When I was in the second grade, I struggled with stuttering, and my teacher frequently called on me to read aloud in front of the class. I remember one particularly painful moment when I stumbled over a word, and she asked if I was “slow.” It was evident she didn’t care for me, and my year in her class felt like a nightmare. After an incident where my head was slammed down on a desk—something that happened often back in the ’80s as a form of punishment—I confided in my mother. My teacher received only a minor reprimand for her actions and continued teaching for years until she was eventually dismissed for bullying another student.
Fast forward to my son’s sixth-grade experience, where he had a teacher who clearly didn’t favor him. When he first mentioned feeling disliked because he wasn’t as athletic as his peers, I dismissed it, thinking he was being overly sensitive. However, I soon noticed that this teacher would frequently contact me over trivial matters, such as him leaning back in his chair or being too talkative.
Having three children close in age means that often, one child has a teacher that another will get in subsequent years. Generally, I lean towards supporting teachers, understanding that my kids can be a handful. Yet, there are times when the disconnect between a child and their teacher is unmistakable. As parents, we know when our kids are facing a teacher who bullies, singles them out, or treats them unfairly.
We must address the educators who fail to create a safe and supportive environment for our children. A recent discussion on Twitter highlighted this issue, with many parents sharing their stories of humiliation and mistreatment by teachers. The fact that such behavior still exists in 2021 is alarming. Fortunately, I found that my concerns were taken seriously when I approached the principal about my children’s treatment, a stark contrast to my own experiences in the 1980s when my mother raised similar concerns and nothing was done.
It’s vital to acknowledge that not all educators are effective or compassionate. We need to empower our children to speak out against poor treatment, reminding them that their voices matter.
For those interested in further exploring topics related to parenting and education, check out our other blog posts, such as this insightful piece on home insemination or learn from the experts at Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, if you’re looking for resources on pregnancy, Healthline provides excellent information.
Summary:
This article discusses the contrast between exceptional and inadequate educators, emphasizing the negative impact of poor teaching on students. It shares personal experiences with bullying teachers and highlights the importance of empowering children to speak up against mistreatment. Parents are encouraged to advocate for their children and recognize that not all teachers are created equal.