November 8th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Posted by The Foo in Wordless Wednesday
This is a letter from a teacher (Mr. Adam Hilliker) to a parent.
1) What would you do if you were the parent?
2) Who would you side if you were the school principal?
3) Who was right and who was wrong?
(Source: Stumbleupon/ Anonymous)
44 Responses to “Wordless (Wordfull) Wednesday: A teacher’s letter”
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The Foo said: @ 12:04 am
November 8th, 2006
I found the letter on the web while surfing - it was posted anonymously, so we\’ll never know the outcome. It made me mad when I read it and it struck a nerve too.
I don\’t have kids yet but if I did, and that ever happened to my kids — that teacher, principal and school will get a piece of my mind. One thing about the kid in the letter, though I am all for kids challenging someone (as I believe it stimulates their minds, shows that they are thinking and paying attention), I don\’t condone rudeness too — the boy could have done it in a more polite way as after all he is speaking to an adult.
Those kind of teachers are ones I love to hate — I encountered those kinds when I was growing up and always got into trouble because of I was challenging them. These are the kind of teachers that hold you back instead of letting you live up to your potential. I guess I can really relate to being that boy Alex.
My wife, who is an elementary school teacher, always makes sure that she has her facts straight before teaching her class and encourages challenges (in a polite way) — this Mr. Hilliker teacher is a bad seed and a disgrace to educators alike. Respect comes from earning it and not forcing authority down someone\’s throat - especially for a kid. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting you made a mistake too - the teacher should have done that instead of escalating it this far. I keep telling J, if I had a teacher like her when I was growing up, I\’d be a rocket scientist now
.
Lora said: @ 12:29 am
November 8th, 2006
The teacher has to allow students the ability of thinking for themselves. They can’t go all “My way or the highway” on their students or the kids with shut them out.
It’s clear the teacher lost control and got angry. If your wrong say your wrong and go on from there.
Be safe…
eph2810 said: @ 1:16 am
November 8th, 2006
Well - it is a double-edge sword (btw - my son always challenged the teachers, so he was not very well liked by the teachers :smile:)…
I would say that children should speak up if they know for sure that the information they are receiving is incorrect. But it depends on the way how they do it. We always told our son there there is a right and a wrong way in arguing with teachers…But I think detention is not the right way to react to it.
Happy Wednesday.
Gattina said: @ 3:28 am
November 8th, 2006
Although I slept through all math classes (I hate it) even I know that a mile is longer than a km ! Mr. Hilliker (what a name) should walk a mile and then a km and tell us where he became breathless ! Wonderful letter made me laugh so much ! I have always been the nightmare of all my teachers and my father had collected the complaints. Was very funny especially because afterwards my son followed my steps and got the same remarks, but became a nice and successful man I also red that you like the Mafia and have a black cat. I have both, an Italian husband and one of my 4 cats is black ! Happy WW and thanks for your comment.
Gattina said: @ 3:32 am
November 8th, 2006
I forgot to answer one of the three questions !
I would ask him if he wants to walk a mile or a km.
Michelle said: @ 5:13 am
November 8th, 2006
I agree with Lora all the way–
Friday's Child said: @ 5:21 am
November 8th, 2006
That teacher should be suspended. She must be from the past generation where kids could not voice out whatever be it right or wrong. Where in the world did she learn that kilometer is greater than a mile.
Thanks for passing by.
Chaotic Mom said: @ 6:16 am
November 8th, 2006
I’d send the letter to the press. Or better yet, up the internet river! I’m not shocked by this, just saddened. The only time I was sent to the principal’s office EVER was after I challenged a teacher when he WAS wrong about some facts, too. Very sad. Children MUST challenge what is before them. Critical thinking is a valuable skill in life.
Hey, thanks for the link re: web redos! I’m seriously checking into it. I love your design, too.
