One of your good friends as your ds's teacher - happy or not happy about it?

[cameroonmama]

How would you feel if one of your good friends became a teacher of your reception age ds? Pleased because you have a good relationship with her, or worried that if there ever was an issue with your ds/teaching methods/school it might ruin your relationship?

[AbbeyA]

It depends whether you think she is a good teacher.

[fullmoonfiend]

I'd be wary. I have a friend who is a teacher (2ndary) and she really doesn't seem to like any of the children at all! It would be awful feeling she couldn't let off steam in front of me, yet knowing if she did, she'd be holding back about my child IYKWIM.
Having dsaid that, if it is the shcool you want, i'd put up and shut up

[lilolilmanchester]

I can understand your concerns. But I think you have to trust your friend's professionalism. If there ever was an issue, deal with it in school time, through the proper school channels (usually you would have to make an appointment). You are possibly worrying unnecessarily, it might not happen. If you do, before you raise an issue, you should - of course! - check it out on MN first to ensure you are being rational. Remember too that your friend might have to raise issues about your child with you too.
A friend of mine teaches DS at secondary, at parents evening we just acted like we would with any other teacher and she spoke to us like she would any other parents.

[cameroonmama]

You are right lilolil and if she does become his teacher (small school overseas where the teachers sometimes change year groups) perhaps we just need to sit down at the beginning of term and agree to be professional with each other.

I have no experience of her teaching this year group but I think she would be good at it. She is very creative and enthusiastic and brilliant at keeping them all in control

[clam]

I've had this loads of times, as DCs used to be pupils where I teach, and now DS is taught maths at secondary by another long-standing friend. Can honestly say there has never been a problem, ever - partly coz the teachers have all been good at their jobs and also coz the DCs aren't any bother in class. We've always kept the line between personal/professional, e.g. DCs have always known when to switch from Christian names to Mr/Mrs (even when very young) and DH and I would never dream of asking anything school-y at a dinner party. We've always gone through the proper channels, like writing notes (addressed to Mrs Bloggs, even).

[Smithagain]

One of my best friends is a supply teacher who regularly covers for DD1's class. She is very professional about it and it is totally not an issue. She is kind of a different person when she's in front of a class and she doesn't let her "teacher" persona slip. DD1 has even got used to calling her Mrs ..... in class and sitting up straight!

Next year, she will have another teacher who I know pretty well, because she has worked as a volunteer in church children's work I do. I'm just assuming we will have a different sort of relationship when discussing DD1's education. And she will not tell me any stories about what goes on in class, because that would be unprofessional.

It does help that I trust both of the above implicitly and know that they are good teachers.

To be honest, if discussions with a teacher descend to a level that equates to "friends falling out", those discussions are probably not be carried out on a very appropriate basis in the first place.