Has your child's teacher ever been really rude to you and what did you do?

[Anonymous]

My child's teacher was unbelievably rude and disrespectful to me this morning, and right in front of a lot of other parents and children (including my own). I am furious. I couldn't say anything back because I didn't want to say anything in front of the children. However, I am just so upset and appalled that she would treat me that way. I was volunteering to help out for a class event and it was poorly organized and chaotic - I (like all the other parents) hadn't understood the instructions and asked for clarification, and she told me, in a very rude tone of voice (and using my first name, like a child), to just do what she said. It was humiliating to be spoken to that way. I am beyond upset, but I don't know what to do. I just can't let it go - why would she think it is OK to talk to me that way? I can't complain to the principal - they are close friends. What would you do?

[Anonymous]

Let it go! It sounds like the teacher was surrounded by lots of kids and adults and trying to get things organized. If that were the case, she was probably frazzled and didn't even realize she used a rude voice. Also, as I'm assuming the event went on, it seems things ended fine and I doubt any of the kids or other faults even noticed.

I was in charge of a Brownies meeting on Sunday and was surrounded by 15 kids talking to me at once. All I could think was, "boy, am I glad I'm not a teacher!"

[Anonymous]

You sound crazy.

[Anonymous]

In this instance you should let it go. Sounds like she was in the midst of chaos and was frazzled and just snapped at you. If this is ONE instance in almost an entire schoolyear of no problems, of course let it go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You sound crazy.

I'm not sure why I sound crazy. I was volunteering my time to help someone and they treated me very rudely and in a humiliating manner in front of my child. Is it really crazy to be upset about it?

[Anonymous]

I agree with letting it go. She might have just slipped into "teacher" mode with you without realizing it, since it was a chaotic atmosphere.

However, if it happens again, THEN set a time to talk face to face and explain that doing that is not acceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In this instance you should let it go. Sounds like she was in the midst of chaos and was frazzled and just snapped at you. If this is ONE instance in almost an entire school year of no problems, of course let it go.

She did not seem frazzled to me. I'm just not sure that it would matter if she was. It was really unprofessional, and I have done a lot to help her this year. I put in so many hours doing things for her that it actually affected my work. It actually got worse after that - I pointed out that I was volunteering my time and didn't need to be there (as calmly as I could), and she told then I should just get out. I mean, it was not a little "snap" - it was a major insult. Wasn't it?

[Anonymous]

Let it go

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In this instance you should let it go. Sounds like she was in the midst of chaos and was frazzled and just snapped at you. If this is ONE instance in almost an entire school year of no problems, of course let it go.

She did not seem frazzled to me. I'm just not sure that it would matter if she was. It was really unprofessional, and I have done a lot to help her this year. I put in so many hours doing things for her that it actually affected my work. It actually got worse after that - I pointed out that I was volunteering my time and didn't need to be there (as calmly as I could), and she told then I should just get out. I mean, it was not a little "snap" - it was a major insult. Wasn't it?

Clearly you're determined to see it that way despite what anybody tells you. So fine. She was wrong, and you're right. Feel better now? Your kid still has a month and a half left with this teacher, so keep that in mind as you proceed.

[Anonymous]

Stop volunteering so many hours. It clearly isn't appreciated. Don't volunteers for her anymore. School year is almost over so let it go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop volunteering so many hours. It clearly isn't appreciated. Don't volunteers for her anymore. School year is almost over so let it go.

I'm really surprised how many people say let it go. Maybe I will try. I have canceled my classroom volunteer hours for the rest of the year already. I guess I'm worried that if I let it go, she will think it is OK to treat me badly, and then maybe she'll think it is OK to treat my child badly...like she can get away with it or something. Obviously, she doesn't like me. Is that nuts? I guess it might be. I've just never encountered this kind of treatment before (at least not until I came to this school). I don't really know how to handle it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop volunteering so many hours. It clearly isn't appreciated. Don't volunteers for her anymore. School year is almost over so let it go.

I'm really surprised how many people say let it go. Maybe I will try. I have canceled my classroom volunteer hours for the rest of the year already. I guess I'm worried that if I let it go, she will think it is OK to treat me badly, and then maybe she'll think it is OK to treat my child badly...like she can get away with it or something. Obviously, she doesn't like me. Is that nuts? I guess it might be. I've just never encountered this kind of treatment before (at least not until I came to this school). I don't really know how to handle it.

You rise above and be mature rather than petty like you are being. You show up tomorrow and say "Wow, yesterday our interactions really seemed to spiral downward quickly; I'm so sorry for my part in that. I hope today goes better for both of us!" and then you continue in that vein. Don't you think canceling your volunteering for the rest of the year sends the teacher a passive aggressive signal that you're upset about your interaction today? Of course it does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop volunteering so many hours. It clearly isn't appreciated. Don't volunteers for her anymore. School year is almost over so let it go.

I'm really surprised how many people say let it go. Maybe I will try. I have canceled my classroom volunteer hours for the rest of the year already. I guess I'm worried that if I let it go, she will think it is OK to treat me badly, and then maybe she'll think it is OK to treat my child badly...like she can get away with it or something. Obviously, she doesn't like me. Is that nuts? I guess it might be. I've just never encountered this kind of treatment before (at least not until I came to this school). I don't really know how to handle it.

You rise above and be mature rather than petty like you are being. You show up tomorrow and say "Wow, yesterday our interactions really seemed to spiral downward quickly; I'm so sorry for my part in that. I hope today goes better for both of us!" and then you continue in that vein. Don't you think canceling your volunteering for the rest of the year sends the teacher a passive aggressive signal that you're upset about your interaction today? Of course it does.

I thought it sent the message that I don't go where I'm not wanted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop volunteering so many hours. It clearly isn't appreciated. Don't volunteers for her anymore. School year is almost over so let it go.

I'm really surprised how many people say let it go. Maybe I will try. I have canceled my classroom volunteer hours for the rest of the year already. I guess I'm worried that if I let it go, she will think it is OK to treat me badly, and then maybe she'll think it is OK to treat my child badly...like she can get away with it or something. Obviously, she doesn't like me. Is that nuts? I guess it might be. I've just never encountered this kind of treatment before (at least not until I came to this school). I don't really know how to handle it.

I'm really surprised too, OP. Wonder if that teacher is on here sock puppeting! I agree with your decision to cancel the rest of your hours. Only a few weeks left anyway - you can donate your time and work to someone with some manners.

[Anonymous]

If you stop volunteering, you're hurting the children as well as the teacher.