What should I do about my son's teacher?

He is, as my 12 year old calls him, "a right-wing loon". We live in a mostly blue suburb of NYC.

In the past two weeks his social studies teacher has made the following remarks

"Don't worry about global warming- nothing i going to happen to you- it isn't real- it's a political thing made up by Democrats"

And this little gem"

he asked the kids what the symbol of the Democratic Party is and they said "Donkey"

He said yes, but "there is another name you can use- you'll think of it when you see HIllary Clinton- but watch your language"

The kids are appalled but reluctant to confront him. THis is a man who told my son, who asked him how to reconcile Bush's signing statements with checks and balances, that signing statements are IN THE CONSTITUTION!

I think I might just anonymously complain to the administration, although they know me pretty well - I just don't want my kid retaliated against- and given this man's statements, I have no reason to think he wouldn't retaliate against my kid.

What do you think I should do?

worked for me. My youngest son has had a similar problem and it was quickly resolved.

what kinds of inapprorpriate (and factually incorrect) things this teacher is saying during class.

When I wrote up a complaint to the principal about repeated bullying against my son, I CC:ed it to the teacher, the vice principal, MY ATTORNEY, and the Los Angeles Archdiocese. It was a Catholic school - the archdiocese was the ultimate authority here.)

It was thus not possible to ignore because the principal was aware that other pairs of eyes, including eyes that she could not control (my attorney), were seeing this, too. I was about to CC: it to several of the local newspapers, too, but I got action before I could even sit down at my computer again.

The more eyes see your complaint (and the more UNRELATED eyes - that can't be as directly influenced or suppressed), the better. You increase your chances that your demands won't be forgotten, lost, swept under the rug, or otherwise ignored. The principal in this case became instantly aware that other people were being brought in on this, and watching her.

In your case, I might CC: the local ACLU, the local newspapers, parent organizations involved in the school - AND your attorney.

AND DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!

If there are other parents who are concerned, I'd suggest getting them (and all their cc's!) in on it too.

No one should be allowed to get away with this crap!!! :grr:

tell the principal that is where you are headed if he doesn't reprimand the teacher.

It sounds like this guy is a grad A asshole. Confrontation won't help, it will only encourage him. He'll make snide remarks instead like "I would tell you the truth about that but Timmy's mom would complain"

This guy shouldn't be teaching. He is though so the next best thing is to see if you can get your child into a different class.

Julie

I said *some* - please, don't flame me.

No flame here.

I do think this man should be reported.

said to the teacher: "You do know that your salary is paid for by a lot of tax paying democrats, don't you?" Of course, while tempting, probably not a good thing to say (retaliation, and all...)

I would speak to the administration and let them know about some of the "content" being taught by this teacher.

people are paid by government and from taxes. My parents, who are retired teachers, always got a kick out of colleagues who were anti-tax and/or anti-government, and/or who were disdainful of a particular group of people, whose taxes helped pay them; just where did they think their paychecks came from?

it seems like your son has a good head on his shoulders, and to be be honest with you I think having to deal with idiots like that in positions of authority is a good life lesson assuming he can navigate it deftly enough. Life is filled with A-holes in positions of power with whom we disagree. If he's being retaliated against currently for his political opinions by being given unjustifiably low grades then that's one thing. But if it's just classroom commentary then I'm not sure it's something even worth getting upset over unless it's getting in the way of the education part of it.

But again, I know I'm in the minority with this way of thinking. I just firmly believe that the most important lessons we learn in school often times have nothing to do with facts and books and lessons and everything to do with how we handle ourselves in the face of any number of life's issues and situations.

You said it so much better, see my post below.

this guy has crossed the line. He needs to be reported. The kids are only 12.

He is giving factually incorrect information re: global warming and he is a TEACHER. The fact that he is a right-wing asshole is beside the point. He is REQUIRED to give factual information when teaching, or, if he is offering his own opinion on a subject, he should state that up front.

I still stand by my take on it, but that's just me and how I would handle with my kids. I realize that everyone has a different approach and different wants and needs with their kids educations and it's one of those things there's no right answer for and I would never dream of telling someone they are wrong in how they would handle.

