Special May Hot Topic:
Your Teens’ Teachers
They spend a lot of time with your child—but what do you know about your teens’ teachers? You met them at a Back to School Night in October, and from then on, unless there’s trouble, you only hear about them. “Mr. Sanders hates me!” “I can’t stand Ms. Lorge!” “How much more homework could Mrs. Tighe give me??”
How to make sense of what’s going on? Don’t take the complaints at face value, but become a participant in your child’s school life. If your school belongs to Edline, or some similar service, it’s a lot easier to find out online what homework is due and what events are going on, but that doesn’t give you the inside track.
Ask these questions of your teens and see where they lead:
What classes do you like? Why? What’s the teacher like?
Which ones don’t you like? Why? What’s the teacher like?
Are you bored?
Are you overwhelmed?
What kind of final report card do you expect? Are you having any problems?
It is not too late in the school year to help your teen make some changes that could result in better finals and ending projects. You still have time to get some in-depth help if your child needs it.
If your child confesses to any type of trouble with academic issues, or concerns about the end of the year, call or email the teacher or teachers who seem to be at the root of the issue. You are not meddling but just taking an active part in their school lives. Your teens (eventually if not right away), will thank you.
See timely resources on Your Teen's Teachers