Case
Chastising a Student

A student's parent was recently incarcerated so they allowed a family member to be recalled for reinforcement if the teacher needed the help. This family friend was allowed to chastise the student when they misbehaved. The teacher was unaware when the parent was released so they continued to contact the family friend. This angered the parent who called the teacher and was very irate. How should the teacher resolve this problem?

Posted on: 10/19/14 | Views: 1041
Solution #1
First I would have reported to the school counselor if I knew about the student being chastised to ensure there was not abuse going on so they could speak with the student. I would explain to the parent in a calm voice that I was unaware they were back home and apologize for the misunderstanding. I would assure the parent that I will make a note to contact the parent if there are any issues.

I would first apologize to the parent and let them know I had not been notified of the change in guardian contact. I would also volunteer to alert other teachers and administration, but also encourage the parent to call in to make the change so no other incidences occur where the teacher is unaware and contacts the other family member.

I agree with this solution. If the teacher was not notified of the parent returning, then it was an obvious honest mistake. I would apologize to the parent, and go them with information about their child in the future.

13 0
Solution #2
I would have directed the parent to administration before even speaking to the family friend. I would have told the family friend that it needed to be approved through administration first before you were allowed to discuss the behavior or the grades of a child. This way, when the parent became upset you would have covered yourself, and the parent would have to speak with administration if there were any issues since they were the ones to initially allow this "family friend" to be the primary contact.
4 0
Solution #3
One of the requirements of an educator is to provide excellent "customer service" to the students and their parents. This means that it is the duty of a teacher to remain calm in times of stress or misunderstandings. Becoming angry or handling this situation with an attitude is only adding fuel to the fire. The teacher should explain to the parent that they were following instructions that were previous provided, and apologize for any confusion, ensuring the parent that from now on, you will contact them only.
3 1
Solution #4
The teacher should apologize and report the incident to guidance, the registrar, and administration to be sure they are all aware of the information.
0 0
Solution #5
Document the situation and contact your administrator. If the parent is irate hang up the phone and document the situation. If the parent calls back do not answer. You are the professional and being yelled at is not something you have to put up with. Have a guidance counselor or administrator set up a parent teacher conference. Invite your SRO to join the meeting. The administrator needs to set the tone of the meeting at the beginning and the parent must be made aware that if they become irate they will be escorted out of the school building.
0 2