Do you talk with current teacher about choosing next year's teacher?

[Anonymous]

I'd like to get my DD's teacher's advice on which classroom she should be in next year. She's had some issues with her class this year and I'd like to try not to repeat that next year. Is this done? Do you ask for teachers each year? My MIL says she did it every single year so I'm getting some pressure to do the same. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd like to get my DD's teacher's advice on which classroom she should be in next year. She's had some issues with her class this year and I'd like to try not to repeat that next year. Is this done? Do you ask for teachers each year? My MIL says she did it every single year so I'm getting some pressure to do the same. Thanks

I've never asked for a specific teacher but I do describe the kind of teacher and classroom environment I feel is best suited to my child's needs. If there is a specific child you would rather they had some distance from (eg bullying) I am sure you can do that too. I have spoken to her current teacher and written comments on the placement form they give parents.

[Anonymous]

In our MCPS ES, you cannot ask for a specific teacher. Each year, parents are sent a questionnaire and the answers are used to made decisions about classroom placement. This about placement is that it's not only the teacher that makes the experience, but also the class mix. Nothing you can do to control that.

[Anonymous]

Do all MCPS ES send out a questionnaire? I hadn't heard that before (DD is only in K).

[Anonymous]

I think that it's ok to consult this year's teacher, and the guidance counselor, about next year's teacher. I wouldn't say, "We need Teacher X" or "We refuse to have Teacher X", though. I'd use the approach of the PP at 13:34 -- i.e., this seems to be the kind of environment my child does best in; what do you [teacher and guidance counselor] think?

[Anonymous]

Our MCPS school sent out a questionnaire a few weeks ago about our child's learning habits and interests to start placings for next year.

It says explicitly on there that we cannot request a specific teacher... which means they get that a lot

I do know, however, that you can request your child not be placed with a certain child, in bullying issues for ex. We had to do that when DS entered 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Nope.