You just never know

[vp44]

I have been reading about the stories of Teacher Bullying. My first thought was nooo never. Then I recognized some signs going on with my son in his school with his teacher. First thought to me was maybe he was exaggerating. Once I learned things from other parents I felt the need to speak with the Principal. I went to talk to the Principal of his school to inquire about things that my son said what was happening to him. I was met with oh he is busy. Then met with oh appts are rare. Then I asked for him to call me. Wow how they protect their teachers and try to blame child. I am at a lost for words and keep thinking of how can I help my child. Any suggestions of what you might do in this situation. Example keeping my child from using the restroom with threats of if you go now you will lose a recess or have detention and are you sure you need to go. My child did not want to lose his recess so he sat there and then wet himself. When I received a call from school for a change of clothes they did not inform me of what really happened, they said he had a accident in class with urinating himself and he need clothes. Also received a pink slip for this. 

[loulizlee]

I'm with you - I would be one mad mom.  I would do everything I could think of to bring this out into the open.  They are counting on fellow teachers and the principal to cover it up.  First, I would write a letter to the principal and to the School Board (keep copies), notify local law enforcement, write letters to the editor of local newspapers, and notify the news media.  Letters to the principal and the School Board may not bring any changes - this is just to let them know you are aware of the situation and you will follow through on getting the word out seeking changes in the situation.  This actually happened to me, and this is what I did.  Let your child know that you love him and support him, and not to be afraid to tell you what is going on.  These kinds of things "get my dander up," as my mother used to say.

[lbeery]

Teacher bullying has been going on as long as there were bad teachers....but we used to call them bad teachers.  Sometimes it is just as simple as th personality of the teacher and student not coinciding and sometimes the kid baits the teacher into less than adult behavior but, let's face it, some people are just friggin' mean! Doesn't matter what profession they are in and these people have a sixth sense about who that can bully and who won't stand for it.

[BlackSheepNY]

I have been reading about the stories of Teacher Bullying. My first thought was nooo never. Then I recognized some signs going on with my son in his school with his teacher. First thought to me was maybe he was exaggerating. Once I learned things from other parents I felt the need to speak with the Principal. I went to talk to the Principal of his school to inquire about things that my son said what was happening to him. I was met with oh he is busy. Then met with oh appts are rare. Then I asked for him to call me. Wow how they protect their teachers and try to blame child. I am at a lost for words and keep thinking of how can I help my child. Any suggestions of what you might do in this situation. Example keeping my child from using the restroom with threats of if you go now you will lose a recess or have detention and are you sure you need to go. My child did not want to lose his recess so he sat there and then wet himself. When I received a call from school for a change of clothes they did not inform me of what really happened, they said he had a accident in class with urinating himself and he need clothes. Also received a pink slip for this. 

If it were me, I'd be trying to make an appointment to see the Principal again (give him the benefit of the doubt).  If they tell you again that "appointments are rare," then flat out state that if you DON'T get an appointment you'll have no choice than to go OVER HIS HEAD and speak with someone at the DISTRICT LEVEL.  If it DOES come to that, you make sure you tell them (at the District level) that the Principal's office wouldn't give you an appointment so you had no choice.

I gotta tell you my kids are grown - 26 and 19 years old.  I had PLENTY of problems with some of the teachers and schools they went to, but I made it a point to make a BIG STINK if I had to.  They won't LIKE YOU, but too bad - you have to stand up for your kids.

[loulizlee]

You hit the nail on the head, BlackSheepNY.  The key is to make a BIG stink.  Who cares if they don't like you - at least they will get the message and treat your children better.

[crisstar]

Call your local news station or newspaper and tell them of the situation you're having. This should get the ball rolling. You could also go to the school board/district and file a complaint. Good luck with this.

[bud1]

I say  home school  your kids. 

[loulizlee]

Home schooling is good but is not possible for every family.  Some heads of families do not have the education to home school their children.  And some people need to work, sometimes at more than one job, to raise their children.  It should not be made too hard to identify these abusive teachers.  There has to be some way.  Kids should be educated in good and bad teachers as well as good and bad touching.  Let them know there is someone they can go to they can trust to tell and not be punished for telling.

[potluck6]

A teacher here in Ca hit a boy of about 8 for not understanding math .Hit him in the face the kid was very upset told his parents.That story was on the news and the teacher was in trouble maybe let go not sure.Bullying from teachers no way not right.

[reiddb]

What grade is he in?  I know that I would struggle GREATLY working with other people's children because there is NOTHING you can do in this day in age to get cooperation with children or their parents! But, I would hate to have my kid have to wet himself because they wouldn't let him go!!!

[vickysue]

My niece was bullied by her teacher when she was in the third grade. Got where she was sick or did not want to go to school. One day when I came in from out of town I stopped to pick her up and caught the teacher bullying her really bad. Well my temper hit the roof and I grab the b*** and yank  her off my niece and the teacher landed on the floor. Yep cops were called. The children were very up front as to what the teacher was doing. My sis-in-law had her moved to another room and the child bloomed. Anyway the teacher took retirement. I got off with a warning. I can't stand to see a child treated that way.

[StarlitNirvana]

Call your local news station or newspaper and tell them of the situation you're having. This should get the ball rolling. You could also go to the school board/district and file a complaint. Good luck with this.

I completely agree with this. Sometimes attention needs to be brought to these type of situations, especially if you cannot even get an appointment with the principal! Contact your local news officials will not only get get the ball rolling you will also be bringing attention to other parents who may not know this sort of thing is happening in their school. I also agree with filing a complaint with the school board. This is so unexceptable. I am sorry to hear about what happened and I really do hope everything gets sorted out.

[vp44]

Update on the principal visit. He promised he would speak about this situation and rectify it. I had to send him a email for him to respond. I found his info on the school website, I also put in confirmation this email was received, so I would know he read it. My child is 10 yrs old and should not be afraid to go to school because he thinks he will have problems with his teacher. I reassured him that mommy will protect him and that what ever goes on in that school to tell me, no matter what it is. I want my child to be able trust that I will protect him. I am waiting to see how this plays out, cause everyday I will ask him did he have a good day and where their any problems. Thank you all for the wonderful advice I have written them down in my note pad. I now keep a daily diary of everything. I also put in a transfer for a school with a better grade rating for the school. The academic grade for his school he is in is 4 and the new one is 6 plus they also have more school programs for the children. The highest level is 10. So with the new school I hope he will be able to have a good outcome.

[acurtsinger2]

attend a school board meeting and ask to have a few minutes..that should get their attention.

[plennis]

  Show up at the school often and unannounced.  Also I would just sit outside of the principal's office until he was able to see me.  If it took a few days, lots of people would know about it.    Intimidation of kids until they wet themselves is NOT acceptable.   Children and parents should be able to trust the teachers or get them OUT.   I would sit in his class so often the teacher would not be able to look the wrong way at any of the children.