In my experience, these types of right-wing teachers go after the intelligent kids. The damage lingers.

Different conclusions based on scientific facts are one thing, provided motives and agendas are included in the facts.

Different opinions based on false facts - well that needs to be challenged. It doesn't matter whether it's creationism in science class or wingerisms in social studies. Lies are lies and we've got to stop pretending all "opinions" are created equal. They just aren't.

All kids need to learn to hear stuff, disagree with it, and deal with it. I've seen too many people, liberals and conservatives alike, who can't stand to be exposed to an opinion different from their own. The son here seems to be doing fine.

As far as learning to deal with idiots in positions of authority - ain't it he truth. It's a fact of life. If you can't deal with morons in power, you better have a rich Daddy, because you ain't never going to work a day in your life.

it out. As he grows he's going to meet many people like this, some of them will be his bosses. He is at just the right age to learn the lesson. If he were any younger I'd intervene, but unless the teacher becomes personally antagonistic against your son leave it alone. When he gets home reeducate him.

People like this one should be teaching in a Sunday school!!!

those comments should not be made in a classroom. If he retaliates against your son, report him again. You could also let your local newspaper know about it.

he wanted to handle it and i was happy for him to handle it. good for him to handle it. sometimes he spoke up, sometimes he would give info that contradicted teacher when he felt brave or willing to take a hit. was good for him.

that some right wingos think is too liberal they immediately go to the authorities. This guy is telling out and out distortions. He should be reported. And if someone retalitates against your son, there is always legal recourse. It is about time the democrats starting fighting back. We should not sit patiently by and let this stuff go on.

And determine exactly what your goal is. Is it to stop any future comments? Is it to get your kid away from this guy (are there other teachers for the same subject)? It is pretty late in the school year to switch classes. Maybe your goal should be to shut this guy up and protect the students from him next school year as the campaigns heat up. Do you have any younger children who could end up in this guy's class?

The basis for any action must be some form of proof. Start a log recording exact dates and phrasing of the teacher's statements.

It's a tough call on timing your complaint. What is the school's policy about allowing a student to be switched to a different class? Some schools absolutely refuse to do this because allowing one student to switch opens the floodgates re lots of students and lots of teachers - and not just for political differences. At minimum, you can keep a log about this guy's statements and turn it in, along with a formal complaint (simultaneously to the school administration AND the school board) AFTER your kid's final grade has been turned in. Include in the complaint your concern that the political differences & campaigning, as well as the global warming issue are going to be of even more importance in the coming school year, and it would be a wise policy for all teachers to be held to a defined standard re any comments on these topics.

One thing, your kid is probably talking to other kids about this. This could include quoting your comments about the teacher. These comments could be repeated, and in the way of all repetitions, modified, enhanced or completely changed. The comments could get back to one or another teacher, including the "right-wing loon". And he could get real passive-agressive against your kid.

Is there anyone you can approach on the School Board with your concerns? Start out with, "What is the school's policy on teachers smearing political parties and individual candidates in their classrooms? A board/administration really should have an ombudsman as an initial contact in cases like this. One approach would be for the School Board, or the principal to make a general statement to ALL the teachers and students that complaints have been received about partisan political comments, anti-science global warming comments, and misrepresentations about the U.S. Constitution being made in the classrooms by one or more teachers; that such comments were in violation of school policy and must immediately stop; and that any further comments were to be reported to some specific administrator. Might scare the loon into STFU. You know, it would be just like such a loon jerk to be a reluctant member of the teachers' union, and hipocritically to go crying to them to protect him.

This teacher does sound extremely hostile toward Democrats, irrational/anti-science about global warming, and willing to flat out lie about what is in the Constitution. I think he'd be very vindictive, given the chance. Good luck.

