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05 Sep 2006 - 14:42
Here's my question. Do parents have hostile slang terms for bad teachers? I don't think we do. I think we just say things like "bad teacher" and leave it at that. I ask because over at Cottonwood Press I find this title: How to Handle Difficult Parents:
Let me ask you. Does a book like this show good character? I mean, now that our schools have ditched self esteem in favor of character education 24-7 [see: Irvington school calendar 2006-2007], I'm interested in the character of the people who will be teaching character at school. Is this it? Teachers are people who can be expected to write, publish, purchase, and/or read entire books filled with hostile stereotypes created by teacher-authors for the amusement of their fellow teachers? So exactly how much time do teachers spend trash-talking students and their parents behind closed doors? Apparently quite a lot.
I'd love to read a copy of Steve X. Gallas's job description.
great teachers & difficult parents I've said it before & I'll say it again: we've had a number of fantastic teachers over the years. They probably spend some time grousing about (some) students and parents, & I don't blame them if they do. On the other hand, I also happen to be related to two terrific teachers, and I don't recall either of them ever complaining about even one student or parent. I suspect that really expert, experienced teachers probably don't have a lot of complaints. They teach so well that they don't have parents breathing down their necks. I could be wrong. However, I hope that any book on the subject of "difficult parents" would give teachers help in considering what they might be doing to contribute to the problems they're having. In my experience, "helicopter moms" are a two-way street.
-- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006 Back to main page.
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Do they have a chapter on how to deal with the parents who claim their children aren't learning math? With hints on explaining how today's math is taught is not how you were taught but that's OK, because in the end they'll end up knowing far greater than you even though right now they don't know how to add? Is that in there? -- BarryGarelick - 05 Sep 2006
Believe it or not, I'm probably going to order the book.... -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
You have GOT to read the Princeton Charter School story. Unbelievable. I'd stumbled onto the Princeton Charter School a couple of months ago, and had been planning to write a post about it. It's my dream school. Then a couple of days ago I found the "founder story." It's here: Why Charter Schools? (pdf file) -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
You can send a comment to the publisher here: comments form I already did -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
As the child of two rather exeptional teachers (IMHO), I don't recall much grousing EVER about parents or students. Although my mom (the 1st & 2nd grade teacher, now long retired) did relate amusing anecdotes of some of the things the students did. She actually loved the goofball nonsense some kids came up with. However, whenever there was bleeping-type language heard at home, it was always directed at the administrators and board of ed. I'd buy any book by a teacher that attempts a humorous and witty look at dealing with difficult principals and administrators. -- LynnGuelzow - 05 Sep 2006
oh that's adorable! thanks so much, Lynn that's exactly what I would expect from a competent professional - humor and affection towards students & parents; real aggravation/anger towards administrators & school boards -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
"professional" is the correct term here Professionals simply don't spend a lot of time running down their "clients." It's unprofessional. Doctors deal with all kinds of craziness (I assume), and most of us would be shocked to see a doctor writing a whole book laying out pejorative terms for the various categories of crazy patient. -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
The only physician I can ever remember with a "category" of patient is an emergency dept. doc that commented on a "frequent flyer." (These are the stabbing/beating/gun shot guys that are frequent guests at city hospitals). The good teaching professionals I know may complain about particular students or parents, but avoid the overgeneralization that is so common with the pass-the-buck, blame the parent when the kids don't learn type. -- LynnGuelzow - 06 Sep 2006
Oh -- the author, Suzanne Capek Tingley, is an adminstrator, not a teacher. I'm not surprised an administrator would advise teachers on difficult parents, looking in the mirror would be much harder to do. -- LynnGuelzow - 06 Sep 2006
The only physician I can ever remember with a "category" of patient is an emergency dept. doc that commented on a "frequent flyer." (These are the stabbing/beating/gun shot guys that are frequent guests at city hospitals). I love it! -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
The good teaching professionals I know may complain about particular students or parents, but avoid the overgeneralization that is so common with the pass-the-buck, blame the parent when the kids don't learn type. Well, plus, speaking as a person who writes books for a living, WRITING A WHOLE BOOK ISN'T EASY This author put a HUGE amount of time into thinking up stereotypes and names for stereotypes and then writing about all her stereotypes An administrator sigh -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
