Case
Inappropriate Questions from a Parent

A parent in our school has approached me multiple times to try and gain information about other teachers and sensitive school related issues. I do not even teach the parent's child, but she is extremely aggressive about asking questions. I have notified my administrator, but nothing has changed. What is the best way to address the issue?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 1371
Solution #1
Top Solution
The next time the parent approaches you I would refer her immediately to an administrator. I would inform her that you are not authorized to give any of that information and put her in contact with an administrator that is better equipped to handle this situation.

Right on.I couldn't have said it better my self.

yes administrative help would be perfect

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Solution #2
Top Solution
In this case there has to be a reason that the parent is so concerned with other teachers and the school. It may be a good idea to encourage the parent to seek information from the source. For example, if they were asking about another teacher you might say "I am sure that Mr. X would be able to give you a better answer than I can. I wouldn't want to give you any mis-information." Document contact with the parent (print e-mails, CC administration) so that if the situation escalates you have clear documentation of what you have said. Also, if you do not teach their child, you are not responsible for talking to that parent.

This is a good solution. Always be kind to the parent but send them off to speak to the right person.

Politely respond to the parent that you do not discuss other teachers or happenings in the school. You would be glad to discuss their child, but other topics are not appropriate. Just being honest will probably stop the parent from approaching.

If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.

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Solution #3
Even though this is becoming an issue, I would just keep telling the parent to speak to the administration. As a teacher, you have to remain neutral and professional regardless of how out of hand the parent may be.

I agree. It is not the job of the teacher to be an inside source on the school to other parents. Refferral to an administrator will help to relieve this pressure and hopefully provide the teacher with backup.

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Solution #4
Send the parent to the administrator the next time she asks you questions. There is no reason that you should be harassed!
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Solution #5
I would give her the principles email and ask her to send any questions or concerns to him/her and politely tell her that you have no opinion in the matter.
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Solution #6
I would first explain that the information she wants is confidential and that if she sensitive questions or concerns she should make an appointment with the principle.
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Solution #7
Advise her that you are not allow to answer her questions as politely as possible.
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