Job Discussion Forums

[Lynn]

A substitute teacher sends home a note to the father in regards to the child’s unhealthy lunch. Chocolate, marshmallows, string cheese and a pickle, oh and three slices of ham. When reading the comments, I was surprised how I was in the minority with my opinion. Many comments said the teacher was completely out of line and to “mind your own business.” I was also surprised that many people thought nothing was particularly wrong with the lunch.
As a parent, I want my child’s teacher to be involved and would want him/her to tell me if a lunch is inappropriate. But, then again, I would be more embarrassed than offended if I sent a pickle marshmallow lunch.
As a teacher, I don’t know what I would do. I don’t like confrontation, so I probably wouldn’t have done anything.

What do you think?

https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/school-shames-dad-for-packing-daughter-unhealthy-108947668277.html

[johnslat]

Dear Lynn,

I think the note could have been written more "diplomatically." As the site noted, it was rather "shaming" (and condescending_.

"Please that she packs a proper lunch tomorrow.."

That tone is hardly going to make the parent heed any "polite" order.

Regards,
John

[Lynn]

Yes, John. This is true. I think the part where he was supposed to sign it and return it was condescending. Good points, indeed. Thanks for adding to the discussion.

[nomad soul]

It's odd that the cafeteria staff allegedly alerted a teacher about the child's lunch and not the school principal, vice principal, counselor, or even the school nurse. The school's admin would be responsible for determining whether or not to pursue the matter based on school policy, previous history with the family, etc. In fact, that teacher should have advised the cafeteria staff member to report their concerns to admin, as well as offered to go with the person to their offices.

I smell an opportunity for staff and faculty training.

[BadBeagleBad]

[nomad soul]

[Lynn]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I've reconsidered what I first posted. I think one issue is whether or not the lunch was even "that bad" to have the parents notified. Maybe it's just like, oh well, not the healthiest of lunches, but nothing serious. If the lunch had been something like, say, a rotting moldy sandwich, I suppose this would be a different story.

Even if the parents did need to be notified, a condescending note is not the way to do it.

I also have to keep in mind the cultural differences. My child has only ever gone to a Japanese school, and there are very strict rules and regulation in regards to what he can bring in his lunch. And although it's not an official rule, it's an unwritten rule that the lunch contain a carb, protein, veg and fruit.

[santi84]

Nobody really acted well here, did they?

If a teacher had a genuine concern about something like food quality, they should have reached out to the parent by asking to speak to them via phone call or through any upcoming meetings. Personally, I think a substitute teacher should leave that sort of discipline up to the teacher upon their return. We aren't talking about head lice or child abuse.

As a parent myself, I also find it rather mortifying that a parent would post this note online. Many K-12 substitute teachers are young and inexperienced, and making dumb mistakes (such as a condescending note) is par for the course. This was certainly an instance that was worth speaking to a supervisor (administration), but I hate the idea of public internet shame. Such a well-intended, stupid, misguided mistake can cost this substitute a lot of future problems once word gets out they they are the "marshmallow teacher".

Please, nobody tell my kid that you can marshmallows and chocolate at a school lunch. He'll never let that one go!

[Hod]

I'm with the parents. Keep your nose out.

Too many teachers think they're social workers, a job for which they have no training especially not in a foreign land. You know what they say about the road to hell. It's a Chris Rea song.

[Sashadroogie]

Been saying this for years here. As EFL teachers, we have no right or ability to offer career guidance, therapy, counselling, life coaching, critical thinking skills improvement, political education, or whatever crackpot philosophies that happen to be the flavour of the month. And as for health or dietary matters!

Stay out of it. Report it to the school, if ya must. But acting alone like the sub in this story as a recipe for parental confrontation. The teacher in question got off lightly...

[johnslat]

Dear Sashadroggie,

In the US, teacher are required to report suspected child abuse. Admittedly it's a tricky business.

I did it once with a fifth grader that kept coming to school with bruises and welts. He was also - no surprise - a class management problem. I tried to get him to tell me how he got all the injuries, but he just said he'd "fallen down."

I reported it - and after an investigation, it turned out his stepfather was physically (and emotionally)abusing the kid - and had been for years. The guy went to jail.

Also, regarding "critical thinking," that's something I need to touch on with my Advanced Level 7 Reading/Writing Workshop students. Without using critical thinking, they can and do write many fallacies in their papers, and I have to explain why a grader would mot be pleased.

Regards,
John

[Sashadroogie]

Dear Johnslat

Child abuse suspicion and the reporting of it are different matters. And I would imagine that you reported your student's situation to the relevant authorities and didn't take it upon yourself to accuse the parent. Not quite the same as the story posted above.

Incidentally, would these legal requirements to report extend to ESL teachers in the US?

As for critical thinking, we've danced this dance before. Many of the charlatans professing to teach these skills in English language classrooms would not see any connection to reading and writing skills. They confuse them with 'thinking'. Because non-English speakers aren't that smart, dontchaknow...

With Communist greetings

Sasha

[johnslat]

Dear Sasha,

"Incidentally, would these legal requirements to report extend to ESL teachers in the US?"

If they are teaching children, and in both public AND private schools.

" . . . we've danced this dance before."

Indeed - now will you please stop trying to lead?

Regards,
John

[Sashadroogie]

Dear Johnslat

And are they trained in these matters to any degree?

And as for leading, what else to you expect a Great Vozhd to do?!


With Communist greetings

Sasha

[johnslat]

Dear Sasha,

I was - but I suspect not everyone is. That would require too much universal competence (an oxymoron of the first order,)

At least stop stepping on my shoes, huh?

Regards,
John