Teacher told a table of children that they have "learning difficulties"

[Donotknowhownottomind]

I worked as a supply TA in a school yesterday and today. Was in a Year 4 class today where the teacher accounted for a particular table's finding something difficult by telling them they have learning difficulties. She said this in front of the whole class. I don't know the class so don't know if they do have learning difficulties or really what she meant. One boy at that table has a hearing impairment and cerebral palsy and is very articulate and bright.

She also told another boy off for not clapping property and told him she didn't want that kind of Arabic "dancing" (instead of clapping) in her class.

I was a bit on both counts and don't see why just because kids are defenceless and have no choice over who their teacher is going to be, they should have to listen to crap .

Did you report this?

No do you think I should have? Overall the teacher was too strict (IMO) but from a position of thinking it is better for the kids. There are a couple of characters in her class so she probably keeps a tight rein on them because of this.

I think she blurted those things out withough thinking but without malicious intent iyswim - doesn't mean they weren't damating things to say though.

I don't think it's unreasonable if they do in fact having learning difficulties.

She was very inappropriate op, telling a group of 8-9 year olds that they have learning difficulties, I'd have no qualms about reporting her, and I'd do openly as well.

That's disgraceful. I'd report it, maybe talk to another teacher first in the school and ask their opinion if you want to. The head would be my choice though.

Yes but you don't make a point of breaking their confidence and self esteem, Oyster. They're 8-9 years old,vjust babies, really.

She's a racist and disablist. Report her.

It makes me mad. There are so many decent teachers looking for jobs and she shouldn't be anywhere near children.

Very unprofessional.

A) She is in no way qualified to diagnose learning difficulties.

B) Even if they do have learning difficulties, you do not announce this to the rest of the class. Ever.

C) 'Arabic dancing'? WTF?

Of course you should report her she's not only made her self sound negative towards any child in her class that has any disability or extra need she also sounds racist as well!

I'm disabled and we have 5DC,2 of our children are disabled if a teacher spoke to or about one of my children like that I'd want they're job! and I've worked in schools for years and used to work with SS and family services.

Does it break their self esteem? Surely it's better to explain that if they are finding something difficult that other kids can do that it's not their fault.

Professional hat on.
Her behaviour is unprofessional and needs nipping in the bud now.
Suggest speaking to the head.

I don't think it's unreasonable if they do in fact having learning difficulties.

My dd2 has dyslexia, so specific learning difficulties, and ds has learning disabilities - I would be extremely annoyed if I knew of their teachers blithely said that they had learning difficulties, in front of their class - I'm amazed you think that is ok!

But, Oyster, the child with a hearing impairment and CP probably wouldn't find it difficult. Or do you equate having additional needs with meaning only educationally? That's extremely disablist.

If what you've said is absolutely true to what she said (and not paraphrased) then you need to report her.

And anyway, pupils' additional needs are none of the other kids' business.

I did say if they do in fact have learning difficulties. I agree it's u to say they have learning difficulties if they don't, if they're just hearing impaired for example.

If they are finding the task difficult the teacher should present it in a manner that they can access - not blame 'learning difficulties.'

Cerebral palsy does not always mean there is a learning difficulty there. It was horrible of her to say his in front of the rest of the class, at that age learning difficulty or not you want to fit in not be singled out and that teacher should dam well know better

my dd finds elements of reading and spelling difficult because of her dyslexia, but she is way ahead of some of her peers in other areas.

ds is non verbal, but he understands far more than he expresses, his difficulties aren't universal.

if a child was struggling with her schoolwork because her parents were getting divorced, or a parent had died, would it be ok to announce that to the class as well?

Oysterbabe - in what circumstances is it reasonable to announce to the class that a table of children has 'learning difficulties?'

Why does it make any difference if that kids actually do have learning difficulties or not? She still should not have done it.
I am epileptic but would have not want someone telling everyone else that especially at school.

I agree it's u to say they have learning difficulties if they don't, if they're just hearing impaired for example.

no - it really isn't ok. As I said in my last post - dyslexia is a learning difficulty, it does not mean that someone struggles in all areas of their learning.

Dd2 is learning about her own dyslexia, and what it means, she is 8 - why on earth should she have to deal with her schoolmates talking about her, 'learning difficulties'?

She has a terrible attitude and doesn't deserve to work with children.

And is it not fair to say. We all have learning difficulties in something, eg. I struggle with numeracy.