I think the school board and the school district's administration/superintendent would be extremely upset about that aspect. Perhaps someone on Senator Clinton's local office staff may have a contact on the School Board or in the school's administration. Consider letting her office know about this.

not entitled to automatic deference and worship, NO American politician is. What's the difference between that and the other side's demands for automatic deference to their politicians and demanded respect, ala Bush and company? We rightfully complain when they do that and when people get in trouble for saying anything at all derogatory about politicians, let's not do it ourselves. This isn't worth bringing to her office's attention or anything like that, that's gross overkill and, frankly, hypocritical.

I would give him a call (from an anonymous phone) and tell him that my child is a student of his, and I do not appreciate his spewing of right-wing propoganda in the classroom. If he chooses to continue, I will take this matter to the superintendant of the school district and demand he be fired. If I do not get satisfaction there, I will take it to the school board.

That is based upon his statement that signing statements are in the Constitution.

That alone should be the basis for his dismissal and your complaint to the school board.

It would be helpful, though, if your son had a few of these gems on tape.

FYI

He should probably ask first but I can't imagine any teacher telling a student they can't tape the class.

On edit, this teacher does sound like a moran so he may say no. LOL

I Taught a class in computer programming back in the early 80's, and I had students using tape recorders all the time. In fact I encouraged them to do so.

Linda Tripp illegally taped her conversations with Monica Lewinsky in Howard County, Maryland. In fact, she was told by the Radio Shack employee who sold her the equipment that such taping of telephone conversations was illegal.

Well, you know the story. She taped her chats with ML, snippets of which were later broadcast all over Sensational Stream TV. But guess what? That witch was never penalized, prosecuted or even fined.

That's precedent! And, of course, illustrative of the fact that laws don't apply to repukes.

While I'm in agreement with some folks above who say your
son needs to learn to "tough (such) things out", I'm also
thinking about two other things:

1. All the other kids in the class

2. If a teacher were making blatantly *LIBERAL* statements
in class, you just know some Reich-Wing parent would get
their knickers in a knot. Until we learn to dish it out
too, this sort of shit will continue.

So draft a nice, calmly-worded letter to the School Board.
CC the principal. Don't bother CC'ing the teacher; let the
principal have that joy.

But be prepared to document any and all retaliation.

Tesha

and start with the principal first.

> She should go through the channels and start with the principal first.

That's probably a waste of time. The principal will
view his/her job as ensuring that this incident goes
no higher in the chain of command while still not
having to write up the incident for the teacher's
jacket. So the principal will utter soothing words
and then do absolutely nothing about this including
not documenting the incident so they can deny any
knowledge of it *THE NEXT TIME* a parent complains
about *THE EXACT SAME THING*.

The School Board, on the other hand, is elected and (at
least nominally) serves the people, including the parent.
What the parents should want, at a mimnimum, is that
their complaint is placed in the teacher's employment
jacket (file).

The parents might also want to find the phone number of
their local ACLU affiliate.

Tesha

Actually the OP should go to the teacher first and try and address it. Then the principal. Then the Superintendant. Finally the school board. That is the chain of command. Nothing pisses me off more as a teacher than a parent going right to the Super or Board about something they never even talked to me about. Follow the chain of command and it will be more effective. If I were a board member or a Super, my first question would be "Have you tried to solve this with the teacher yet?"

He deserves no such courtesy.

I would go to the principle and superintendent simultaneously.

and her battle will be lost. That's why she needs to go through the channels.

You have a lot more ammunition and respect if you go to the principal after already having tried to solve it with the teacher. Sure, it might be a lost cause, but you still do it because it is what you are supposed to do.

This parent has already identified the problem correctly and the teacher is way out of line.
So she need have no fears of being labelled, and should pursue it with the proper authorities.
.

In this particular case, going to the teacher first will:

o Accomplish nothing positive; this bozo isn't going to
change just because of one whiny parent

o Likely trigger retaliation against the child.

Thisteacher isn't you and this teacher is not likely
to respond to reason with reason.

This situation needs a large, sudden application of
*EFFECTIVE* force. The district Super or the School
Board can do that. The principal could too, but
almost certainly won't.

