what would you do?

[hereforgood]

I went to my child's school today, and for the 2nd time this year, I saw the same teacher belittling a small child(under age 6). Not sure what he did, but I think it had something to do with having a bathroom accident. This was in the open in front of other kids, parents, and teachers. The child was crying and rocking back in forth in a chair.
I didn't say anything because I was upset (if it was my child I would have blown my lid) and felt that it was better to think about what I should say when I was calm. Just curious what would you do. I want to again say I don't know what the kid did, but I don't think it was appropriate regardless.
btw The first time I saw the same teacher yank a child off the play ground and shove him into a chair in the office. This was earlier in the school year.

 

[janey83]

I wonder if the kid's parents know about the teacher's behavior...not sure how I would handle the situation -- but do you know other parents who know about this teacher? Or maybe say something to your child's teacher? You are probably not the only one who thinks that the teacher is acting in an innapropriate way.

 

[renegadeslave]

As a future teacher, I'd suggest talking to the teacher first. If she/he doesn't care what you have to say, then go to the principal or other parents who may be concerned.

 

[kom526]

Go directly to the principal immediately. State all the usual info, (time, date, location, etc.) and let him/her know that you will be notifying the board of ed with your concerns. The incident of slamming the child into the chair is enough to get the teacher removed from the classroom.

 

[renegadeslave]

Going over the teacher's head like that will not make things better. You can't be sure what happened with the child. I've worked in first grade and kindergarten classes and there are some students who will cry about the smallest thing. The teacher should explain the situation to you. If not, and he/she tells you to mind your own business, then you should go to someone else. I think it shows respect that you can talk to the teacher about it without "tattling" to a superior.

 

[BuddyLee]

I think we need more teachers like this. And people wonder why the high schools are peppered with metal detectors. Some kids need to be taught the hard way.

 

[Bustem' Down]

I think we need more teachers like this. And people wonder why the high schools are peppered with metal detectors. Some kids need to be taught the hard way.

Have to agree. Teachers are supposed to be authority figures and if children do not learn to repect that authority early, the will not respect it later.

 

[Suz]

Have to agree. Teachers are supposed to be authority figures and if children do not learn to repect that authority early, the will not respect it later.

NOT. Have to disagree. That teacher belittled a child in front of others. What did that teach anyone?
1.It taught the children watching that it is ok to embarrass someone in front of others and that it's entertaining. (Hey! A new bully is born!!)

2.It hurt the spirit of the child being belittled to who knows what degree?? That child is bruised for life now.

I would've had to step in the moment I saw it. But since that wasn't done I would have to say something even now to the teacher. And if I didn't get her full attention on the subject I would not hesitate a second to go over her head.

This county is all about NOT hurting a childs self respect when it comes to passing them through the school system instead of holding them back a grade when necessary or requested by a parent (and I know this from experience) I'll be damn@d if I'd stand by witness this and not say something.

 

[Vince]

NOT. Have to disagree. That teacher belittled a child in front of others. What did that teach anyone?

So no matter what the child did, the child was right, and the teacher was wrong in the way it was handled? I would say that if the child had done something that was bad and it was repeated offense, and the teacher had tried to talk to the child before, then the teacher was correct in embarrasing that child. If it's done in front of his/her peers then that child won't commit the same offense again. This all depends on the situation and since we don't know the actual situation then none of us can say whether the teacher was right or wrong.
It could be something that's been going on since the school year started. Who knows? :shrug:

Have to get all the facts prior to making a decision.

 

[hereforgood]

Thanks for the responses.
I didn't say anything because I was angry and didn't want to make a fool out of myself. I thought it would be better to speak calmly and be taken seriously. In regards to more teachers like this, I believe that teachers need to be in charge and be respected, but if your boss were to treat you like this at work you would have a different opinion. Every time I have had to reprimand an employee I have done it in private and I don't tell them how pathetic they are.

