Teacher dilemma - sorry Long - Page 2

NatalieK · 02-01-2008, 05:23 PM

DS #1 has attended Montessori for 4 years and DS #2 is on his first year. We can observe and are even given a packet of "what to watch for" since the Montessori method is different from public school. It helps you understand what you are observing. Just my personal experience. I love the Montessori school and wish we could afford it for more years (our particular school goes to 6th grade).

RobertPost'schild · 02-01-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misse336

Personally, as a teacher and parent, I would not send my child to a school where I was not allowed to observe what was going on in the classroom. Period. I know that sounds harsh, but I can't imagine why a school wouldn't let you observe in a classroom. Most schools try to get parents in to help/volunteer as much as they can.

That being said, it doesn't seem like any of the classrooms are going to be good environments for your son - is there another private school that you could send him to? Public school? If there isn't another option, I would just let it up to chance and hope that he got in the classroom that was the best fit for him. I also wouldn't want my child in the same classroom - with the same kids and teacher for 3 years.

Actually I don't think the teachers have much problem with the observation, I believe it's a way for the school administrators to keep the requests at a minimum. I've been invited last year by some teachers to observe any time, but the last I heard the administration isn't really approving this. I did observe before ds became a student there. I volunteer in his classroom and when they have parties the parents are always invited. Observation 'can' be very disruptive to a Montessori classroom. I am in no way concerned about any red flags - I know where you all are coming from but the classrooms are just run differently. I just popped in my ds's room this morning to give him a kiss because I had to drop something off and told him I'd drop by to tell him goodbye. The door was closed but the teacher had absolutely no problem with me popping in the kiss ds goodbye.

Sending him to another private Montessori is not an option. His is the absolute best around and are generally thrilled with the school. He will be in the same classroom with the same teachers for three years because that is the way Montessori works. There are always new kids going in and going out because the K kids get moved into 1st grade and the 3rd graders to into 4th grade. So each year it is not the same. On the other hand, if you are not crazy about your child's teacher, you are 'stuck' with them for three years. But if you love them, then you'll love them for three years.

RobertPost'schild · 02-01-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reco94

I agree with those who question your not being able to observe the classrooms. With that in mind, you're stressing out about OTHER people's opinions about these teachers based on their personalities and the personalities of their children. Everyone is different including the parents whose advice you are taking. I had a mom tell me that my DD's 1st grade teacher was awful. Turns out she's a perfect fit for DD and for me. I wasted a lot of stressful days early in the school year based on someone else's opinion.

You have a very valid point there!!!

JenJoe725 · 02-02-2008, 11:10 PM

My oldest daughter went to an excellent Montessori Preschool for 2 years. We were allowed to come in an visit or observe any time we wanted to. Her teacher even used volunteer parents as substitute helpers when her aid was sick or needed time off. My daughter came out ready read and way above most of the kindergarteners in her class...she is already reading basic books and knows 15 out of the 20 site words they are going to learn this year.

Jen