Some teachers have their nerve.

At the beginning of the school year, I wrote a note to my son's math teacher indicating that he did not know how to do math and he tended to do homework incorrectly.  I asked the teacher to keep me posted regarding his work.  I also suggested that she return homework with grades so my son and I could get feedback.  To ensure that the teacher knew me, I introduced myself to her at Back to School Night.  I reminded her that Tyler had difficulty with the subject and was interested to be kept informed of his progress.

Surprise, surprise.  I don't hear from the teacher.

As the year has progressed, I have had to contact her.  First, I wanted her to know that Tyler had no idea what was going on in class.  I asked what they were learning in class so my husband could help Tyler.  Instead of getting an answer like, "exponents" or "multiplying fractions", the answer I received was "check my website and look at the core curriculum".  Oh, for heaven's sake.  Really, a straighter answer would have been nicer.

Well, I had to contact the teacher again because Tyler still has no idea what is going on with math.  When I asked her if she was available after school to help Tyler, she told me he should come in at 7:30 in the morning and check with her during advisory.  As a former teacher, I know the focus of that help is not too good.  Advisory (homeroom) there is a lot of stuff going on.  Kids are fooling about, the teacher needs to take attendance, and the aid would be but cursory.  When I responded that I wanted an after school time AND that the students were not admitted to the building until 7:45, I got no response.

My kid is not perfect.  I have a meeting with his Spanish teacher next week because of his behavior.  This meeting was set up on Thursday.  Just this afternoon, I got an email from Tyler's Spanish teacher saying that the math teacher wanted to meet with me too.  But, could we change the meeting to 7:30 am so that she could be accommodated.  Really??????

This is why I'm annoyed.  First, the math teacher should have reached out herself.  Second, the issues are different and I will only deal with one at a time.  I could have scheduled a full parent teacher conference.  I am not ready to do so yet.

Boy am I frustrated.

Now I have to write a letter to the principal of the school complaining about the unavailability of the math teacher AND to let her know that I think the math teacher's failure to contact me herself is grossly unprofessional.

See what happens when I'm not working??