Older teachers?

[Anonymous]

We were able to meet DC's kindergarten teacher this week. Other teachers I've come in contact with at this school have been on the younger side, brimming with energy and emoting warm fuzzies and child-directed kindness all over the place. DC's teacher is closer to retirement than not and does not exactly come off as warm, approachable or ready to romp. More like that one grandmother who always insisted you eat your peas with a fork.

Knowing what I do of DC's new school (strong public led by engaged, approachable principal), I'd like to believe that my initial impression is a wrong one. Perhaps this teacher has done the meet-and-greet so many times, she's had her fill of, say, welcoming every child at the door. Or saying goodbye when they leave. Or getting down to their level when speaking to them in between. Perhaps I need to realize that preschool is over and this is the Big Time. Perhaps this teacher is an experienced veteran with more tricks up more sleeves than the other young whippersnappers can dream of.

So if your child had an older teacher they loved, especially in the younger grades, can you share your experience? I've obviously said nothing but positive, excited things to DC. But I'd like to really get on board the teacher appreciation train instead of just pretending.

[Anonymous]

My 4th grader (now 5th) had such a teacher...loved her.....she was just what she needed after all the sweet, fun, yet hypercaffeinated ones...she was quiter, slower, warmer....perfect balance (liked the other ones too)

[Anonymous]

Quieter....not quiter

[Anonymous]

okay..if you are talking Mclean..your child has an absolutely amazing and well regarded teacher..just the best. Growing up..I had a teacher like this and she stands out in my mind..firm but calm and in control and I felt secure with her. Still remember. Give her a chance you will laugh that you even second guessed it.

[Anonymous]

My child had a teacher like that last year -- a little older than kindergarten. My daughter loved her. Loved. She was not warm and fuzzy with parents, but she just clicked with the kids.

[Anonymous]

My aunt (closing in on 70) is a kindergarten teacher and she is just SO wonderful! Very sweet and loving but also cheerful and energetic. I don't know how she does it, I wouldn't have the energy to teach 25 five year olds all day!

I find that the older ones (like my aunt) stay in the profession for so long because they truly love it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you everyone for your very helpful stories. Although we're not in Mclean, we are in a fairly similar place, income- and demo- and rigor-wise, so I know that DC's teacher will be a good one, no matter what her initial manner. There was just such a disconnect between my mental image of a kinder teacher (and DC's previous preschool teachers) and this women that I was thrown for a bit.

I hope that she and DC will connect in their own way, as that's what's most important. Thanks for talking me down.

[Anonymous]

DS' K teacher is the oldest of the bunch, I think. Five K classes..l have heard nothing but great things about this teacher and I am not concerned. She is a tried and true teacher who must love teaching Kindergarten or she would have switched grades or careers by now.

[Anonymous]

My DC's second grade teacher was older and in my first meeting with her she came across a bit cold and dismissive to me; and I actually felt a little afraid. She turned out to be one of DC's best and warmest teachers. She was encouraging and supportive; she taught them things outside the classroom curriculum and had the special ability to recognize students who needed and wanted extra challenges and those that needed extra help and she took the time to address each student's needs. DC learned so much in her class and most importantly he and his confidence blossomed. She has since retired and we have become good friends. I wish all of DC's teachers were more like his "old" second grade teacher.

[Anonymous]

A variety of styles is part of what's wonderful about school. No teacher is for everyone. Is her heart in the right place? Is she dedicated? She will at least be adequate for your child's needs, perhaps better. And maybe the following year your child will get the bouncy teacher (who would have totally alienated someone like my quiet, cerebral husband).

[Anonymous]

I bet this older teacher can run a classroom like no one business. My dc had a very veteran teacher for K. I was particularly impressed by how she managed the kids who acted out at times so that the entire class was not disrupted by them. I personally would rather have veteran teachers in the younger grades, and the younger teachers in the higher grades.

[Anonymous]

Although I'm not in my 70s, being a somewhat "middle aged" teacher, I'm offended by this post.

[Anonymous]

I was so happy this year that one of my kids has an "older" teacher -- it's the fresh-faced kids that scare me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Although I'm not in my 70s, being a somewhat "middle aged" teacher, I'm offended by this post.

I'm a middle aged teacher, and I'm not offended... I take it to refer to style/personality "Old School" etc. Some of the strictest teachers I've ever met have been fresh out of teaching college. The beauty is your child will have many teachers, and a FEW they remember for life. Isn't that OK?

[Anonymous]

You never know that may be the person you kid needs. I know my daughter's teacher came off bit brusque but she really loved kids not adults. Even if the fit is not perfect realize your child will need to learn to get along with all kids of people to be a full fledged adult. Bit early for the lesson perhaps but one we all need now and then.