Teaching can be a challenging business. This is especially true after the festive break when primary and secondary schoolkids are still in full-on holiday mode – keener to compare cool Yule presents than get back into the books.
But it’s not only the classroom kids teachers must contend with. Sometimes their not-so-grown-up parents can be just as difficult.
Anyone considering boosting their career in Education with s1jobs, whether in a new role as a classroom assistant or into a promoted post as head teacher, must prepare themselves to deal with what can often be, let’s say, rather outrageous demands.
We asked three teachers the strangest things parents have ever said to them – and, through gritted teeth or stifled laughter, how to deal with it.
“The reason my Sara doesn’t show you respect is because you’re shorter than she is!”
This is a tough one. How can kids look up to you when you’re shorter than Jimmy Krankie? Well, even when you’re the height of nonsense, to earn respect you must first respect your students. This means working with them rather than, even metaphorically, talking down to them.
The big secret, however, is to show a sense of humour. It’s difficult to be dissed when you’re the one laughing and instilling a sense of fun in learning.
Fan-Dabi-Dozy!
“Timmy never plays up at home. His bad behaviour must be your fault!”
Oh dear! Firstly, never take criticism personally. Instead politely remind parents you’re actually all on the same team.
Ask them what suggestions they might have for helping Timmy.
Also never be hesitant or embarrassed to get the head teacher involved at an early stage: this will help should the situation escalate.
“Please stop correcting Jenny’s homework. It only knocks her confidence.”
Red pen scribbles and low marks are not what we want to see in jotters. And it’s only natural for parents to want to find a scapegoat for consistently poor performance. But if you’re that goat, this is no time for kidding around!
When a student is struggling with homework, don’t make the common mistake of trying to reteach everything. Sit down with them and their parents and work out a learning plan to target specific areas of difficulty.
Follow-up by documenting progress and sharing this with parents: that way homework becomes a shared responsibility.
Put yourself to the test in a top role in Education with s1jobs