For many, school is back in session, which means your child
is most likely adjusting to a new grade with a new teacher. But what happens if
your child doesn’t like their teacher? It can be concerning for any parent, but
understanding and addressing the issue thoughtfully is the key to your child’s
success this school year.
When your child shares that he or she is struggling to
connect with a teacher, you may be wondering why. According to Courtney
Wheeler, principal at Lafayette Elementary School (LES) in Fredericksburg,
students can wind up feeling disconnected from their teacher for numerous
reasons.
“[It can be] difference in teaching and learning
styles, misunderstandings, or feeling challenged by the teacher’s
expectations,” says Wheeler. “It is also possible that a child dislikes their
teacher due to frustration with a specific subject.”
So, what should you do when your child shares their negative
feelings toward their teacher? As a parent, you can take a few steps to help
make a positive impact for all involved:
Listen and Communicate: When your child first shares
these feelings, listen attentively and seek to understand his or her
perspective without jumping to conclusions. “It is important to maintain a
positive outlook and encourage open communication,” says Wheeler.
Reach Out to Their Teacher: Next, schedule a meeting
with your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns. Provide a safe space not
only for your child to share his or her feelings, but also to encourage
positive problem-solving and resolution. “This collaboration can help address
any issues and improve the child’s experience,” says Wheeler.
Observe and Evaluate: Keep an eye on your child’s
behavior and performance after talking with the teacher. This can help you
distinguish between a slight concern and a more significant problem. “Temporary
issues often resolve themselves with time and minor adjustments,” says Wheeler.
“However, if the child consistently expresses distress or if there are
noticeable changes in their academic performance, attendance, and attitude
toward school, it indicates a more serious problem.”
If your child continues to grapple with the situation
despite your best efforts to resolve it with the teacher, Wheeler says it’s
time to involve your school’s administration and counselors. They can help
schedule meetings as well as offer support and resources that encourage
solutions for both the student and teacher.
Wheeler recalls a particular case at LES where a student
struggled with the way their teacher managed the classroom. After the parents
and teacher met to devise a plan that would work for everyone, Wheeler says
there was significant improvement. They not only planned to facilitate regular
check-ins and offer the student more positive reinforcement, but the teacher also
adopted a more supportive approach to their teaching style, which helped the
student feel more at ease.
“Over time, the student began to understand the teacher’s
expectations and appreciated the structure it provided,” says Wheeler. “The
relationship improved significantly, and the student’s performance and attitude
toward school became much more positive.”
As we embark on this new school year, Wheeler says that
working together is the key to your child’s success in resilience and
perseverance as they navigate any bumps along the way.
“Clear communication, empathy, and a willingness to work
together can turn challenges into opportunities for growth,” says Wheeler.
“Encouraging a positive and respectful conversation between parents, teachers,
and students fosters a supportive learning environment where every child can
thrive.”