OK, here's a title I like: How to Deal With Parents Who Are Angry, Troubled, Afraid, or Just Plain Crazy That about covers it. Her books cost an arm and a leg, but I might have to spring for this one. I'd love to see what Elaine McEwan has to say about dealing with parents. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Here's her title for teachers: How to Deal With Teachers Who Are Angry, Troubled, Exhausted, or Just Plain Confused -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Actually, McEwan's TOC is well worth looking at. She seems to be taking an analytic approach — why are parents upset? She also has a very nice chapter title: "What Are the Best Ways to Handle that Rare but Worrisome Category of 'Crazy'?" -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Well, I've probably talked myself into buying the book. The final section is about healthy versus "sick" schools. That's what I feel I've experienced at IMS. The difference between IMS and the high school is stunning. It's really not to be believed. These two schools are physically connected.....and the tone change from the high school to the middle school can bowl you over. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
My big hope with the new principal is TONE CHANGE. It's entirely possible (at least I think it's possible) that he'll set a different tone. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
A nice friendly school that does a mediocre job teaching math & writing would be frustrating but not infuriating. I've never once felt the kind of I do at IMS in the other two Irvington schools we've been in. Never. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
oh this is funny McEwan's got negative categories for teachers -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
On page 2 she says she once heard her daughter's principal mutter "That woman is crazy" under her breath when McEwan left the office. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Of course this is one of the main reasons I want principals and teachers to be married with children. Preferably older, obnoxious children. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
The teachers at the middle school are all about 22 years old. The ones who aren't 22 years old don't necessarily have kids. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Scott Fried had one or two tiny little ones in preschool. The new principal has never been married as far as I know, and has no kids. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
helicopter teachers
Here's my question. Do parents have hostile slang terms for bad teachers? I don't think we do. I think we just say things like "bad teacher" and leave it at that. I ask because over at Cottonwood Press I find this title: How to Handle Difficult Parents:
Practical advice for teachers, presented with a sense of humor. The stress of dealing with difficult parents remains one of the top reasons teachers cite for leaving the ranks, according to the Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy. How to Handle Difficult Parents helps teachers learn how to cope more effectively. Learn how to handle parents like these:
- Helicopter Mom, who hovers constantly, ready to whisk away any problem or inconvenience that might befall her child.
- The Intimidator, who wants what he wants and wants it now.
You will also find out more about the Caped Crusader, Ms. “Quit Picking on My Kid,” the Stealth Zapper, the Uncivil Libertarian, No Show’s Dad, and the Competitor.
- Pinocchio’s Mom, who believes that her child, unlike every other child in the universe, never ever tells a lie of any kind.
Let me ask you. Does a book like this show good character? I mean, now that our schools have ditched self esteem in favor of character education 24-7 [see: Irvington school calendar 2006-2007], I'm interested in the character of the people who will be teaching character at school. Is this it? Teachers are people who can be expected to write, publish, purchase, and/or read entire books filled with hostile stereotypes created by teacher-authors for the amusement of their fellow teachers? So exactly how much time do teachers spend trash-talking students and their parents behind closed doors? Apparently quite a lot.
“Unfortunately, more and more of my time as a school psychologist is spent as a consultant to those dealing with problematic parents. This is a must-read book for anyone in education today. Ms. Tingley addresses a sensitive subject area with humor and a wry wit while delivering practical, well-reasoned strategies and techniques to avoid or resolve conflict.”
— Steve X. Gallas,
School Psychologist,
Williamsburg, Virginia
I'd love to read a copy of Steve X. Gallas's job description.
great teachers & difficult parents I've said it before & I'll say it again: we've had a number of fantastic teachers over the years. They probably spend some time grousing about (some) students and parents, & I don't blame them if they do. On the other hand, I also happen to be related to two terrific teachers, and I don't recall either of them ever complaining about even one student or parent. I suspect that really expert, experienced teachers probably don't have a lot of complaints. They teach so well that they don't have parents breathing down their necks. I could be wrong. However, I hope that any book on the subject of "difficult parents" would give teachers help in considering what they might be doing to contribute to the problems they're having. In my experience, "helicopter moms" are a two-way street.
-- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006 Back to main page.
Comments
After entering a comment, users can login anonymously as KtmGuest (password: guest) when prompted.Please consider registering as a regular user.
Look here for syntax help.
