(Chelsea Update would like to thank Kristin Krarup-Joyce, Ed. S. NCSP, Ellen Kent, Ed. S. NCSP and Emily Verbeke, Ed. S. NCSP for the information in this new weekly column. If you have a question for one of the school psychologists, please email [email protected]. All information will be kept confidential.)
Question: Recently, I have learned through multiple students in both junior and senior high that two teachers in particular berate, belittle, and create scapegoats of particular students on a frequent basis.
Do I talk to the parents first or go straight to the school? Thank you for your input.
Answer: First of all, thank you for your question and concern. Obviously, this is bothering your own child(ren) and should be addressed. Kudos to him or her for sharing this with you.
Sometimes a teacher may use sarcasm or humor to diffuse a tense situation, such as a safety drill, or to make a point. Some students may misunderstand that humor or find it hurtful. If that is the case, then the classroom environment isn’t conducive for learning for all students and needs to be addressed. It is possible that the teachers don’t realize that this is happening. In fairness to the teachers, it would be a good idea to talk to them personally. Try not to be accusatory. Just state what you’ve heard. It’s very possible that the issue can be resolved easily.
If you feel that the issue is unresolved with this first step, then you may want to touch base with the school principal. Again, approach the situation with the idea that you are seeking to gain understanding about the situation. Your goal is to have it resolved so that your child and others feel safe in her/his classroom. By advocating for your own child, you are also helping others.
It may be a difficult process, but it is definitely worthwhile.
