Background: My kids go to an Options school on Fridays. It is part of the PS system, but they operate with their own curriculum and it's run by home schooling parents. Yesterday as I walked in to attend a music program, one of the coordinators walked with me to the class. She said she just wanted to let me know that if my boys had any complaints or trouble with the music teacher, she hoped that I would take it up with the teacher, and schedule a meeting to discuss any problems. I was kind of surprised, since the only thing my kids ever say about that teacher is that she is very serious. The coordinator said there had been complaints that she was too serious, too strict, and she emphasised again that if there was anything, I should talk to the teacher. I thanked her, and that was the end of that. Later that day, one of the moms walks outside with me, and tells me that her daughter came home in tears (!) about how the music teacher had treated my son. She said that she had talked to some of the other parents, and there had been other complaints as well, that she was yelling at the kids etc. The mom said that she didnt want to cause any waves, etc, but she felt that I should know. Now I appreciate the mom bringing this to my attention, since I had no idea. But when I grilled the boys later, they said they had no complaints about her. Even my son about whom that classmate had cried to her mother, even he says that he has no problems with the music teacher. They said she is very serious and strict, but that's it. Now I dont understand how to proceed. Should I say something after hearing that the teacher really berated and yelled at my son? Isn't this hearsay, since my son says there is nothing wrong...? I talked to one other mom I know, and she said that her daughter "never liked" that teacher, because she was waaay too strict. I wonder if this is a perception issue. It seems that the girls in the class are complaining about it, while the boys seem oblivious, or take it in stride. (This is what that mom told me, that the parents of the girls are hearing more complaints) What would you do?
I would assure your sons that if they ever have issues with that teacher, you will take them seriously. But then I'd drop it. I'd also assure any parent that brings it up that your boys do not have a problem with the teacher and therefore the matter is closed.
I would do nothing unless my own kids indicated they had issues with their treatment in class. The girl in question may be overly sensitive or, more likely, has gotten to the point where anything that teacher does is going to be blown way out of proportion in her mind because of her dislike of her. I'd just let your boys know you're open to hearing from them if they have any problems with the instructor then drop it.
Think about it, how many times have you been in a "mood' and your husband is oblivious? Girls are so much more attuned to nuance and temperament, while boys are just kind of...clueless. Your boys may truly not have an issue with her. I agree that unless your son comes to you with a complaint, I'd just let it go.
lol, Leissa...so true! Its funny how boys perceive things differently. I did tell my boys that they could always tell me if they had some sort of problem with any teacher, no matter what. I agree with you guys, I'm just going to let it go for now. Wish I could do that thing they do in the movies, where you point two fingers at your own eyes, and then at the other person...I would do it to the music teacher, just so that...you know, she knows that I know....and that I will be watching...muahahahaha!
First, I would probably go to the teacher and thank her for all the hard work she puts into the class and that your children enjoy her class. Given the gossip and attempted coup against this teacher, it sounds like she could do with some encouragement. Second, I would make a point of going to the parents who complained about the teacher and emphasize how you have no complaints at all. It would be a pity if a vocal minority were to trump a silent majority.
