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SALT LAKE CITY — With the school year starting soon, some parents may not be happy with the teacher their child has been assigned to. So what should parents do if this happens to them?
"I've heard bad things about that teacher." It's a common concern for many parents as a new school year approaches. But one thing educators don't want is for parents or students to start the year in a panic.
"It's really important for a parent to maintain a calm, positive demeanor. Kids will pick up on their parents' anxiety," said Canyons School District guidance coordinator Lori Jones.
It's really important for a parent to maintain a calm, positive demeanor. Kids will pick up on their parents' anxiety.
–Canyons School District guidance coordinator Lori Jones
Jones says requesting a teacher change is a different process for every grade level, but it's usually best to call ahead to make an appointment with a counselor or the principal. There may be a lot of other parents who want to do the same thing.
"It's possible that the principal could clarify any misperceptions (sic)," Jones said. "Or it's also possible that there may be a better fit for that student. It just depends on the situation."
Even if parents aren't sure about the teacher's ability to connect with their child, it might be best to start the year with that teacher anyway. Jones says a lot of parents may try to keep their kids out of the classroom of a new teacher simply because they just don't know that person well enough.
Often times, once a student gets into a teacher's class for the first couple of days or couple of weeks of school, everything works out just fine.
–Lori Jones
"Often times, once a student gets into a teacher's class for the first couple of days or couple of weeks of school, everything works out just fine," she said.
But parents should monitor how their kids behave when they come home. If they return happy or bubbly, things are probably just fine.
"If there are problems where the child isn't sleeping at night or there is anxiety, then there's probably a little problem there," Jones said.
If a parent has had a bad experience with the teacher their child is assigned to, then they need to tell the principal about it right away. Educators also need to know if a child has a particular learning disability or a physical limitation.