I’ve posted my Wordless Wednesday, too. Enjoy! ;)
ren.kat said: @ 7:53 am
November 8th, 2006
What? Is the school trying to turn out mindless Nazis and Moonies and other dangerous peons? I’d also take the letter to the press and congratulate your son for his courage to stand up for what he knows is right instead of deferring to arbitrary authority. I wouldn’t think twice- I’d be down there telling the pricipal what he had to “understand”. I remember that when I took my teaching certificate the instructor told us that people who wanted to teach were arrogant and liked being in charge. He also said that admitting that fact was the first step in getting past it. A good teacher would have gone to the encylopedia there and then to show the students both humility and proper methods fo research! PLEEASE post a follow up to this. I’m dying of curiosity now.
ren.kat said: @ 7:55 am
November 8th, 2006
HAHAHA- okay now you know more about me than my neighbors. :-) I see the letter was dated 1994. - so what happened?
Happy and Blue 2 said: @ 8:41 am
November 8th, 2006
1)I would speak to the teacher and the principal about the issue.
2)I would rescind the punishment for the student. Talk to them both.
3)The teacher was wrong but the student should have used more tact in pointing it out.
Reality for today.
1)I would hire a lawyer and sue the school division.
2)I would ignore the situation with the student and teacher and focus on damage control. In addition I would set aside a day with a psychologist for all the students to help them recover from the stress this incident caused them.
3)Neither side would be proven right or wrong. Apologies and cash would flow freely.
Ma said: @ 9:22 am
November 8th, 2006
My children would have done the same thing that boy did. I have always taught my kids to stand up for themselves and to speak up. So they do, and have done the same thing this boy did. But most of the teachers who are local(from Hawai’i) and not the ones from the mainland, would correct themselves and apologize to the class for the mistake and commend the students. If they are wrong, they are wrong! I don’t find it a sticky situation at all. Some of these teachers need to get a grip and admit to their own mistakes. I’ve corrected a couple of my teachers and they just laughed it off. And so would the whole class. But no one got in trouble for it.
tnchick said: @ 9:26 am
November 8th, 2006
Well… sounds like something my son would do!
Tammy said: @ 9:27 am
November 8th, 2006
Well I say good for him.. how can the teacher complain if the boy was right?? As soon as he contested the teacher she should have said immediately good job rather then let it escalate.
Jose said: @ 9:51 am
November 8th, 2006
I would send the letter to the local newpaper to be re-printed in the readers letters section and then I would send a copy of the newpaper to the Principal and one to the teacher. Tha should teach them a little lesson.
Galli said: @ 9:54 am
November 8th, 2006
The kid probably deserves a good ass-kicking for his overall approach, but this shut-in, creep of a teacher should be working in the Bush Administration’s Department of Information. What a tool.
g
Lazy Daisy said: @ 10:01 am
November 8th, 2006
We would so be having a sit down talk with the teacher, and principle.
Holly Schwendiman said: @ 10:05 am
November 8th, 2006
Hmmm that’s interesting. The only credit I give to the teacher is accepting that he made a mistake, but the point of respect is blown out of proportion. To get it you must earn it not demand it. On the child’s side, I’d be embarassed if my child called their teacher a liar in front of the class. I think they can think for themselves and even bring up their disagreeing views without bashing anyone publicly. It’s not often that you see so much “need” for intervention on both sides…..
Hugs,
Holly
Holly’s Corner
Imperfect Christian said: @ 10:07 am
November 8th, 2006
1) What would you do if you were the parent?
I would immediately ask for my child to be placed in another class, if that was my child’s wish and I would have a copy of the letter sent to the principal.
2) Who would you side if you were the school principal?
The student. I would explain that the way the child contradicted the teacher wasn’t the best possible course of action, but the teacher is obviously going to think differently of the student now and hold this against him. This is NOT something that warrants a letter OR detention.
3) Who was right and who was wrong?
The student was right to point out the mistake, but to say the teacher was “lying” is a bit much. He should have just pointed out the error and supported his findings by showing the teacher or reminding the teacher respectfully.
Debbie said: @ 10:29 am
November 8th, 2006
Thank you for your wonderful comment on my blog today! Glad you like to visit!
