The practice of "teacher shopping" – getting your kids the best possible teachers at their public schools – does not have a good reputation. School administrators universally hate it, but for a parent, of course, there is only one important question: will it benefit my child?
Usually, the answer is no – but not always. Sometimes getting your child a different teacher is the very best thing you can do.
Getting that Great Teacher
Some teachers have marvelous reputations. Many deserve it, but many don't. Just as in other fields, some teachers have a wonderful talent for self-promotion – a talent with no bearing on their teaching skills. The "teacher of the year" may be the only one who put her name in the running, or he may be the principal's golfing buddy. The teacher who does all the special projects and field trips might never complete the curriculum. Be especially dubious about teachers described as "charismatic," since their hold over your child may be more than you bargained for.
Bear in mind that last year's marvelous teacher may turn out to be a total dud this year, depending on the mix of students in her class. Just one very disruptive student in a class can sharply reduce teacher effectiveness, and two or three can totally destroy the educational environment.
Also remember that a "great" teacher for your neighbor's child might not be a great teacher for your child. Some children need a strict disciplinarian to stay on task, while others thrive in a freer environment. Some learn best by listening, some by reading and writing, some through discussion, and some through hands-on activities. The mix will be different in different classes, depending on the teacher's personal preferences. Where will your child do best?
Your best advice on a good “fit” for your child will come from the previous year's teacher or teachers. Teachers know each other well from years of professional and social interaction, and that makes them excellent judges of which teachers and which children are likely to work well together. If your child's third grade teacher recommends a particular fourth grade teacher, he or she will be a good choice.
Changing Teachers in Midstream
For some parents, the problem is not getting that "great teacher," it is getting their kids out of the clutches of incompetents – but how do you know if a teacher is incompetent?
Does you child come home from school reciting "facts" you know are wrong? Does it seem that the only way he can learn long division or fractions is if you teach him? Does she spend major portions of each school day filling in worksheets, or staring at boring videos? Does he regale you with tales of student misbehavior in the classroom? If you make a habit of talking to your children about what is happening in school, you should be able to figure out if they are receiving inadequate instruction.
When classroom discipline is the main problem, the teacher may not be at fault. Sometimes a school administrator will load all the discipline problems in a grade into the same class or classes. A few administrators might want to give the most difficult students to their very best teachers, but far more often the most difficult children will be dumped onto the newest, least experienced teachers. Regardless of who is at fault, though, you will want your child in a different class.
Getting the Principal to Agree to a Change of Class
School administrators always resist changing a child’s class once the school year has begun, fearing that giving in to one parent's request will set off an avalanche of requests. Expect to be offered several alternatives to a change of class. You must be very persistent to get your way. Be polite, but firm.
If the principal remains obstinate, remember that school administrators are very sensitive to public relations problems. Mention taking your concerns to a school board meeting or the parent association, and the principal is much more likely to see things your way. Remember, though, you should never “go public” as a first step! Give administration a chance to work things out first. If you have to add pressure, escalate slowly. A telephone call to the Superintendent of Schools, or to a single school board member, is likely to do the trick.
Fortunately, a large majority of our teachers do their jobs well – but a bad teacher can do a lot of damage. Get input from other teachers, talk to admistrators if a class change is needed, and make sure that your child has the best available.
