advice re teacher recs for private K

[Anonymous]

My DC is a great kid, terrific test scores (at the 99%), and is outgoing, athletic, etc. However, my DC is having a tough year this year, in large part due to his current teacher and some conflicts in style. In essence, my DC is in her mind "acting out" a lot and is a problem. We had perfect reports last year from the same school and nothing has changed at home. I fear our teacher rec for private school next year (we don't want to stay at our current private school) is going to be pretty bad. Advice on how to deal with this? Request a meeting with the ADs to give a fuller picture? Other ideas? Very appreciated. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

do try to meet with the AD, but be careful in your word choices re: the teacher's "style." Maybe it's actually the AD who signs the rec?

[Anonymous]

Meet with the teacher and demonstrate that you take her seriously and are doing something about the issue. Whether or not you agree with her, if you show you are engaged in working on a solution, the teacher will look more favorably on you and your child. In my experience, when we have hit similar issues where I feel a teacher's style is the root of the problem, I am only half right. Inevitably there is something going on with my child that needs attention and not latching onto excuses, though difficult, is the best way to go. Often kids with some mild issues, like attention issues or behavioral or whatever, will do fine with teachers who are absolutely perfect for them but will have issues with any deviation from perfection. Problem is they won't always have the perfect teachers (or friends, or bosses . . .) so if there is an issue to address, best to do it when they are young. I should add that having been there with two very bright children, certain issues make themselves known as a child grows. I've also had the sense that "last year was perfect, what's up with this year," but attending to the issue itself is the best for my child.

[Anonymous]

Does this teacher have an accent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Meet with the teacher and demonstrate that you take her seriously and are doing something about the issue. Whether or not you agree with her, if you show you are engaged in working on a solution, the teacher will look more favorably on you and your child. In my experience, when we have hit similar issues where I feel a teacher's style is the root of the problem, I am only half right. Inevitably there is something going on with my child that needs attention and not latching onto excuses, though difficult, is the best way to go. Often kids with some mild issues, like attention issues or behavioral or whatever, will do fine with teachers who are absolutely perfect for them but will have issues with any deviation from perfection. Problem is they won't always have the perfect teachers (or friends, or bosses . . .) so if there is an issue to address, best to do it when they are young. I should add that having been there with two very bright children, certain issues make themselves known as a child grows. I've also had the sense that "last year was perfect, what's up with this year," but attending to the issue itself is the best for my child.

OP Here> Thank you, this is very wise counsel.