This letter is a parents nightmare. The child was wrong in not showing respect to the teacher but the teacher is guilty of the same disrespect. Especially when the child was correct!
I would as a parent be fighting this all the way up the school board. Yes my child would deserve the punishment but not for how she treated him!
Again thanks for visiting and happy Wednesday!
janvangogh said: @ 10:38 am
November 8th, 2006
I’d make my son take political science and run for office.
Pinging Dr. John.
twinki said: @ 10:40 am
November 8th, 2006
this is too good. so typical of schools today. my niece was just suspended for pushing a child on the playground. now they are 8 years old!!! what 8 year old doesn’t push someone at some point. she’s been in trouble for ridiculous things besides this. it makes me think the homeschoolers have the right idea more and more.
Barbara H. said: @ 10:48 am
November 8th, 2006
I DISagree that a child would be better off accepting wrong teachings (good grief, can’t believe that teacher said that!!!!) But — if there is a way to challenge with respect, that should be done, too. At first I thought it probably wasn’t good for the child to accuse the teacher of lying — “mistaken” would’ve been better — but he’s a kid and probably couldn’t think of any other way to say it. The teacher would command more respect by admitting he was wrong and going on from there. Now he looks foolish before the whole class.
Mrs Lifecruiser said: @ 10:51 am
November 8th, 2006
Lets’ just say that these kind of happenings can destroy poeples view on school totally and what’s worse - for rest of their lifes!
They were both wrong in some ways, but my symphaties goes for the kid anyway, because the teacher is supposed to be growned up!
Mysterious Lady said: @ 11:17 am
November 8th, 2006
Umm…. teacher has a “god” complex I’d say. The child has every right, to right a wrong. If he didn’t question the teacher everyone would of just take his word for it.
Think the teacher needs a lesson in humility. IMHO.
Happy WW!
gil said: @ 11:19 am
November 8th, 2006
I hope I have taught to stand up for what they believe to be true in a respectful way of course. How the teacher had the nerve to send the letter beggers belief
Connie said: @ 11:30 am
November 8th, 2006
that’s terrible! I encourage my own kids to take it to the teacher privately after class if they disagree with something, and then if the teacher won’t listen, then they can bring proof the next day. But still, a teacher’s pride should not be the main thing here! That’s just awful.
Heather said: @ 11:44 am
November 8th, 2006
Sadly, this proves why many parents choose to homeschool their children.
BTW, How are you Foo? Hope things are good!
michelle said: @ 11:54 am
November 8th, 2006
I agree on the rudeness aspect! But detention for being smarter than the teacher??? Why was the teacher giving the kids the wrong information to begin with. I think that teacher should have taked the child aside and explained the reason behind the lesson, since it seems the child already knew the truth to begin with! I would definately be all over the that school giving everyone a piece of mind!
Chana said: @ 12:08 pm
November 8th, 2006
i believe, strongly, that the child was in the right..as an adult we wouldn’t have kept our mouths close, children have the right to stand up and defend their beliefs just as much…just my opinion..dr. JOhn sent me here..
Christine said: @ 1:49 pm
November 8th, 2006
Good for the student! As a mother, if I were the principal I’d be appalled at having a teacher who was not only teaching like that, but treating her students like that. I feel for teachers, they are very underpaid for the job they do in educating our children, but she should take pride in her job and accept the fact she was wrong and thank the student for pointing out her mistake!
Happy WW!
guppyman said: @ 2:08 pm
November 8th, 2006
Offering such rebuttals as “you’re lying to the class”…
How many times did the teacher insist she was right before the student got to that point? Please…. If you are going to teach… please please please have a little bit more information than the students!
Jan Miraglio said: @ 2:12 pm
November 8th, 2006
My youngest son is 16 and has a PDD (pervasive developemental disability) with a gifted IQ. I have gotten notes and phone calls from teachers over the years where my son was disruptive for the same sorts of reasons as the child in your posted letter. I sited with my son. Nine times out of ten the child was right, and I have had heated arguments with teachers and priciples. Now when kid and I got home, well I gave him “detention” of my own. No excuse for rudeness, but I’d never NOT defend him.