Do they have a chapter on how to deal with the parents who claim their children aren't learning math? With hints on explaining how today's math is taught is not how you were taught but that's OK, because in the end they'll end up knowing far greater than you even though right now they don't know how to add? Is that in there? -- BarryGarelick - 05 Sep 2006
Believe it or not, I'm probably going to order the book.... -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
You have GOT to read the Princeton Charter School story. Unbelievable. I'd stumbled onto the Princeton Charter School a couple of months ago, and had been planning to write a post about it. It's my dream school. Then a couple of days ago I found the "founder story." It's here: Why Charter Schools? (pdf file) -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
You can send a comment to the publisher here: comments form I already did -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
As the child of two rather exeptional teachers (IMHO), I don't recall much grousing EVER about parents or students. Although my mom (the 1st & 2nd grade teacher, now long retired) did relate amusing anecdotes of some of the things the students did. She actually loved the goofball nonsense some kids came up with. However, whenever there was bleeping-type language heard at home, it was always directed at the administrators and board of ed. I'd buy any book by a teacher that attempts a humorous and witty look at dealing with difficult principals and administrators. -- LynnGuelzow - 05 Sep 2006
oh that's adorable! thanks so much, Lynn that's exactly what I would expect from a competent professional - humor and affection towards students & parents; real aggravation/anger towards administrators & school boards -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
"professional" is the correct term here Professionals simply don't spend a lot of time running down their "clients." It's unprofessional. Doctors deal with all kinds of craziness (I assume), and most of us would be shocked to see a doctor writing a whole book laying out pejorative terms for the various categories of crazy patient. -- CatherineJohnson - 05 Sep 2006
The only physician I can ever remember with a "category" of patient is an emergency dept. doc that commented on a "frequent flyer." (These are the stabbing/beating/gun shot guys that are frequent guests at city hospitals). The good teaching professionals I know may complain about particular students or parents, but avoid the overgeneralization that is so common with the pass-the-buck, blame the parent when the kids don't learn type. -- LynnGuelzow - 06 Sep 2006
Oh -- the author, Suzanne Capek Tingley, is an adminstrator, not a teacher. I'm not surprised an administrator would advise teachers on difficult parents, looking in the mirror would be much harder to do. -- LynnGuelzow - 06 Sep 2006
The only physician I can ever remember with a "category" of patient is an emergency dept. doc that commented on a "frequent flyer." (These are the stabbing/beating/gun shot guys that are frequent guests at city hospitals). I love it! -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
The good teaching professionals I know may complain about particular students or parents, but avoid the overgeneralization that is so common with the pass-the-buck, blame the parent when the kids don't learn type. Well, plus, speaking as a person who writes books for a living, WRITING A WHOLE BOOK ISN'T EASY This author put a HUGE amount of time into thinking up stereotypes and names for stereotypes and then writing about all her stereotypes An administrator sigh -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
OK, here's a title I like: How to Deal With Parents Who Are Angry, Troubled, Afraid, or Just Plain Crazy That about covers it. Her books cost an arm and a leg, but I might have to spring for this one. I'd love to see what Elaine McEwan has to say about dealing with parents. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Here's her title for teachers: How to Deal With Teachers Who Are Angry, Troubled, Exhausted, or Just Plain Confused -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Actually, McEwan's TOC is well worth looking at. She seems to be taking an analytic approach — why are parents upset? She also has a very nice chapter title: "What Are the Best Ways to Handle that Rare but Worrisome Category of 'Crazy'?" -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Well, I've probably talked myself into buying the book. The final section is about healthy versus "sick" schools. That's what I feel I've experienced at IMS. The difference between IMS and the high school is stunning. It's really not to be believed. These two schools are physically connected.....and the tone change from the high school to the middle school can bowl you over. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
My big hope with the new principal is TONE CHANGE. It's entirely possible (at least I think it's possible) that he'll set a different tone. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
A nice friendly school that does a mediocre job teaching math & writing would be frustrating but not infuriating. I've never once felt the kind of I do at IMS in the other two Irvington schools we've been in. Never. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
oh this is funny McEwan's got negative categories for teachers -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
On page 2 she says she once heard her daughter's principal mutter "That woman is crazy" under her breath when McEwan left the office. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Of course this is one of the main reasons I want principals and teachers to be married with children. Preferably older, obnoxious children. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
The teachers at the middle school are all about 22 years old. The ones who aren't 22 years old don't necessarily have kids. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
Scott Fried had one or two tiny little ones in preschool. The new principal has never been married as far as I know, and has no kids. -- CatherineJohnson - 07 Sep 2006
| WebLogForm | |
|---|---|
| Title: | helicopter teachers |
| TopicType: | WebLog |
| SubjectArea: | MathWars, TeachersTeachingKids |
| LogDate: | 200609051008 |