Former Teacher Badmouthing My Child

[Anonymous]

A current faculty member at my child's current school (middle school at a D.C. independent) recently met a former teacher at my child's DCPS school. According to the faculty member, the teacher trashed my child. I knew my child wasn't her favorite. I think it's unprofessional to say things like this to a former student's current educators. I am tempted to write this teacher a letter and tell her as much. It really hurt my feelings. On the other hand, I probably won't.

[Anonymous]

I would make a formal complaint. It is completely unprofessional.

[Anonymous]

Give Rhee a call - she will take care of it

[Anonymous]

I would add that it is also unprofessional for the current faculty member to share this with you.

[Anonymous]

"I am tempted to write this teacher a letter and tell her as much. It really hurt my feelings. On the other hand, I probably won't. "

You go, girl! Complain on the Net about highly unprofessional conduct by two teachers, then do nothing. My hero!

[Anonymous]

I would be more concerned about the current teacher at the independent sharing this with you. Maybe this was appropriate in context, but you didn't share the context. Also what is trashing? "Johnny talked too much" or "Johnny was a pain in the neck and ruined the school year"

[Anonymous]

Yes, teachers aren't robots (shock) and actually talk to each other. Did you have an inkling how the teacher felt about your child while with her? I would try to be more in tune with that in future. Remember, current teachers write recommendations to future schools....

[Anonymous]

I think it was good that the current teacher shared this with you. You should inform the former teacher's principal about this highly unprofessional behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, teachers aren't robots (shock) and actually talk to each other. Did you have an inkling how the teacher felt about your child while with her? I would try to be more in tune with that in future. Remember, current teachers write recommendations to future schools....

I'm not sure what your point is. Both teachers behaved completely unprofessionally. OP's child still has contact with one of those teachers though. If it were me I would probably make an appointment with the principal and discuss it.

[Anonymous]

What is a letter to the principal going to do? The kid is no longer at the school and the principal cannot control what teachers say to others. Can your boss control what you say??!

[Anonymous]

If this is a one-time thing, then ignore it. The former teacher is embarrassing herself. Why should anyone believe her since she is demonstrating such poor judgement.

If it continues, then I would contact the principal of the former teacher's school to complain verbally and inquire how to make a formal complaint in writing because it has to stop. I wouldn't try to refute the teacher's comments, rather stay focused on her unprofessional behavior.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for thoughts.

18:32: So not helpful, your preachy condescending tone. I know teachers talk, I was absolutely in tune with the teacher, who is a bit of a hysteric (bad marriage, stays at school until all hours so she doesn't have to go home), I know teachers write recommendations. If you don't have anything nice to say ...

[Anonymous]

I think 18:32 is probably a teacher. there are quite a few DCPS teachers posting on here lately.

Ignore it. It really isn't worth the stress. Don't let Two blabbermouthy teachers get your blood pressure up.

[Anonymous]

OP again. One reason I posted this was thinking that perhaps teachers might see it and remember that they should not be loose-lipped about students, past or present. Again, it really hurt my feelings to learn that this teacher said what she said. This was years ago! Not to put a good spin on a situation was meanspirited. Fortunately the current teacher is a huge fan of my child. Anyway, I'm in a position where I oversee children and I would never badmouth any of them to other authority figures (in this case, coaches, it's a team situation).

[Anonymous]

I am a former teacher and I can tell you that your kids (and likely the parents too) are most likely being talked about in the teachers lounge. I remember being shocked the first time I heard it but became rather immune after listening to in on an almost daily basis. Not saying this as an excuse, but I got the impression that some teachers were under a lot of stress (this was a challenging school district) and this was a way for them to vent.