by Dr. M

Created on: August 17, 2007

Help: My Teacher is Being Difficult

When issues arise within the classroom students, parents, and teachers need to have a working relationship for successful and amicable communication. This constructive working relationship provides positive academic support for students. Communicating with difficult teachers is an area that requires careful consideration for parents, students, and faculty.

There are several effective methods of working with difficult teachers. Working as a school teacher for many years and now as a school counselor, the following are suggestions that I recommend to my students and their parents:

TIP 1. Effective Communication: Effectual communication is the most valuable means of working with difficult teachers. Many times, teachers look upset or may be difficult to work with because effective communication has not occurred.

Communicate with the teacher at an appropriate time, and try stating, "Mr./Mrs. (insert name), I am having a difficult time with (be specific as to the issues of concern or the teacher's behavior). Can we please meet and discuss these issues?" Teachers are more than willing to be of assistance, and will set a time and date to meet with you, the student, and the parent. Many times the issues can be resolved immediately with good communication.

TIP 2. Appropriate Timing: Students and parents need to request assistance at an appropriate time. At an appropriate time means before class, during lunch, or after class. During these times, walk up to the teacher and explain your needs and your desire to resolve the difficulties that you are experiencing.

The key to this tip is timing. Many times teachers get upset and look and sound as if they are being difficult because the timing has been inappropriate. Many students request assistance or wish to discuss an issue during a lesson or when a teacher is helping another student. Some parents call and demand to speak to a teacher immediately; however, teaching time is extremely valuable and there is not enough teaching time scheduled within the day. Speaking to a teacher during class time is usually not permissible because teaching/learning time is taken away from all students. So request a meeting to discuss issues during appropriate times.

TIP 3. Communicate using multiple resources: Because technology is readily accessible, school districts provide email for every employee encouraging parents, students, and the community to communicate by means of email.

Emails are a good method of keeping

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