WWYD? derogatory comment from teacher

So it's clear that some people have heard "special" used in derogatory way and others haven't - probably regional variation. If I were the teacher, I would want to know if it was potentially offensive in the area where I was teaching. For those of you saying "I've never heard it used like that", that's exactly the problem - this teacher probably hasn't either - but it doesn't mean that it isn't ever used that way.

It's not possible for teachers to stop and think before their every utterance, just in case Mrs. Offended comes rocking up with 'you shouldn't have said this.'
The child in question wouldn't stop talking. He/she was told off, and it's not remit of parents to question the language used - unless, of course, the language is blatantly offensive, which this comment certainly wasn't. It obviously meant, 'do you think you are above the rules?'

Enforces not entices...

I've never heard anyone use the phrase in the way that you describe, as a disabilist insult. I have heard teachers described as mean. It usually suggests said teacher entices the rules, expects good behaviour, and unreasonably thinks that the classroom is a place to study and learn.

Din't = don't

It would never occur to me that that could be interpreted the way your DC have interpreted it.
I too would use the question without much thought to mean 'I meant everyone, no exceptions'.
See also 'I am not at home to Mr. ButIwasjust' which became a catchphrase in one class. I din't even know the origin of the 'Not at home to Mr X' phrase but i would use it in exactly the same context.

I wouldn’t report it. It’s impossible to prove the context.

I would also assume this means are you special as in do your think you’re better than everyone else. I think if it meant anything else it would be phrased differently.

It is possible that he misinterpreted the comment but not likely

Or,...it’s actually massively likely that he misinterpreted the comment.

I would do nothing.

and it's entirely possible that the teacher has not come across this use of "special"

TBH neither have I.

There are some regional variations in use of language, and it's entirely possible that the teacher has not come across this use of "special".

Total over reaction, OP.

I think its been misinterpreted and given that it wasn't addressed to your child I don't think you should do anything.

God: what a minefield? It would have been completely avoided if the DC had stopped talking! What about complaining about the rude child that was holding up the lesson? You never know, your DC might actually learn something!

I suspect that "are you special" is teenspeak for something else that adults don't use.

Generally when kids say a teacher is ‘mean’ they mean strict or has told me off or won’t let us get away with stuff or isn’t trying to be our friend and that is a good thing!

I'm quite sensitive to this as DD1 has SN, but I think it sounds like the teacher was asking what was giving them the right to break the rules.

'do you think you are special, that the rules don't apply to you?' - I use it all the time.

Also I often get 'but I'm special, miss!' (usually meaning, I can't do what you are asking me because I have a learning difficulty - yes, I know, but bless them, they are children) - I always reply 'you're all special to me..... Now sit down and do as you are told!'

Kids can interpret what they hear through any filter they like - and unfortunately, teachers who are quite strict with high expectations of behaviour can sometimes be perceived as mean. But it can take so much will and energy to get a class of 30 kids to do what they need to do - especially now. It's tough in the classroom - and my skool is lovely, one of the best.

Don't complain. Instead, back up and support the teacher 100%. Really, they deserve it...... :-)

I would definitely think this was meant as “Do you think you’re so special that the rebukes don’t apply to you?”.

1. This comment could be interpreted either way, so I wouldn't complain.
2. If it was more clear cut, I absolutely would complain even if not aimed at my child. I have for example complained about blatant misogynistic remarks in my male child's class. A horrible culture affects everyone.

i would not report, i t hink your dc has interpreted it wrongly

my own dc was shocked that i wanted The Specials CD

I agree with PP. it's far more likely the teacher meant do they think they are above the rules. I think you need to stop looking for issues where there aren't any.

Are you special- as you understand it OP, tends to be used as an insult between kids I find.
Teachers use it to mean something else.

I guess if you wanted to do something you could email the teacher:

DS says you said 'are you special' to another pupil on Friday. He came home quite shocked as he had interpreted it as you asking in a derogatory 'special needs' kind of way. I explained that you couldn't possibly have meant that and were meaning 'above the rules'.
However I am letting you know because in this area DS's interpretation is commonly held, so you might want to stop using that phrase in case someone takes offence.

Thank you very much for teaching DS science this term, and I hope you have a relaxing corona-free Christmas.

Best wishes.