Dealing with my son's teacher... what should I do?

My son’s a freshman on an IEP, and he told me that his math teacher is openly saying she doesn’t like him and marking everything he does. I know he can be difficult at times, but it doesn’t feel right for her to say that in front of the class. I have his annual IEP meeting next week and emailed her to check if she’ll be there. I haven’t directly addressed this with her yet. What would be the best way to handle this?

That sounds rough. It’s hard enough for kids to feel accepted, especially when they’re on an IEP. Has he mentioned if she’s been this way all year?

Arlo said:
That sounds rough. It’s hard enough for kids to feel accepted, especially when they’re on an IEP. Has he mentioned if she’s been this way all year?

He said it’s almost a daily thing. I’m not sure if she has specific issues with him, or if it’s just the way she’s handling things.

Arlo said:
That sounds rough. It’s hard enough for kids to feel accepted, especially when they’re on an IEP. Has he mentioned if she’s been this way all year?

Maybe she just doesn’t get that being harsh can affect his confidence. Some teachers are like that without realizing.

Did she give any reason why she doesn’t like him? Sometimes, just getting an idea of where they’re coming from can help.

Axel said:
Did she give any reason why she doesn’t like him? Sometimes, just getting an idea of where they’re coming from can help.

Apparently, it started with a gum incident. She told him to spit it out, he swallowed it instead, then he asked to use the bathroom, and she denied him. That’s when she said it.

Axel said:
Did she give any reason why she doesn’t like him? Sometimes, just getting an idea of where they’re coming from can help.

Wow, that’s a bit much to hold against a kid over gum. Hope the IEP meeting can smooth things out!

If she’s a special ed teacher, she should be trained to handle these situations better. Maybe she’s just not suited for it.

Kiran said:
If she’s a special ed teacher, she should be trained to handle these situations better. Maybe she’s just not suited for it.

Exactly my thoughts. Special ed teachers should understand that students may need different approaches. He’d do fine if he had some extra help.

Kiran said:
If she’s a special ed teacher, she should be trained to handle these situations better. Maybe she’s just not suited for it.

Totally agree. It might help to mention this in the IEP meeting, so they’re aware of how he’s feeling.

Can you ask for another teacher? He shouldn’t have to feel targeted like that every day.

Blake said:
Can you ask for another teacher? He shouldn’t have to feel targeted like that every day.

I might bring that up during the meeting. It’s a special ed math class, so I’m not sure about options, but it’s worth asking.

Blake said:
Can you ask for another teacher? He shouldn’t have to feel targeted like that every day.

Definitely ask. Sometimes just mentioning the impact on his self-esteem can make them more open to switching teachers.

Maybe have another teacher check his work? If she’s got a bias, you could see if his grades reflect that.

Jin said:
Maybe have another teacher check his work? If she’s got a bias, you could see if his grades reflect that.

Good point. I’ve been wondering if her grading might be influenced by her comments.

Jin said:
Maybe have another teacher check his work? If she’s got a bias, you could see if his grades reflect that.

Can’t hurt to ask! And if you see a pattern, it’s more support for requesting changes.