Tesha

If you don't go to the teacher and then the principal, you will alienate the principal and then the principal won't support you because you are an "over-reacting" parent who went above their head without giving them a chance to solve it. Running to the school board is an over-reaction and makes you look hysterical. It is the professional thing to do to give the teacher the chance to address it. If they, don't, then you go to the principal (i.e. that person's boss) and deal with it there. If that doesn't work, THEN you go to the super. The super doesn't want to hear about this as the first level. Any good super is going to send you to the principal of the building before they deal with it. If they don't, then they are an asshole.

very important to go through the proper channels in these situations if you want to be at all taken seriously. Even if you know for certain that the teacher won't do anything at all or doesn't give a damn, you need to talk to the teacher FIRST, and THEN the principal, THEN the school board/superintendent. Otherwise, you'll be labeled as overreactive or hysterical and no one will give you much credibility, even if there's truth and merit to what you're saying.

and nothing was done. NOTHING.

Until I called my school board representative who was completely horrified to hear the story I had to tell.

Going through the proper channels only works if the proper channels are as professional as the complainant. If not, it's a waste of time.

of NOT going through the channels. That will just dillute her argument.

You know, even if the Super tells you "talk to the teacher
first", you still gain one *REALLY BIG* advantage by having
done it that way:

o You get to say to the teacher "I spoke to the
Superintendent of Schools and he asked that I speak
to you about this issue..."

You want the teachers *IMMEDIATE AND UNDIVIDED ATTENTION*
and you want him to know that you will *NOT* be a push-over
or *NOT LET* your son be retaliated against.

Saying those magic words I just suggested should do the job.

I stand by my statement: Skip the two links in the chain of
command that are not likely to be immediately responsive to
you and start at a place where you will be responded to.

Tesha

and make it known you will be informing the superintendent so they are "in the loop" (don't make it sound like a threat, just that you are doing it as a courtesy) and then follow up with an email and copy the superintendent (and the teacher) and put IN WRITING a date you expect a response by. If you don't get results from this, go to the superintendent and let him/her know you will be notifying the board (again, not as a threat, but as a courtesy to keep them in the loop).Follow up with an email to the superintendent and copy the teacher, the principal and all the school board members again, with a date you expect a response by. If you still don't get results go to the board and let them know you will be contacting the ACLU and the media.

More than likely you will not have to send more than one email. Usually once you involve the superintendent (even peripherally) you will get action. This way you have followed the correct channels and still let it be known that you aren't going to let it slide.

anything else is a waste of time.

If this arrogant teacher is stupid enough to be doing this already, he will need instructions from his superiors as to the correction. The parent will get nowhere going directly to the teacher. This is not a flexible personality you're dealing with.

you're correct about starting with the person involved directly and move up the chain of command, so to speak, as warranted. But we, the people, are dealing with an all out assault by wingnuts everywhere. Therefore, I now say screw that chain of command, fairness approach. Instead, run to the top like Bush, the head of the states' rights party, did back in 2000 when he went running to the Supremes because he didn't like the decision of the Florida court.

Use their precedents against them. They've got the executive, the courts, the media AND the classroom?! The days of being fair and meally-mouthed are OVER.

Write a grievance to everyone: Senators Schumer and Clinton, to the State Superintendent, to the local school district officials/school board, the principal and the teacher after you have carefully documented the quotes, related issues, dates. Include the teacher but don't start there, he's a Kool-Aid consumer.

They often hear some anti-US sentiment from their teachers. Luckily at this age in high-school, they know how to filter out the BS. It is annoying though.

Cheers.

That is a completely different issue from a public school situation.

If you are concerned about what your childrens' teachers are saying in their school, I strongly recommend that you discuss your concerns with the teacher and head of school. You are paying tuition - they will listen closely.

Bust his ass. This is completely inappropriate. Especially the donkey comment.

He's teaching your kid how idiotic right-wingers are -- a close-up, unforgettable lesson.

He has no power, no influence, and no impact.

He's only reinforcing the lessons you son is learning at home.

was a right-wing loon. Or at least pretended to be one. He used his views to challenge us, make us think, make us debate, make us learn more.

