Supply teacher called DS2 a name which made the rest of the class laugh at him, and upset him - am I overreacting?

[SixSpotBurnet]

DS2 was upset today because the supply teacher who was taking his class said, when he answered a question, "Oh, you sound posh" and then called him "Mr Posh" for the rest of the day, which apparently amused the rest of the class no end but upset DS2.

I think this is a bit out of order - I don't think a teacher should make fun or draw attention to the way any child speaks - and I can't see how calling someone "Mr Posh" is anything other than taking the mickey out of them.

It strikes a bit of a raw nerve with me because I was persistently bullied at school for being "posh" - we weren't, but I was brainy and we didn't live in a council house, so I stood out a bit. I really don't want the same to happen to my DSs, who go to a very diverse state school in Hackney.

Would you say anything?

I haven't read all the responses, but the school needs to be made aware what this supply teacher has said.

DS 1 had a regular supply teacher in reception who used to give the children nicknames, I think to help her remember them. It must be hard to have a different class everyday, but doesn't make it right to use offensive nicknames. This teacher used "page 3" to remember a girl named Paige

I can imagine the teacher saying the original comment, maybe without thinking, but to carry it on is unforgivable. Even if it is seen as a compliment. You shouldn't single children out in any way with the use of names.

If I'd made that comment I would try and turn it round by saying it was a lovely way to sound. Teachers and support staff are human and sometimes make errors of judgement but this sounds like it went too far.

SixSpot, did you talk to the school about this?

I'm really interested to see the number of people picked on for being 'posh' - this happened to me too when I went to a private junior school and all my old friends turned against me. Then I went on to a private boarding school where I wasn't posh enough! Ho hum...

He didn't have the same supply teacher yesterday or today, and I haven't mentioned it to his regular teacher. However I think I will mention it to a friend who teaches at the same school and see what she thinks.

Really glad that so many of you shared my pov on this one!

Yes - it's unbelievable that s/he persisted in calling him MrPosh even once it bacame obvious that other children were laughing - terrible.

I too was teased about being 'posh' throughout school and it really got to me, but why is being posh a bad thing?

I agree, you really must complain - even if DS is over it & it is not a problem as who knows what she may call another child in the future if she thinks that this is in anyway acceptable.

Am furious on your behalf & will also limit myself to YA(definately)NBU & really should complain