Sticks and Stones

Maybe I have been desensitized after working for a year in an urban school, but I don't think the teacher in this story was that out of line for what she said.

Was it mean? Yes.

Was it embarrassing to the child? Yes.

Could the situation have been handled in a better way? Yes.

Of course, many things about this story are troubling ... But ask anyone who has been in a room full of children (let alone a group of 5-year-olds) for an entire day how "easy" it is.

Advanced training in education and psychology or not, teachers are people too and are subject to having a "moment" every now and again. I may be showing my own ignorance here, but would a 5-year-old even understand what the word ignorant means? I have personally told a sixth grader that he was being ignorant just this past year. I have personally spoken candidly to my seventh grade class about how irresponsible they act on a daily basis and about how they really need to prioritize what is important, for fear of ruining their futures.

Harsh? Maybe.

Honest and realistic? Definitely!

Worthy of suspending me indefinitely from a profession that (believe it or not) I enjoy? I hope not!

Now, I'm not condoning what Ms. Woodward in Indiana said, but, having been in her shoes for just under a school year, I can see how such statements might come out.

The really sad thing (for me) about this story, is that many parents are quick to blame the teacher. This is now the second or third situation like this, in which the parents (after their child complains) send a tape recorder to school to see what the teacher is up to, and, when they find something "shocking" on the tape, go right to the media with it. Why not call the teacher directly and settle the problem? Why not ask him/her if there are any problems in the classroom or arrange for a conference to discuss their concerns? Chances are, the child that is complaining is part of the problem. There are two sides to every story. So, it truly bothers me that the parents in these situations do not seem to acknowledge that.

Again, coming from an urban school, I know that kids hear worse things than "ignorant" or "self-absorbed" or "pathetic." It may not be pleasant on the child's psyche, but, for some, these words may actually come from their own parents or step-parents. The sad fact of life is that we often hear things that we do not want to. We often don't regard our own actions until someone, perhaps rudely or embarrassingly, points out what our flaws are. (Think: high school)

I am interested to hear how this story develops and just what the teacher's side truly is. I don't agree with her methods, but I can certainly empathize and see exactly where she's coming from. It's unfortunate that something like this can't be handled inside the school instead of across the public arena.