As long as he doesn't require students to agree with him to get good grades, I really don't think it's wrong.

File a complaint with the Board of Eduction if you don't get an adequate and rapid response.

The teacher has no business saying such things. Don't tolerate it. The teacher should be forced to apologize to the class for his remarks, and tell them that he was wrong to say them. And he should do it in front of the Principal and concerned parents.

http://www.ratemyteachers.com/

Make sure his sorry ass is in this databank!! This is a fascinating place where kids and parents can get an idea what's really going on in there..

which part of the constitution is applicable here?

That's in the Constitution. Right next to the part about signing statements. :)


I think the post above was about using a copy to help the admin see the teacher's mistakes about the Constitution.

thanks

I don't see any reason why you should do it anonymously, the teacher is the one causing the problem and the one who needs to STFU.

Meet with the teacher AND the principal at the same time. When requesting the meeting, talk to the principal first and let her or him know that you've heard that political comments are used in the class and that it needs to not happen again. Then ask to meet with the teacher and the principal. Set the boundaries of what can and cannot happen. No retaliation. No comments about this meeting. Nothing. All that the teacher needs to do to resolve the situation is to not politically proselytize in class.

I would talk to the teacher first, then the principal. Ask when you can observe the class. Ask for the guidelines on political speech for teachers AND the social studies standards. Ask how the standards are being met? The standards should be on the net at the state dept. of education. You can ask while fully aware of them. You the parent have lots of clout here.

go to the principal first.

Keep us posted about this!

See if this teacher wants to go on the record with his lecture......

Write an opinion article in the local newspaper. Fight back on a higher level....This is a start to kick it up a notch.

You know, just to make the extra effort to learn the material?:evilgrin:

That way the officials can't say the teacher was taken out of context, kid's word against his, and all the usual excuses.

You need to find others who feel the same way, so that's it's not just one whiny parent with an ax to grind. It may dilute possible resentment/retaliation, too.

Document everything. If you have a conversation, either record it (with permission) or summarize it in a memo to the concerned parties afterward. And take nothing for granted.

I've seen a couple of legitimate parent concerns left by the wayside because admin stalled long enough to make them go away.

Be polite, firm, and well-documented.

Media attention will make the school shit a lot more bricks than complaining to the administrators will.

And if he doesn't keep his personal opinions to himself, fire his ass.

and then take that tape and upload it to YouTube, send a copy of it to your local media, send a copy of it to the school board, send a copy of it to your local paper.

Don't stop at the principal's office...go straight to the school board...superintendent! Actually, I would go even further than that. Go to the governor and reveal this laughable pig for what he is. He needs to be fired immediately! No one should be able to voice those types of opinions in a classroom. NO ONE!

I survived, but the damage lingered. These types of teachers go after the intelligent kids. Being ignorant themselves, right-winger teachers are threatened by intelligence in others.

I suggest waiting until you have some evidence of truly unprofessional behavior, document it, and take it to the principal. Document that meeting and take it to the superintendent if necessary. Then the school board.

However, you WILL be retaliated against, so make sure that the comments you use as examples are truly unprofessional.

their parents about school.

I went to the principal, who asked me to talk to the teacher and if I wasn't satisfied, she would get involved. After talking to the teacher the nonsense stopped.

I'd also get my kid to go along with him, if he's a good actor. People this kooky are usually not limited to political kookiness. With the tape running, it might be useful to ask questions about race relations or equal rights for women.

It is, BTW, perfectly legal to record comments in any classroom, anywhere. It's a public place (why anyone would say something to a class of 12 year olds they wouldn't say in public is beyond me anyway). Unless there's some sort of policy to the contrary, he does not need to know there's a tape recorder in the room.

Gym?

opinion and learn that there are obnoxious people everywhere, this does not strike me as the most appropriate time and place to learn that lesson.

A teacher is hired to impart factual knowledge and engage their students in critical thinking. But a teacher is also hired to be an authority figure and maintain order. School children are not typically prepared to challenge their teachers at twelve years old. Some may have the personality, encouragement by parents and courage to do so, but most will probably not. Which enables this type of teacher to continue with dogmatic statements like these.

