Reply to FCPS - avoiding bad 1st grade teacher

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[quote=Anonymous]First, OP, do NOT discuss this issue with your child.

I had a fourth grade teacher who was mean--but I learned a lot that year.  I was a meek little girl--but, I remember how awful she was to the boys--and Annette, one of the rowdier girls in our class.
However, I probably learned more that year than any other.  I was very upset when I found out that I would be in her class--my next door neighbor had been assigned to her the year before, but her mother had her moved before the first day.  My mother would not do that.

My DD had a yeller--but she, too, was an excellent teacher.  And, this teacher "read" my child better than any other teacher she had.  (She was not mean--just yelled a lot--didn't bother my DD because she was not the one being yelled at.

Now, for the letter.  It may or may not be a good idea.  No one on this forum can decide that for you.

Your DD may not get this teacher.  If she does, this is what I would do.

First, when you meet the teacher, be positive.  Be specially positive with your DD.  Do not grill her about the teacher when she comes home from school.  That does NOT mean that you do not pay attention.  If you sense something is wrong, then LISTEN to DD--do not grill.
If something happens that disturbs you--and pick your battles, please--then write the teacher.  If you do not get an appropriate response or change, then write the principal.  But, be sure you are specific--not "Ms soandso yells."  Instead," DD is very unhappy at school.  She says that Ms S yells a lot and it really makes her anxious.  I hope you can do something to help this situation."  If the principal does not react, then write again.  Third time, copy the School Board member with a note that this is the third time you have written about this issue.  
Principals sometimes need documentation in order to remove a teacher.  Letters from parents may carry some weight if they are specific.

Now, FWIW, DD had another teacher (not a yeller) who was supposed to be awful.  According to other parents, she didn't teach anything.  This turned out to be absolutely far from the truth.  DD thrived in her class and the teacher was in tune to her.  She even recommended another child for her to be friends with.  (DD didn't have many friends.)  DD is grown now and these girls are still friends.  Teacher was obsessed with eating healthy and exercise and implemented both in her class.  DD responded to these life skills far better than what I did with her at home.  She still eats healthy and exercises.
My point is that other parents thought this was an awful teacher--and she was not.
DD also had some teachers that were among the most popular.  They were not necessarily the most effective teachers.  You never know.
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