Dr. John says hi.
christieo said: @ 2:24 pm
November 8th, 2006
you’re exactly right. a child should be able to challenge ideas, it’s not only stimulating but healthy. however, it’s not right to be rude either, but from the letter, i am quite sure that the teacher did nothing to diffuse the situation in an adult manner and instead slumped to the level of a child in handling it. i have had these teachers too in my life, and i was too intimidated to stand up to them or question their actions. for that reason, i applaud this student!
O Mama Mia said: @ 2:27 pm
November 8th, 2006
I wouldn’t be worldess either. That’s just sad. They were both wrong, IMHO. Teacher for not allowig student to disporve him & student for going about it rudely. Here’s an interesting read for ya on the subject of teachers: http://reliableanswers.com/hs/six_lessons.asp
seb said: @ 2:31 pm
November 8th, 2006
Wow, I’m glad to hear the kid stood up for what was right! It’s the teacher who should get punished for being so pig-headed!!!!
Domestic Goddess said: @ 5:06 pm
November 8th, 2006
I would be furious. I would be in that teacher’s face and the principals office so fast!!
Margie said: @ 5:08 pm
November 8th, 2006
My Nephew had a simular problem and note sent home but in regards to the hour/minute hand on the clock. I actually had to “check myself” to see if I was the dummy in the situation.
Turns out the textbook was as wrong as the teacher.
-Margie
(Stopping by via Dr. John’s mini-marathon today.)
Lynn said: @ 5:11 pm
November 8th, 2006
I would probably approach the teacher first and then the principal if I felt the teacher could not see the error of his ways. I think both student and teacher were wrong. The student was correct in pointing out an error, the teacher was wrong to immediately dismiss him. The student should have stopped at that point and waited until after class instead of being rude and encouraging other students to do so. The teacher should have checked his facts right away to either correct the student or in this case recognize and admit his own error.
As the principal, I do not believe there is a side to take as both parties behaved badly. I do believe there should be consequences for showing disrespect to a teacher. However, I think the teacher would also be meeting with me to discuss how to better handle such situtations in the future. The child had the correct information but both he and the teacher were wrong about how they handled it. Students should be encouraged to defend the truth in a healthy way. Teachers should be the ones teaching it. Thanks for sharing and stopping by.
Tense Teacher said: @ 8:50 pm
November 8th, 2006
Aw, hell no. That teacher needs to be pimp slapped.
Any teacher who can’t admit when he or she is wrong, even and especially in front of children who often learn from not only what a teacher says, but also from the example of what he or she does, needs to find another job. Take it from a teacher who screws up at least once a day and readily admits it.
I’m sure if the teacher had handled it correctly, the student would not have resorted to acting disrespectfully.
kdubs said: @ 9:35 pm
November 8th, 2006
That is awful!
Lee said: @ 1:37 am
November 9th, 2006
And here we have what is wrong with our youth! Actually standing up for what they believe in when they know they’re right instead of just accepting whatever lies being told to them.
1. If I were the parent I would demand to know what kind of school they are running that they can’t get a simple thing like that right. I would demand the teacher apologise. Do they not have books in the classroom where one could read facts to confirm or deny such an argument?
2. As Principal I would apologise to the parents with a foot note confirming that the child knows not to disrupt class generally.
3. Honest mistake that could have been fixed there and then if a simple dictionary had been checked. You can not blindly accept lies.
kailani said: @ 1:14 am
November 10th, 2006
I would definitely side with the student being that the bottom line is he’s correct. However, I think he could have been a little more tactful in his opposing views.
Simon said: @ 7:16 pm
November 10th, 2006
I think this could have been an important learning experience for all involved - the teacher not least! - but the opportunity seems to have been lost, basically because both the teacher and the pupil became fixated with defending their positions to the exclusion of everything else, such as the feelings of others and not least the truth. The pupil had the excuse of youth and inexperience, but a better, wiser teacher would surely not have dug himself into such a hole.