My DC prayed for his grumpy teacher

[Heffernhyphen]

My four-year-old son's teacher is happiness-challenged. (That's PC for A Grump.) He comes home saying things like, "The good news is, Ms. D didn't hurt me today. The bad news is, Ms. P did and I said, 'Ow, that hurt!'" He has told me that she's grabbed him or squeezed his arm on at least three occasions. The other day I asked him straight out if he likes her; he said, "She's just angry, angry, angry." Then he looked up at the ceiling and said, "God, please make Ms. P be happy."

What should I do? I don't think perpetual grumpiness is enough to go to the principal about, and I can't prove she's actually hurt him.

[KMK_Mama]

I'd ask to observe in the classroom, but I would probably also bring it up to the principal. It's not good if your child is having a bad time at school because of the teacher! This is when children's attitudes about school are formed. My DD also had a hard time in pre-school (because of a substitute) and she is just now starting to get over it a year later. It's not something I would let go, IMO.

[kosheng]

umm, i don't want to sound judgmental, but please go to the principal immediately!!! no child deserves to be treated like that in a school setting. regardless of her personal nature, her professional demeanor should be nothing less than idyllic for your dear son's school experience.

she has no right to put her hands on your child in a disapproving way (hurting him no less!! you have every right to be furious!!!) you do not have to prove that it happened. the principal needs to determine that. the way your child described it is pretty heartbreaking.

you have every right to protect your child. please do it immediately.

[jeca]

I would definitely drop in on her class at various times. Then hopefully you can see how she behaves with the kids and then have something to personally report to the principal. I would still tell her what your Ds said so she can be on the look out herself also.(Assuming your principal is woman, sorry I almost always use she).

[Flor]

I had dss moved out of his 4th grade class because he teacher yelled all the time. He just doesn't need to be around that all day; it has to affect them. I just said, in the end, it's a personality difference. Maybe the teacher wasn't doing anything "wrong" but I just insisted on a different placement. The prinicipal wanted to keep dss in there for a few weeks more to see if it could be worked out, but the teacher got nervous that I was "causing problems for her" and asked for him to be removed as well. He got a nice teacher and we didn't hear another complaint all year.

[kmeyrick]

This teacher sounds a little weird. Does she have a tough class this year? Well, it doesn't really matter. YOU don't want to have to live with that. Is another place for him an option?

[b&c'smama]

One thing to keep in mind if you observe in the classroom... mean and grumpy teachers can be very nice, patient and charming when parents are in the classroom. Therefore, I do not put much faith in observations. If your son is complaining of her being mean, grabbing him, etc. I would go see the principal, explain what's going on and have him removed asap. If the principal hesitates, let him/her know you will go to the superintendent.

By the way in my opinion, perpetual grumpiness IS enough a reason to have him removed. Our children's happiness, enthusiasm, and love of learning are too important! Nothing can extinguish their spark quicker than a bad teacher. Sometimes they get that spark back, and other times they don't.

[kmeyrick]

If your son is always unhappy and beginning to dread school, it doesn't really matter what the cause is, it's time to try something new. Unless the anxiety is coming from home and therefore consistency is better, but that's not your case. Try someplace else for your kiddo.