Possible Problem Teacher | ADHD Information

If you know for sure that your son needs more one-on-one attention and a more structured classroom, I would change this placement NOW!  My son suffered a great deal of emotional stress last year (4th grade) from a teacher who refused to implement any kind of classroom structure.  The classroom was completely unstructured and my son just couldn't concentrate and was then punished for his behavior that just didn't meet the standards of what this teacher expected.  Even after trying all year to work with the teacher he refused to implement any form of help that would help my child succeed.  I agree with Imac, this teacher will not want your child in their classroom.  I learned the hard way and my son suffered horrible anxiety that we never had to deal with before.  If you have a choice of another 3rd grade teacher that you feel is more capable of dealing with your child, make the change.  Don't worry about hurting anyones feelings.  You are just doing whats best for your child.  I wish I would had had another choice.  My son goes to a small private school with only one teacher per grade.  I've learned a lot in this past year and I won't ever let a teacher destroy my son's self-esteem again!!!

Beaware some schools will not aloud parents to choose teachers. Mckinney,Tx is that way. I learned last year the teacher he had didn't know how to handle se kids well at all. He even would be crying some when he was picked up.

From personal experience (4th grade, ADHD, LD), I won't ever again put my younger daughter in a class with a teacher that is unavailable, and would prefer all her students to be completely independent. I must say, that the rest of the school staff (SE teacher, principal and psychologist) involved in the IEP were wonderful.

I think you should wait and see what happens.   The 2nd grade teacher placed your son there, and she is obviously going to defend her decision.  I don't think a principal will move a child because of what another parent or parents said.   I think you should give it a try, and if you begin to have trouble with the teacher at least you will have solid evidence why your son should be moved.   I wouldn't pre-judge anyone, and wouldn't say anything because it could start the year off on a bad note.   You may want to contact the teacher in the first week and ask to meet with her, and discuss your childs background and how you really are looking forward to working with her to help your child.  I've even given teachers copies of articles or guides on how to deal with my child.  Its always been met positively.

I agree with Katiesmom. Usually that is what I do before they choose classes for my children. Then i fill out a placement form. I usuall get who I want. Do you have a good relationship with any staff at your son's school?  If you do, I would ask then what they thought of  X teacher and your son as a match.  If you get opinions from people who know both the teacher and your son, that can help you make the decision about whether to ask teachers.  If, at the end, you want to switch teachers, do it.  Don't worry about hurting anyone's feelings.  Your son, his education and his self esteem are your first priority.  .IMac38943.4446296296I'd try to talk to his 2nd gr teacher what she thought of the match.  If she hesitates or expresses a negative opinion then I'd go to the principal before school starts and approach him/her with your concerns.  Couch it in terms of finding the best fit for your son.  If the principal is unwilling to transfer ds out of this class, then ask for a meeting with the principal and the teacher together and talk about your son and what you think he needs.  Tell this teacher that he's not a good independent learner and he needs lots of one-on-one help.  Lay out the IEP and bring him up to speed on what the requirements are so he knows what's expected of him.

Bring this all up as soon as possible.  I have found that after school starts, the admin is loathe to change kids around in classes.  Again, you're looking for the best fit so that everybody (teacher included) can have the smoothest school year possible.

I have been talking to several people whose children have had the teacher my son is going to get in 3rd grade.  The things I have been hearing are not very good.  We have been very active with his education and are constantly in contact with his teacher.  I am finding out that this teacher does not like parent interaction or involvement and is more of a teacher for those who can work independently and not very good with one-on-one.  My son needs a good bit of one-on-one help and does have a hard time working independently.  The past 3 years (k-2) he has struggled with his teacher but has also done very well with the structure in the class.  This teacher has no structure. 

In a way I want to contact the school and ask for him to be moved to a more structured class, but then I don't know for sure if he really will have problems in her class and maybe he won't be so stressed because she is more of a relaxed teacher.  I guess all I can do is hope that it works out in the end and the things I have been hearing won't happen to him.

Any of your ADHD children do better in a more relaxed education environment.

I actually had a email done up to the guidance conselor & principal and then decided not to send it because I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with the teacher.  He has an appt with his doc on august 1 so I may ask him what he thinks we should do also.  I guess i"m just afraid that if i do contact the school now, it will make it worse for him.I asked in the ard for the teacher I feel is a good match and we usually got it. This is important starting in 3rd cause of state testing. Email/fax the principal your concerns.