Anonymous
01/26/2013 12:37
Subject: Re:Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
I don't get it. She said she was not going to ask for a particular teacher. She merely said it was to have a little background to provide her kids. I agree with that other poster...we all hear tidbits of information passed to us from other parents about the teachers our kids are about to have every new school year. We don't use that information to scare our kids or tell them it is easy sailing...we use it however we deem appropriate (which may be doing nothing)? What is the difference in this case? I do agree that feelings about teachers will differ but you can reply IF YOU HAVE information with, "In our experience..." or "we personally...".
Geesh...cut the lady some slack.
Geesh...cut the lady some slack.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 12:20
Subject: Re:Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
I taught first grade. One year I had the "perfect" class. I said "jump" and the kids said "how high?" It was a terrific group of kids-some smart, some middle and some not so smart. However, they were ALL well behaved. After years of struggling with discipline problems I thought I had all the answers. We were able to accomplish so much because the kids were cooperative and respected each other as well as the teacher.
The next year, the principal had lots of requests for me because I had such a terrific class. Guess what? It was the class from Hell. (Nice kids--but tons of issues.) The principal also threw in some problem children because I "had such good control" of the classroom. I'm sure all those parents who requested me regretted it. I spent most of my time with a girl who was emotionally disturbed. The psychologist thought it would be worse if she were put in a class of like children because she would follow their lead.........I had to keep her constantly by my side or she would hurt other kids. I worked three times harder that year and probably accomplished less than 60% of what my class had done the year before.
Moral: be careful what you ask for--a lot of the effectiveness of a teacher depends on the make up of the class.
The next year, the principal had lots of requests for me because I had such a terrific class. Guess what? It was the class from Hell. (Nice kids--but tons of issues.) The principal also threw in some problem children because I "had such good control" of the classroom. I'm sure all those parents who requested me regretted it. I spent most of my time with a girl who was emotionally disturbed. The psychologist thought it would be worse if she were put in a class of like children because she would follow their lead.........I had to keep her constantly by my side or she would hurt other kids. I worked three times harder that year and probably accomplished less than 60% of what my class had done the year before.
Moral: be careful what you ask for--a lot of the effectiveness of a teacher depends on the make up of the class.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 12:14
Subject: Re:Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
She asked only for responsive information. If you know, prot. Otherwise...
Anonymous
01/26/2013 12:09
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
With all respect, how would one answer the question: Who is the best teacher and who is the worst?
What makes a "good teacher" to you? Someone who gives homework? Someone who doesn't? A teacher who has the kids sit quietly at their desks and allows quiet seatwork with whispered interactions, or a teacher who allows students to work on the floor and the has a classroom buzzing with activity? A teacher who invites a lot of parent participation in classroom activities or one who does not request much of the parents?
It's difficult to know what you consider "best" and "worst". Maybe just trust that the school system hired and retains teachers who are qualified and worthy of teaching your child.
What makes a "good teacher" to you? Someone who gives homework? Someone who doesn't? A teacher who has the kids sit quietly at their desks and allows quiet seatwork with whispered interactions, or a teacher who allows students to work on the floor and the has a classroom buzzing with activity? A teacher who invites a lot of parent participation in classroom activities or one who does not request much of the parents?
It's difficult to know what you consider "best" and "worst". Maybe just trust that the school system hired and retains teachers who are qualified and worthy of teaching your child.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 11:46
Subject: Re:Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
My DCs went to LA. It was an OK school. They will not let you chose a teacher. They will assign someone to be your DCs friend in the beginning. There are many afterschool activities where your DC can meet kids.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 11:43
Subject: Re:Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
OP here: Wow...hard to believe what I thought was an innocent question would be met with some of these comments. I'm not asking that an innocent teacher be trashed. I'm asking for input so that I can help my kids with any adjustment and expectations. Of course I wouldn't tell my kids verbatim comments from here...but I would want to set up expectations.
We are moving mid year because my father can no longer live alone due to some falls. I'm an only child and promised my mother I would assist. We were moving in the summer anyway due to my husband's job, but my father has declined so much that we can't wait for his own safety.
And last thing...of course I'm not thinking of requesting any particular teacher. Wow...please...if you have any input, lthat is responsive to what I asked, let me know. Otherwise, dissing my question isn't helping what is already a stressful situation for us.
We are moving mid year because my father can no longer live alone due to some falls. I'm an only child and promised my mother I would assist. We were moving in the summer anyway due to my husband's job, but my father has declined so much that we can't wait for his own safety.
