Anonymous wrote:Also, a teacher may not be the right fit for a certain child, but he or she will be able to reach another child. There can't be one perfect teacher for every child. People learn differently.

This is true. We had a great experience with DC's new teacher last year, but a few other parents had complaints. Seems to be the case in every class. Very few people can be loved by a whole class of kids and all of their parents and guardians. Too many variables.

Np here. All these comments about great new teachers have me excited! Teaching is one of the most important jobs there is and it's encouraging that there are energetic, dedicated people rising to the task as well as experienced, dedicated teachers to work with the new ones.

(Fwiw, my first child's k teacher was so-so, and retired...my second child's teacher had only 1-2 years under her belt and was amazing)

Thank you, teachers!

Had a first-year teacher last year. Went into it positive and gave her a chance, but it was a mediocre year. That's okay, though. My kid learned about how life isn't always ideal. She had two amazing veteran teachers each of the two prior years, and both times I felt like we won the jackpot. Having a less than stellar teacher once in a while is just life...everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck to you, OP. This too will be a distant memory one day.

Anonymous wrote:New teachers put in a TON of work lesson planning and are really engaged. It will be great.

+1 I'd much rather have a new teacher, who is enthusiastic and eager to put everything she/he's learned into practice than a long-time teacher who is simply going through the motions and waiting for retirement.

I bet the teacher was not nervous to meet your son -- I bet she was nervous to meet your son *in front of you.* She knows she's young and being judged by parents, but I bet if the parents weren't around and she could just be herself with the kids, she'd have all the confidence and enthusiasm in the world.

Have you ever tried to drive someone else's car while they were a passenger (especially if it's a super fancy car and/or you do not know the person well)? I always turn into a self-conscious freak -- braking too hard, accelerating too fast, etc. But I've been driving competently for 24 years. If they weren't in the car, I'd be fine.