I think Mr. Greenberg was very lucky. This could've worked out a lot worse.
Is that true? If so, wow! The blow-by-blow was great. I love teacher trumps parent stories when the parent is one of those entitled folks.
It has been said that teachers sometimes make the most obnoxious parents. I would not use this as a general rule, but a common occurrence none the less.
Congratulations to Mr. Greenberg on reducing class size
I think you did a good job of not only highlighting a terrible student, but also a terrible parent. It's funny how as a teacher, that parent wouldn't accept that behavior, but as a parent, she's fine with her child acting like she owns the world.
Thanks Jose. This is a true story, though names and identifying details are changed.
I have to tell you I'm amazed at that sort of behavior from parents, whether or not they're teachers. I've found most parents to be cooperative. Of course some believe anything their kids tell them, which is a big mistake. It's especially remarkable from a teacher, who really ought to know better.
If someone called and said my kid was acting like that I'd make things very uncomfortable for her, just as soon as I recovered from my massive coronary.
I had a similar experience with a kid named Lola in my 5th or 6th grade class - she was a disturbing presence in every class for years. She was one of the few kids in all the years of teaching who would not go along with the program. I think the principal put her in my class to punish me as she was a good reader and should have been in a top class. Maybe she was reacting to being forced into this situation. And maybe I would have eventually won her over, though I doubt it.
I started calling the mother at work - she was a secretary - one of the few parents in my school in such a high position - most mothers did not work. So at first I expected a good response from her. But instead she was mad I was calling. It took about a week and she transferred Lola out. Boy my principal was pissed. A good reader yet (my principal was one of the mothers of test prep all the time as far back as 1979.)
Good for Mr. Greenberg.
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