My 10 year old daughter who has a disability (grandmal seizures). She moves slow due to reflexes. On Thursday the assistant teacher called her a jack rabbit and a turtle because she was moving too slow. My daughter was in tears that evening and again on Friday morning. I schedule a meeting for Monday, September 12 with the principal and teacher. Am I overreacting?
Good morning, I would like to thank all of you for your comments. Now as far as my daughter's teacher, the assistant teacher and I we all have a good relationship. My update from my morning meeting I'm still dissatisfied. During the meeting as I spoke with my daughter's teacher and informed her of the incident that occurred while she was out. I informed the teacher of their no bullying policy because I speak to my daughter quiet often about the bully rules. I was cordial and respectful. The teacher's response was, "she was probably playing with her." So, I reiterate but your sign out side the school and the bully pamphlet states no name calling. If you are getting on the students for name calling then teachers definitely should not be name calling. Then he last statement well is that all you wanted to talk to me about. Of course, that did not sit well with me so I went to the principal office and he was in a meeting. So I asked to see the assistant principal. I informed her of what happened. She made documentation and said she would look into it. Yes, if the assistant teacher apologizes that would mean a lot to my daughter.
Hard to say. Sometimes even capable children choose to move slow because they are stalling, and this is probably what the teacher is used to. So the teacher calls them a harmless animal name - I think it was playful.
NO! This person is an adult acting like a child... Children get enough social trauma from their peers. The adults they count on should not add to the stress! If the assistant teacher is acting this way, they really should not be around kids at all.
No, I don't think you're overreacting.
She is 10 years old and should not be made to feel badly for being a little slower than her classmates (disability or not). It is bad enough that kids tease each other, no exuse for an adult, especially one in authority.
I guess it's always possible that the teacher was unaware of your daughter's issues (although she should not say those things anyway). Or, she may have thought she said it in a joking manner. Either case, a meeting is appropriate to bring it to her attention.
Sorry she (and you) had to go through that. So hard to have your feelings hurt like that and to have to see her suffer through it. Just remind her that sometimes people say things that are wrong, and it isn't her fault. She will be okay because she has a good Mommy looking out for her.
No you are not overreacting! That teacher should be flogged for being so insensitive to your child's situation. Pre-teen and teen girls are already sensitive about being "fitting in". To blatantly point out your daughter's differences in front of everyone like that is totally unacceptable for an adult peer!
DISGUSTING! I would go to the principal and beyond!!!!!! YOU ARE NOT NOT NOT overreacting!
Please do not drop this until you get a resolution that you are comfortable with and please continue to follow-up. Teachers/principals say that they will take care of it and then drop it once they feel that they have pacified the parents. You are right, the name calling by the teacher, whether she was "playing with her" or not is a form of bullying. I was bullied for 2 years by a teacher in elementary school. Because they are in a position of power, they feel that they can get away with it. Also, even if your daughter doesn't say anything, follow-up on it. My mom would confront the teacher and the behavior would worsen at times. I quit telling my mom because I didn't want to see her upset. So, make sure to follow up and keep an eye on your daughter. The bullying may continue and she just may not tell you. Will be praying that all goes well and your daughter has a wonderful experience in school.
after reading some responses, I agree that you are NOT overreacting. It may be good to know the other perspective (I am a teacher as well), but teachers should be privy to health information before the school year opens. If you have provided this to your daughter's teacher, the asst should know it to and be capable of behaving accordingly. With that qualification in place, go advocate for your baby, momma.
No, you are not over-reacting. But, don't go with the "mama-bear" instincts and jump down the teachers throat. the teacher does need to know her medical history, just in case an episode happens at school and what the overall effects have been on her body. God Bless.
Absolutely not! Keep a cool head, mature thoughts, and get your point across. Great standing up for your daughter, disability or not! Good job, Mom!
You are NOT overreacting. Good luck- be a champion for your daughter. Life is hard enough without teachers who are in an authority role jumping in. She may have said it without trying to be mean but she said this to a child who may be sensitive to what others think. Bottom line she was wrong and you have every right to stand up for your daughter. That is part of being a parent. I hope this turns out good for both you and your daughter.
I used to live i the Desoto/Lancaster area... I don't know why but the teachers there sucked..most I ran in to had attitude probelms and did the same kind of things they tell the kids not to do... you are NOT over reacting.. and that teacher was dismissive and I would not tolerate that either. I had to threaten to call the news and sue because kids we making racial slurs towards my kids..and teachers were admittedlydoing NOTHING...
Don't let the issue drop. Follow up so everyone knows you mean business!
Just to answer your first question you are not overreacting.
I think if your child was crying over it, you are not overreacting, at least not with requesting a meeting. Now, if you go into the meeting and start yelling "how dare you..." then yes, you are overreacting. Go in with the assumption that this teacher had no idea that her comment could be so hurtful to your daughter, because that is probably EXACTLY what the deal was. She probably had no idea something as small as saying she was a turtle would hurt her feelings. Explain the issue, tell her your daughter is sensitive to the fact that she's slower and that comment, was enough to put her in tears (add in school starting and all the new challenges of being in 5th grade, etc.) Tell her you think a sincere apology to your daughter would go along way in making this better.
You are not overreacting.
If your daughter's father is able to- have him go talk to the teacher and the school. When a mother walks in, it's not given as much attention as when a father takes care of it. Not the way it should be, but that's the way it is.
I have a child with several chronic illnesses including juvenile arthritis so I see messages like this all the time from parents whose children with arthritis have situations come up with teachers. When the names cause the child to be upset then you are not overreacting. The assistant may have not meant any harm and perhaps your child did not let on that she was upset so the assistant has no idea she upset your daughter. I would definitely go to the meeting, bring up the issue, express your concern in a matter-of-fact manner and ask that the names stop. You definitely do not want to let emotion take over when you go into the meeting.
It's great your daughter shared her feelings with you. I have a friend whose son kept a bullying situation to himself all last year. The PE coach told the boy that he better not get any calls from the boy's mom that the boy was in too much pain to participate and the coach pushed the boy all year as if he didn't have arthritis. The boy was so afraid that his mom would call and the coach would punish him. He has a 504 plan and the gym coach knew the background, but chose to ignore it. The parents met with the school (gym coach chose not to be present) and made sure that it never happen again. It broke my heart that the boy did not share his anxiety with his parents until the school year was over and it upsets me that there are teachers out there who think it's okay to bully children in such a way.
No you are not overreacting. The teacher is their to help your daughter learn not to critize her movements. That teacher should be fired for insulting your daughter! If the principal does not fix this immediately go to your school super intendent (sp?).
Absolutely not! That teacher is a bully and if that behavior is unacceptable from another student, it most certainly should not be tolerated from a teacher. That teacher needs to be disciplined for name calling and bullying. Good luck at your meeting today and stand your ground!
My sister is a principal at a district co-op. Very challenged kids. I just emailed her your concern and thought it would be great to get an educator's perspective and she is a principal. I thought that I could send you an email without it being public. Call me later today and I will let you know her opinion. My daughter is 11 so I know how hurtful it can be when they are upset. Have a great day. K. ###-###-####.
Give me a call, my sister emailed me and she has a good perspective from an educators standpoint. Sometimes she opens my eyes to another point of view. You are your child's advocate so remember that you are the only one that will stand up for them. My number is ###-###-####.