 

[SmallTown]

I think we need more teachers like this. And people wonder why the high schools are peppered with metal detectors. Some kids need to be taught the hard way.

 

[SmallTown]

Every time I have had to reprimand an employee I have done it in private and I don't tell them how pathetic they are.

Public humiliation is a great motivator. If thought I would be brought in front of my peers and ridiculed for what I do, I would be much more careful. If I get to have a private conversation with you, I just see it as time away from my desk that I can still charge and be paid for

 

[morganj614]

Public humiliation is a great motivator. If thought I would be brought in front of my peers and ridiculed for what I do, I would be much more careful. If I get to have a private conversation with you, I just see it as time away from my desk that I can still charge and be paid for

The kid is under six and like it was previously stated, circumstances are not known..

 

[SmallTown]

NOT. Have to disagree. That teacher belittled a child in front of others. What did that teach anyone?

Teach them how the chain of authority works in school. Too many kids put themselves at the top, then their parents, then the teacher. That is one of the reasons you end up with behavior like this.

But hey, fine, if you don't want the public to know take them into a back room with a paddle. Of course then you get hit with abuse charges.

Ok. New rule for schools. ALL classrooms will be locked during classtime. Nobody enters or leaves during class. No windows in classrooms, no inclass visitors. What happens in the classroom, stays in the classroom. If you are caught leaking information, you have to find the 80 year old janitor and toss his salad.

There. no more issues.

 

[SmallTown]

The kid is under six and like it was previously stated, circumstances are not known..

Teach them young! Much better to correct the behavior now instead of waiting till later

 

[PrchJrkr]

Go directly to the principal immediately. State all the usual info, (time, date, location, etc.) and let him/her know that you will be notifying the board of ed with your concerns. The incident of slamming the child into the chair is enough to get the teacher removed from the classroom.

If it was boy, they'd still be picking up the pieces of the teacher. Under NO circumstances is it right and appropriate to belittle a child of that age in front of his/her peers. If the offense was so terrible, the parent should be called in for a conference. I guess I'm just lucky my kids respect authority and I'll never be in said situation. They are s...

 

[Suz]

Teach them young! Much better to correct the behavior now instead of waiting till later

I agree with that

But I don't think public humiliation is the thing to do.. ever

JMHO

 

[vraiblonde]

Public humiliation is a great motivator.

It's a fabulous motivator. Kids should learn early that there is a social stigma attached to the stupid things they do, then they'll be more likely to stop doing stupid things.

Besides, different people have different ideas on what constitutes "belittling" and "humiliation" and that's what's wrong with a lot of kids today.

 

[Vince]

It's a fabulous motivator. Kids should learn early that there is a social stigma attached to the stupid things they do, then they'll be more likely to stop doing stupid things.

Besides, different people have different ideas on what constitutes "belittling" and "humiliation" and that's what's wrong with a lot of kids today.

Learning humility is a good thing.

 

[suzeQ]

I went to my child's school today, and for the 2nd time this year, I saw the same teacher belittling a small child(under age 6). Not sure what he did, but I think it had something to do with having a bathroom accident. This was in the open in front of other kids, parents, and teachers. The child was crying and rocking back in forth in a chair.
I didn't say anything because I was upset (if it was my child I would have blown my lid) and felt that it was better to think about what I should say when I was calm. Just curious what would you do. I want to again say I don't know what the kid did, but I don't think it was appropriate regardless.
btw The first time I saw the same teacher yank a child off the play ground and shove him into a chair in the office. This was earlier in the school year.

If you don't know the teacher well enough to talk to her/him, I would go to the principal and just tell her/him what you saw and what it looked like to a passer-by. It is likely the teacher is not going to give you any specific information about what caused the scolding, because it's none of your business. If it was that upsetting to you, imagine how it affected other children, both in that classroom as well as anyone who may have been passing by when it happened. School is supposed to be a safe place for children.