Is an unfair environment created when teachers teach at the same schools their o

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   ocfirefliesposted 11 years ago

   Is an unfair environment created when teachers teach at the same schools their own children attend?
   
   For example, if a student goes to the nurse and asks for something for a headache, the nurse is not allowed to give the student even a Tylenol.  But, if the student's parent(s) work at the same school, then this student can get the Tylenol or whatever med from his or her parent.  Plus, if teachers are allowed to keep their children in their classrooms after school, those students can overhear or become privy to information regarding other students or teachers.  I have a friend who just became headmaster at a small school where there are lots of teachers who are also parents of students.

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   billybucposted 11 years ago

   There is no doubt that those situation can occur. Ask my own son about the six years he was at the school I taught at and he will tell you that he was the one trapped in an unfair environment. LOL He had to follow rules nobody else had to follow because his dad as so mean.

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      ocfirefliesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I sure can't imagine you as mean.  Smiles, Kim

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   Ben Blackwellposted 11 years ago

   I don't believe it is 'automatically' created when this situation occurs.  However, to those involved in this kind of situation, much care must be taken in order to ensure that nothing happens to put the kid above or below the other students (the latter is just as possible as the former).
   
   It will be somewhat difficult for this to be 'done correctly,' because there will most likely be accusations of unfair treatment, even if they is in fact none.

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      ocfirefliesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah.  I believe my friend has got a real balancing act to perform.  I do not know how common it is for there to be so many teachers with kids enrolled in the same school.  Thanks for your comment.

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   Lee Teaposted 11 years ago

   Ugh...in high school I ran into an impossible year of geometry and couldn't understand why I was getting graded so low, or why the teacher wouldn't help me understand the material better.  Her daughter was in my class, and two years later with our cumulative scores from the past 4 years tallied up, she edged me out for valedictorian. Probably happens a lot in small towns.

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      ocfirefliesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      First.  I am sorry that you saw the unfairness firsthand.  Second.  I think you are correct in that the size of the school, system and town makes a big difference in how often that which happened to you may happen to others.  Thanks for responding.

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   IDONOposted 11 years ago

   The issue would only be temporary because the student moves on with grade progression and the parent/teacher will probably stay the same.
        I would have a worse feeling to know a teacher sent their kid to a private school because the one I am in isn't good enough. Having a kid in the school the teacher teaches in displays a teacher's faith in that school system.
        Of course, you will have accusations. But that is usually a result or an excuse for ones poor performance. Trying to use that situation to lower the bar rather than to do the work and get accolades on your own merit. That's not worth being concerned with.

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      ocfirefliesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      All good points.  I think my friend's main concern is that there are too many teachers' kids having access or being privy to information regarding other students.  I know some schools require teachers to find after school for their kids. Thanks.

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   prektjr.dcposted 11 years ago

   I live in a small town and our district is adamant about students and their "teacher parents" following the same expectations as other students.  As a teacher myself, I understand the idea that these types of events may occur as the "norm".  However, it is my experience that in the majority of districts that the children of teachers are often held to a higher standard than other students.  Most districts will not allow teachers to teach their own children and those who do should monitor it.  My daughter is a middle school teacher and has her stepsons in her classes.  We talked about how important it is to maintain the confidentiality of other students and how hard it is to maintain a fair level with your children.  We often know more about our own child's abilities, therefore grading them harder.  A teacher who allows her own child to excel without earning it....is a teacher without integrity.  Parents should hold the district responsible to monitor in these cases.

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      ocfirefliesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for responding.  I agree that the issue is really about integrity.  I believe it is the issue of confidentiality along with unfair accessibility that concerns my friend.   I agree teachers' kids have higher expectations to perform academically

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