[bryce's-mummy]

DS is in yr 1 at a Catholic school. We were very happy with his teacher and the quality of learning last year. This year he has a class with two teachers and last year when we received the class lists I was warned by other parents about the class my DS is placed in- "one teacher is lovely but the second is not". Students (across the board) describe her as nasty and parents don't like her either saying that she "shouts and screams" all the time at the kids. These are 6 year olds!!!

Anyway I tried not to think about it last year and never said anthing to DS as I didn't want to taint his thoughts or worry or concern him.

So this week he started school and mon, tues and wed he had the 'nice' teacher. Today he comes home form school saying that he doesn't want to go to school anymore- he doesn't like the teacher today because she shouts all the time. Apparently she didn't shout at him but she did shout at some other kids. I asked if she shouted a lot (more than me! lol) and he said "yes"!!

Another mum (whose 6yo DD is in the same class) has just posted on FB a picture her DD drew afterschool- it is a pic of her crying and the teacher with a zig-zag grumpy mouth.

This is really upsetting as I know that DS can be a fly-away kind of child and I don't want him to be afraid or upset of going to school. There are situations where year 1's have been suspended from the school with this teacher. I don't expect him to have an easy-going teacher every year or to have a choice of who he gets- last year his teacher was very firm but fair and the kids really related well to her. DS did get into trouble a few times but reacted well to the discipline. I just don't think shouting at my child is a positive way to encourage good behaviour in class.

I am not sure what to do. I don't think it's right for me to just pull him out of the class as I don't want him thinking that if you don't like something/get along with someone then you can just move and make change. But I don't want his learning affected either. I don't even think I have the power to change his class anyway. I will make an appointment with the school counsellor and see what she says. Other than that I just don't know. Is this type of 'teaching' acceptable for year 1's. I mean- today was her FIRST day of teaching!!!

[gina70]

I am a teacher at a catholic school in year 1. No, yelling at the children is not acceptable, not for any grade. Teachers are told they are not allowed to yell. If it was my child I would do something about it. Either talk to one of the teachers or even the principal.

I hate being yelled at, imagine how six year olds feel!?

[howdo]

If her yelling is not something she's working on, she's doin it rong.

I would go see the Principal, probably. Sounds like it's well overdue for a complaint to be made. If there's no joy I wouldn't actually hesitate to look for a new school.

[Chelli]

I would definitely say something. We had a teacher who yelled and while she didn't teach any of my children, my DD was terrified of her. She has anxiety and there is no way she would cope with a teacher who regularly yelled at students.

[bryce's-mummy]

Just re-read my post and wanted to re-iterate that it was her first day of teaching students this year but she has been a teacher at the school for many years (just I re-read it and I confused myself!!) Apparently other parents have complained so I have no idea what is going on there and why she is still even at the school!!

[Niamh23]

So the other mother b**ched about the teacher on FB instead of doing the logical thing and going to the school with her issues?

[Escapin]

She sounds awful. I'd definitely be taking it up with the school, pronto. If you don't get anywhere with the counsellor, I'd make an appointment to see the principal.

[sarahs_three]

I'd bit*h on FB too....If she has been doing it for years at the school and others have complained,They obviously don't see the issue with it. I would refuse to send my child the days she was on and notify the education department why!

[Niamh23]

I'd bit*h on FB too....If she has been doing it for years at the school and others have complained,They obviously don't see the issue with it. I would refuse to send my child the days she was on and notify the education department why!

Venting about teachers on social networking is a really stupid and risky thing to do. Parents have been sued for making defamatory comments about teachers on social networking sites and via email.

[TheSmithFamily]

I would first speak to principal and see if anything happens or the teachers attitude changes.

I am a firm believer in speaking up for your own child and other people's children too.

We had a similar situation last year but it took many parents to speak up and lots of documentation.

Sometimes even if its not directed at your child being in that environment can be very stressful and effect children's learning. Resilience is a good thing to learn but not through fear.

Cheers bron