re: Question for upper elementary school teachers

I bet you're a great parent, and you're daughter sounds almost as smart and charming as mine (and happens to be the same age.)

I hear your complaint, but this teacher isn't going to change... so what?

At some point I think it's okay to point out that no one is perfect, even teachers, whether in their facts, their methods, or their personalities.

She's just a 7th grade teacher, not the governor. At least she didn't crash on the way home drunk or screw some boys today.

Sometimes it's just a learning opportunity for the kid.

I've taught elementary P.E. for 18 years. Take the parent goggles off.

"All I ever receive is positive comments from teachers and other faculty members" often is nothing more than them not wanting to deal with the drama of telling a parent something that they are probably not going to believe anyway. You would have to have a beyond school relationship with a teacher, such as a "long time friend" situation for that teacher to tell you to your face that your kid is a pain in the arse, and even then most parents will still not believe it. Parents lack the ability to objectively look at their children and would rather rationalize their child's mistakes than address them. Of course these are generalized statements and I'm sure that there is the "parent exception" out there somewhere, I just haven't come across it in my 18 years working in the field. A parent should look at their kid's report cards. If he/she has a lot of 70's ,80's and 90's then it's usually a sign that the teachers like them and are rounding their grade up. If your kid has the 68's 69's, 79's and 89's then it tells you your kid is not "liked" enough to get the bump up.

Also, by the seventh grade you and your kid shouldn't be so thin skinned.

It is unprofessional

If I were to take any action at all, I would simply call a meeting between you, the teacher, and the principal (need a third party).

In that meeting, you take the high road, check all emotions at the door, and let them know politely and firmly that it is unprofessional for a teacher to publicly display "unfavoritism" toward a student, and how poorly that reflects on the teaching profession, the school, etc.

You aren't asking for disciplinary action, but simply be heard regarding regarding what several students witnessed.

Even the best and most seasoned professionals can step out of line, even if just a little.

Approach the situation with forgiveness in your heart and show the teacher you care more about her and her integrity than your own daughter.

If she has an ounce of humility, she will respect you, your daughter, and herself so much more.