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Original poster

Parents becoming teachers? Is it me or has Gove totally lost it?

691 replies

sogrownup · 26/06/2011 20:15

How do you feel about going into school to cover for a teacher who is on strike? Is there anyone out there who believes that this is a sound idea.... I think it's madness!!

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CQrrrnee · 28/06/2011 14:23

Teach them well and let them lead the way

chabro · 28/06/2011 14:48

Well, and I suspect you never ever take your kids out of school for whatever reason? You are so lucky to be such a reasonable parent and have kids who are only ill at week ends and only have jabs appointments, dental appointments at week ends too ...

This 1 day is going could make a huge difference to the kids by ensuring they have some kind of education in future. I will show solidarity to teachers AND parents AND kids by offering to babysit for free on Thursday since I'll also be on strike.

Xenia · 28/06/2011 14:57

Huge numbers of parents are more than happy to break the strike. We will not be held to ransom . There is freedom to strike (although you lose pay if you do) but there is also freedom for schools, politicians and parents and businesses to set up alternative arrangements. We own these schools. The teachers are our servants. We can determine with the government how these schools are used. They are our property. If we want to come into our schools and mind children there with the Government's blessing, good for us all.

Ishani · 28/06/2011 14:57

Well if 50% leave and only 5% are ever sacked I hope the remainder are shit hot otherwise god help the children in the state sector.

Feenie · 28/06/2011 15:02

The teachers are our servants.

What a fabulous attitude. Angry

Feenie · 28/06/2011 15:03

Do you teach your children that? It would explain a few things.

MoreBeta · 28/06/2011 15:13

I would prefer to say teachers work for parents. Problem is that not many teachers see it that way.

UnSerpentQuiCourt · 28/06/2011 15:20

Teachers do NOT work for parents. Teachers work for children. I am a teacher and I do not run a baby-sitting service, whatever some parents may think. I also have a life and children of my own, which are my first responsibility.

Strix · 28/06/2011 15:21

My children keep telling me they have no school on Thursday. When I asked my 8 year old if she knew why, she didn't. I explained to her that the teachers were objecting to changes being made to what they get paid, and therefore they all got together and decided they would refuse to go to work on Thursday. I told her I did not support the strike and I thought they should go to work. I said that I believe that when you sign up to a contract and promise to do something, you should do it.

DD: I think they should go on strike once every month.
me: You just want a day off every month.
DD: Yes. Grin

I'm pretty sure she's on the verge of declaring her own strike. I might actually take great pleasure in helping her write a letter to the school explaining her "industrial" action.

Riveninside · 28/06/2011 15:25

Teachers work for the school and LEA surely? The job just involves teaching children the national curriculum.

Strix · 28/06/2011 15:26

Oh, who works for whom... now that is an intersting point. Our teachers seem to think I work for them and should do what they tell me to. But, when I have an issue and ask them to work with me, I often get little more than slippery shoulders.

My DS has two teachers at the moment. One of them has the slipperiest shoulders and blatantly refuses to engage in conversation with me. I had the same problems when DD had her. Actually most of my frustration is from when DD had her. Ds' other teacher is a ray of sunshine and I love her to bits. She always responds to me, and tries to help whatever the issue.

So, I guess all teachers are different. But, I have very little time for teachers who can't be bothered to work with me for the good of my children's education. Angry

MoreBeta · 28/06/2011 15:30

UnSerpent - "Teachers do NOT work for parents."

Thank you for confirming that. I was certainly beginning to get that impression after reading numerous such threads. Teachers need to change that attitude if they want more respect from parents.

I am putting my most precious possession in you care - of course you work for me!!!

hockeyforjockeys · 28/06/2011 15:36

MoreBeta the thing is that I see your child as a separate entity to you, so I work for your child not for you. Yes you have a very vital role to play in their education, but I am in the business of educating people, and I very much doubt that you think I am educating you.

Strix · 28/06/2011 15:47

Isn't working in partnership with parens a key goal for teachers et out by Ofstead? Or am I thinking of childminders?

Elibean · 28/06/2011 15:52

Shock dds' teachers certainly do not work for me, what a thought! I don't know any parents in her year who think they do, for that matter. Could that be a state v. private thing, d'you think, BetaDad? If I were paying school fees I might be tempted to think otherwise, but as it stands I'm very clear who the boss is - and it isn't me, in any sense.
Partner yes, boss no.

FBerry · 28/06/2011 15:54

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet.

flagging · 28/06/2011 15:56

I'd happily go in. But no opportunity at my school because all parents are looking forward to a day out with the kids. I think striking like this is disgraceful. Why don't they strike on days they are getting paid but not supposed to be teaching our children - there are lots of those to choose from surely. It has really affected my attitude to them I have to say.

teacherwith2kids · 28/06/2011 15:56

I think the key word is 'in partnership'...

I work in partnership with parents (and other agencies where involved) to educate children. I do not work for the parent, I work with the parent.

I am employed by the government (ultimately) though I am line-managed by my head teacher and paid by the LEA. I am employed by them in order to educate children.

Parents - along with all voters - select the government of the day, and through that can influence precise policy on HOW I educate children. However, I do not see how that equates to being a situation in which 'parents employ teachers'.

Elibean · 28/06/2011 15:58

Perhaps someone was thinking about taxpayers money blah blah. But frankly, that logic would make me the boss of every single public service employee in the country - not sure whether to laugh or scream with terror at that thought Grin

anastaisia · 28/06/2011 15:58

Actually, legally parents retain full responsibility for education even if they choose to delegate part of it to state school so I'd agree that the teachers are providing a service for the parents.

Elibean · 28/06/2011 16:00

No, that doesn't make me a teacher's boss either.

I am choosing a State service, not a teacher's service.

Elibean · 28/06/2011 16:01

Why is it so hard for some to think in terms of partnership, rather than unequal power-relationships, anyway?

FBerry · 28/06/2011 16:01

Good points. Does anyone know of anybody who is going to dig up their school education and try and go in to teach the kids?

MoreBeta · 28/06/2011 16:05

FBerry - no parent can dig out their school education and start teaching.

Thats why we employ teachers.

chibi · 28/06/2011 16:07

Oh arf @ I believe that when you sign up to a contract and promise to do something, you should do it.Strix

Me too

Could you try and sell Gove on that Angry