How many twelve year old school children do we know who would respond to the teacher's constitution statement with, "Thank you Mr. _____, would you please tell me which Article of the Constitution addresses signing statements so I may read it for myself?"

I would bring this to the attention of the principal if you have already raised your objections with the teacher, but I would focus on facts and not positions.

1. I would have documentation as to which dates and classes he made specific comments that are erroneous. I would position this as concern about the content of the class rather than the politics of the teacher. His qualifications to teach based on not knowing his course material is cause for alarm itself.

2. I would have documentation as to which dates and classes he made specific comments that are inappropriate. I would position this as concern about judgment with children rather than the politics of the teacher. His qualifications to function as an authority figure are called in to question when he resorts to innuendo referencing foul language.

At least where I'm from, knowledge of civics is required for social studies teachers. Clearly, he is lacking in this fundamental respect.

At the next PTA Meeting, make a BIG scene.

Take your son to the meeting, and have him repeat what the teacher has said.

If ANYONE tries to stop you from saying what you have to say about the teacher, tell them that it is YOUR child that is being denied his proper education by the right wing loon.

This will be far more effective at getting the attention your case needs.

And it will force the administration to remove the right wing loon from "teaching" your child.

PTSA meetings are for housekeeping, not issues like this. Most PTSA or PTA officers are not only ill equipped to deal with stuff like this, but they usually have their heads so far up the administration's ass they can't see daylight.

From an ex-teacher and ex and thoroughly disgusted PTA President.

School year 2005, she wanted to change one of her classes.
We had to wait to talk to the advisor to get it changed.

After our meeting, my daughter said to me - "Mom, you were kinda rude to him". Well yeah - he had a JEB2008 sticker on his wall.

I was really upset.
I wrote a letter to the principal telling him that politics should stay out of school. About how it made me uncomfortable.

I don't know if anything came out of it, but I felt better getting it off my chest.


Say something. Write a letter. But don't let it slide.

it isn't his job to play rush limbaugh. those aren't opinions, they're CRACKS.

require you to address this with the teacher first. No action is likely to be taken unless you do. Union rules may also play into this.


i would keep a log for a few days or until you have a repeated offense, other parents documentation should be sent in on their own.

Schools have "zero tolerance" policies when it comes to students.

Things like drugs or weapons will get the students dealt with -- quickly and severely.

Why in the world should teachers be exempt from a "zero tolerance" against spouting silly right wing talking points?

What the teachers do is VERY serious -- it affects young minds.

If I were the OP, I would DEMAND the IMMEDIATE disciplining of this ideologue disguising as a teacher.

"Repeat offenses", indeed!

Make an appointment with the administrator to discuss a concern.

Gather evidence; take quotes and dates, if possible.

When you meet, be calm, polite, and easy. Don't be tense, angry, or threatening.

Do not take your politics into the meeting. Leave your politics out in the car, the way you want the teacher to do when he arrives at school. Never mention your party affiliation or your political pov.

Do not protest that your child is being given political messages that you disagree with.

Do express concern over unprofessional political remarks. The teacher is a professional, and should not be spreading partisan propaganda from any side in the classroom. Do tell the principle that you expect your son to learn about the U.S. political system and how it works, but not to be taught a particular point of view.

Listen to the administrator's response. If you are comfortable with it, thank him/her, and leave it in his/her hands. If not, tell the admin that you need some assurances that the propaganda will stop, or that your child will be moved into a classroom with a more professional teacher.

Give the admin a week or two to work on it, and casually discuss what's going on in class with your child. Not as if he is a "spy," but just because you are interested in class discussions. If there is still a problem, call a school board member and make an appointment there.

Remain calm, reasonable, and logical at all times.

Those are this teacher's recommendations.

But I work for a local elected official (a Dem, of course) and everybody knows it.

It's ok for people to know that you are a Democrat; just don't take your politics into any meetings.

Unless you think, of course, that the diatribes are aimed specifically at your son, instead of the class in general, because the teacher knows about your job.