And last thing...of course I'm not thinking of requesting any particular teacher. Wow...please...if you have any input, lthat is responsive to what I asked, let me know. Otherwise, dissing my question isn't helping what is already a stressful situation for us.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 10:38
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Have friends at Louise Archer. Their opinion is that the Gen Ed is so so and aap is better.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 10:13
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Actually, when you are transferring in mid-year, you don't really have any say on who your teacher is. They put you in the class with the least number of kids.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 09:40
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:This is an anonymous parenting forum, not Yelp where businesses are rated. Teachers aren't doctors or plumbers where they are hoping to drum up new customers with good ratings. And they are not public figures whose names can be tossed around with descriptors about their job performance, whether they are the "best or worst."
Instead make an appointment with the principal and share what you kids' learning styles are. Share what personalities work best with your kids, i.e., "Susie needs a teacher who "gets" the kid who marches to a different beat." Or "Bobby needs a super organized teacher who will help him keep him focused."
My friend's kids attend Louise Archer, and she is very happy there. I'm sure you will be, too.
Give me a break. You don't even have kids that go to Louise Archer. You fshow me a parent who doesn't find out about a teacher in higher grades before your kid gets that teacher...and I'll show you a liar. There is nothing wrong than finding out so and so gives a lot of homwork, so and so is strict, so and so is the teacher all the kids want because of x. If you don't know the answer, say it. The OP didn't say that she was going to request a teacher, she asked for background. Moving mid-year will be hard enough on her kids. Having a discussion with them in advance as to possible expections can only help in that transition.
4:30 here. No, I'm not giving you a break. I never said that parents can't ask about teachers or that they don't talk about them. The issue here is doing so on an anonymous board. You have no idea what is valid information. You have no idea who is posting--is it the crazy parent with the ax to grind or is it someone who is thoughtful. In the meantime, some teacher could end up getting trashed here and the OP doesn't really ever get helpful information. Of course it's stressful moving in the middle of the year. No one is discounting that. That's why I suggested meeting with the principal and offering some language to use in that meeting.
Have a super day.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 09:02
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Answers would all be opinions anyhow. People won't agree on what makes a "best" or "worst" teacher.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 08:35
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Anonymous wrote:This is an anonymous parenting forum, not Yelp where businesses are rated. Teachers aren't doctors or plumbers where they are hoping to drum up new customers with good ratings. And they are not public figures whose names can be tossed around with descriptors about their job performance, whether they are the "best or worst."
Instead make an appointment with the principal and share what you kids' learning styles are. Share what personalities work best with your kids, i.e., "Susie needs a teacher who "gets" the kid who marches to a different beat." Or "Bobby needs a super organized teacher who will help him keep him focused."
My friend's kids attend Louise Archer, and she is very happy there. I'm sure you will be, too.
Give me a break. You don't even have kids that go to Louise Archer. You fshow me a parent who doesn't find out about a teacher in higher grades before your kid gets that teacher...and I'll show you a liar. There is nothing wrong than finding out so and so gives a lot of homwork, so and so is strict, so and so is the teacher all the kids want because of x. If you don't know the answer, say it. The OP didn't say that she was going to request a teacher, she asked for background. Moving mid-year will be hard enough on her kids. Having a discussion with them in advance as to possible expections can only help in that transition.
Anonymous
01/26/2013 08:31
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Anonymous wrote:And they are not public figures whose names can be tossed around with descriptors about their job performance, whether they are the "best or worst." [/]
Yay PP! You are so right, and so good to point this out. Yours is the very best post I have ever read on DCUM. Thank you!
Anonymous
01/26/2013 04:33
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
Thanks for posting that, pp!
Anonymous
01/26/2013 04:30
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
This is an anonymous parenting forum, not Yelp where businesses are rated. Teachers aren't doctors or plumbers where they are hoping to drum up new customers with good ratings. And they are not public figures whose names can be tossed around with descriptors about their job performance, whether they are the "best or worst."
Instead make an appointment with the principal and share what you kids' learning styles are. Share what personalities work best with your kids, i.e., "Susie needs a teacher who "gets" the kid who marches to a different beat." Or "Bobby needs a super organized teacher who will help him keep him focused."
My friend's kids attend Louise Archer, and she is very happy there. I'm sure you will be, too.
Instead make an appointment with the principal and share what you kids' learning styles are. Share what personalities work best with your kids, i.e., "Susie needs a teacher who "gets" the kid who marches to a different beat." Or "Bobby needs a super organized teacher who will help him keep him focused."
My friend's kids attend Louise Archer, and she is very happy there. I'm sure you will be, too.
Anonymous
01/25/2013 21:58
Subject: Best 2nd and 3rd grade teachers at Louise Archer?
We are transferring in from out of town (relocation). Any input would be appreciated on best and worst just so we have any background information. Thanks!