrong that I dont feel was wrong, I always ask them "what would have been a better way to resolve that issue"... basically "What would you have done or said?" Then you can hear what they have to say and determine if they are just an idiot who feels like complaining or if they really do have a better solution.

Answer 3

Not innapropriate at all. I probably would have taken away recess as well. Freaking kids are so bratty.... I wonder what she says to her mom if she talks to the teacher like that

Answer 4

As a fellow educator I don't think what you said was to inappropriate, I'm not sure they administrators actions were appropriate for the situation.  But with that said I also I don't know what discipline plan has been set in place for your school.  If your administrators pay money for you to be trained in some type of disciplinary plan then they expect you to use.  Language for things like love and logic, or whatever, can be very particular.  The other issue was were you talking to the student privately or in front of the class.  That also can paint a negative picture to an onlooker.

Answer 5

It was not harsh at all. Your supervisor has her head (and azz stuck in the clouds). As the teacher, you ARE in charge. Not the children. When I deal with my students, I have to remind them that they are children sometimes. And I say just what you said as well as "you are a child, stay in your place." There's nothing at all inappropriate about that.

The problem is that you have to feel like you're walking on eggshells dealing with kids nowadays. The students can burn the d**n school down and you will somehow be blamed for it. The problem is that no one supports teachers and, most times, teachers are not being inappropriate.

Answer 6

No.  No.  No.

I teach students far older than second grade.  But there comes a point where you have tried most every other option.

You weren't mean.  You did not demean that child.  You simply said that this child did not have the privilege or the authority to control that classroom.  The kid is in second grade.  People need to learn when they get to and do not get to make decisions for the group.

I teach at a community college.  And, I'm sorry to say, I have to say similar things at times to eighteen- and nineteen-year-olds.  And it's hard for the rest of the class not to stand up and applaud me when I do it.

I hope your administrator had something else on her mind.  You have to set clear boundaries.  That is simple socialization.  We aren't always the one in charge.  That's all you communicated.

And please, please keep doing your job as you are.  My job is important, but yours is so much more.  If you are able to reach them, my job is easier.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Answer 7

Sometimes administrators have their heads so far up their *** they can't see anyone else's point of view.  There is also the problem that a lot of them haven't been in a classroom in a hundred years, so they don't have a clue how obnoxious some little poops can be.  

I don't think that sounded harsh at all.  Children of all ages need to know who is in charge and that it isn't them!  

Hang in there!!

Answer 8

I am a teacher myself. I don't think you were harsh at all! I have had those kinds of students in my class. You have to stand up to them and let them know who is boss or you will have a horrible year. I have leaned in my 7 years of teaching it all starts from day one on how you act. Be firm but fair. You have to stop and think though how most of today's children are being raised not knowing how to be respectful. As for your principal would she have allowed a child to treat her that way? Another tip, take out teacher insurance. You never know how parents will react these days.

Answer 9

I teach middle school art.  One day a student made me so mad I told him to suck my c**k.  I thought I was going to be fired but he never turned me in.  I guess I'm lucky autistic kids can't communicate well.

Answer 10

All I can say is BS! Half my teachers said that to me when I was that age, I didn't get offended. I'm seeing to understand why the education system is terrible...

Answer 11

It doesn't sound very harsh or inappropriate at all to me.

You're just being...I can't think of the word at the moment, I'm sorry.

Regardless, the child's being bossy and most likely, interrupting? Telling someone how to run their own class is rather rude.

Answer 12

the administrator sucks @$$!!!!!!! ur right

Answer 13

Considering you are just the teacher and not the parent and this is a 2nd grade class yes you where to harsh. I mean you could of said something different to this child. Think of it this way if you where a parent would you like your child's 2nd grade teacher saying that to him/her. I mean some parents would be ok with it but others wont and that's why its such a big issue. Just try to watch what you say around your classes cause now a days parents are different with how they want their children talk to or disciplined.

Answer 14

I don't see why the administrator had a problem with what you said, unless she's got a psycology degree, and there is some sort of issue to authoritative conduct/esteem. But to give you reaming for it without explanation of the difference isn't very ethical. In your shoes, next time the little brat disrespects you in front of the entire class you're trying to teach send his little butt to her office. Discaplinary action should'nt have to be something you have to deal with anyway. You there to teach, so let her deal with him if he's that much of a problem. I feel for you now, but if you had a whole classroom like that! I wouldn't be so sure I could really express my opinion on answer.

Hats off to teachers, you guys don't get enough support for the jobs you do!

Answer 15

Sounds like the supervisor is a stuck up XXXX

Theres nothing wrong with what you said, it was entirely factual and made a point

Back in the day a kid would get smacked for something like that, just tell that to the kid and see if he keeps talking

Hey, at least its not like Billy Madison is in your class, then there would ba ll kinds of shenanagins

p.s. don't actually hit the kid, just put the fear in him