Chalk Talk | Are Middle School Teachers Approachable?

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Are Middle School Teachers Approachable?

Posted by: juff on October 3, 2007 at 10:51AM EST

It is the 7th week of school and my son who is middle school has a new teacher. The classes were too crowded and there was an allotment to add a new teacher. She is truly a breath of fresh air! Up until now I have been a little freaked out about how unapproachable the middle school teachers seem. I have felt a little like I shipped my son off to boarding school with little communication. When we met with the new teacher she made everyone feel at ease about communicating with her. I know we are supposed to start cutting the strings when our children get to middle school but I was feeling a little disconnect from his teachers. I have also considered that this may be my problem. Perhaps I have let everything I have heard about middle school get in my mind and maybe it is me that is not making the effort with the teachers. Any thoughts on this from parents or teachers?

(4) Comments

Posted by: Ginger on October 17, 2007 11:25AM EST

It is so disappointing when your child makes the effort to be "adult-like" and responsible and the teachers or administrators don't really get it and how much courage it takes for a young student to approach a teacher. We had that happen once last and while it did in the end work out well, I felt as if I had to "teach" the teachers about what I was trying to teach my son -- stand up for what you believe in, approach everyone respectfully, communicate well. I would actually write it out in an email and ask for a meeting to explain what you are trying to accomplish with your son. I think face to face is important, too and staff is usually more responsive. It's not all about book learning; it's learning to navigate life and that's part of what oru staff tells us middle school is for.

Posted by: Lily on October 9, 2007 9:47AM EST

My son had an issue with a teacher in 7th grade and again had the same issue with him in 8th grade. (He teaches religion so just moves up with the kids.) The issue was that the teacher took the day before a test as a vacation day and had a sub hand out the study guide. My son realized that if he had any questions about the study guide they would not be answered before the test....the sub had no clue how to help the students with the study guide. This happened once in 7th grade and my son felt he would have had a better score on his test if the teacher had been there to answer his questions. I suggested he speak to the teacher. He did and was basically blown off by the teacher. When it happened again this year my son spoke with his counselor who encouraged him to speak with the teacher which he did, followed by the same blow off. I decided it was time for me to get involved here....my son had extended himself and had gotten nowhere. I phoned the academic dean and was told I should speak with the teacher. So what do I do now? I think the academic dean should have advocated for him with the teacher....no one else would. So do I have to do that? Any thoughts on what I should do?

Posted by: sj on October 8, 2007 9:36AM EST

It is different--- and I suppose it is because we do have to start backing off and letting the kids take on more of the responsibility. My oldest is a boy, and it was harder with him than with my daughter. I've found that the teachers really only communicate if there is a problem, which is a little scary!

Posted by: Daisy on October 3, 2007 12:34PM EST

That is the way it is in our middle school also. Just wait until you have one in high school, you really feel out of the loop.