What if she doesn't like me?
What if she's mean/too strict/no fun?
What if she doesn't think that I'm smart?
What if, what if, what if...
I have a whole different set of questions. She's not the teacher that I had suggested for my daughter in that student-placement form parents are encouraged to fill out. (The form is a blog in itself.) She wasn't even among the teachers that I could choose from back when. Three of four sixth-grade teachers left our school for other opportunities, including my first choice.
I try to stay positive, especially if I don't know anything about the teacher. Why worry yourself before you have to? I tell my daughter that sixth grade will be awesome.
My daughter should do fine regardless of the teacher she gets. She's bright and adapts well. Still, I'm filled with questions, too, from what's your teaching style to how do you inspire students to think/do outside their comfort zone? At least I'll get to meet this new teacher soon enough, as well as my son's team of junior high teachers.
I'll try not to ask too much during my first encounter with any teacher. Don't want to scare them. "Incoming crazy-overbearing-obnoxious-whatever parent!!!" It's likely teacher has already been filled in on me. So I have to make sure she or he gets to know me and not the reputation I've gotten thanks to my journalism career.
So I'll space out my questions, and check out her school bio page to see if there are any ice breakers to start our chat. I'm sharing questions that I like to ask.
My suggestion is not to ask all your questions (or mine) once because your child's teacher will feel like you are drilling them. But as a parent, I know it's important to ask many questions to get off to the right start. So start with just 2-3 at most and let other parents get his/her attention. Check in again on the first day of school and curriculum night.
Some questions to consider:
- What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
- What excites you most about your profession?
- What are your challenges? Is there a way I can help make those challenges easier?
- What would you say is your teaching style? What happens if your style clashes with a child's learning style?
- Will you be seeking classroom or field trip volunteers? How does that work? Are there requirements for volunteers? A schedule?
- Will there be a class parent? How is he/she selected?
- Do you need classroom supply donations?
- What subjects will be covered this year? Are kids divided into groups? How is it based?
- What's your expectation for homework? Should it take a certain amount of minutes per subject?
- If child is involved in extra-curricular activities: How do you feel about doing homework for the week over one or two nights?
- What should I do if my child is having difficulty with homework? Will tutoring be made available?
- How often do you like to touch base about my student's academic progress in class? Weekly? Only when there is an issue (good or bad)? By email, phone or person?
- How can I check on grades? Is there a web site?
- What is your expectation for behavior? How do you deal with a disruptive child?
- What happens if there is a bully in class?
- How do you handle cliques?
- Are there rewards in class for academics or behavior?
- Do you have suggestions for parents to help make academics more fun than a struggle? For example, tips for keeping my student motivated or on task at school and with homework?
- Can I come in to watch the class unannounced?
- If your child is on an IEP (individual education plan): Do you have experience with children with special education needs?
- Is there a chance we can discuss my child's IEP early in the year? This is both your chance to bring up concerns and figure out a way via written accommodations to address those issues. Would you like to touch base on IEP later in the year?
Cheers!
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