How do you deal with difficult teachers?

billy858

I don't have any advice for your specific problem, but one thing I have found when talking to teachers (well the ones that seem to talk down to you) is to call them by their first name (although I have not done this in front of any children). It gently reminds them they are talking to another adult and not a small child. My sisters daughter has special needs and to second jenhug she has had to be quite forceful with some teaching staff - some that think she shouldn't even be in a mainstream school! As she puts it, no one else will fight for your child quite like you, you have to do it yourself. Good luck.

scrimpingbadger

I'm a teacher and a parent of a child with ASD. I always point out to people with whom I need to talk about my child that 'I am, of course, the best expert regarding my son' because I am mum. It immediately puts people in their place! It is true - and sometimes you do need to fight their corner.
However, as a parent with a special needs child I DO like the fact that he's treated just like the others and is expected to muck in with the rest of them. It does him good.

Try and speak your mind with the teacher - I'll wager they have no idea the effect they have on you and would be upset to think you were so concerned.

flippin36

Thanks for your advice. This morning I had a diplomatic word with a member of staff who I have confided in a few times and can trust, I tried to make light of the situation so as not to rock to boat . She said she would have a gentle word regarding his autism and some of the problems he may have. She's very good with people so I am hoping this "gentle word" may just nip it in the bud without it becoming a huge drama.

Also been talking to some other parents who have had similar problems with her, but haven't taken it quite as personally as I have so maybe I have to look at myself and how I react to difficult people.

Thanks again.

Rummer

I admire the fact that you have thought about your approach to difficult people, many people would just focus on blame. However when it comes to your childs education and your happiness and reassurance the teacher should be listening to you and certainly not making you feel bad. If the quiet word has no effect then you will need to talk to her or her DHT direct.

Gingham_Ribbon

flippin36 wrote: »

Also been talking to some other parents who have had similar problems with her, but haven't taken it quite as personally as I have so maybe I have to look at myself and how I react to difficult people.

Thanks again.

Really, really admirable attitude. :T:T:T

serbask

In Wales we have an organisation called Snap Cymru which

... is a National Charity whose main aim is to advance the education of people in Wales and support their inclusion. Trained experienced staff and volunteers work with families, children and young people, their parents, carers and professionals working with those who have or may have additional learning needs, which include SEN, disability, and other barriers eg exclusion, disaffection, poverty, deprivation, english or welsh as a second language...

I have no idea what or if there is an English equivalent, but I know that this organisation has been invaluable to a friend of mine who has a son which Aspergers syndrome. they contacted the school directlt and set up the child's statement of special educational needs whith the school. In their aims they say they help families prepare for meetings, school visits, and discussions with professionals; offer support and representation at meetings and appeals when appropriate; and organise informal and formal disagreement resolution meetings
www.snapcymru.org