TESthink, educate, share

Dual role - parent and teacher!

Avatar

TES Behaviour - Forum

Join the TES Behaviour Group and get advice on how to deal with your behaviour and classroom management problems. We’ve got the TES Behaviour adviser Tom Bennett on hand to answer your questions.

Members 3076 Total Posts 11209

Dual role - parent and teacher!

  • post reply
    I have come to teaching late in life and am starting my first year of teaching in September, by coincidence, at the school where my son will be also starting in year 7!

    I am trying to think through all the potential pitfalls and pros and cons of this situation and would love to hear from anyone who has taught in the school where they have had kids. I have been promised that I won't be timetabled to teach him next year! Hopefully that'll really happen!

    So far I've thought of:
    Being VERY careful how I offload to my partner after a day at school, so my son's ears don't flap.
    Risks and tact involved if, as a parent, I need to discuss something about my son with one of his teachers.
    Learning not to bristle if a colleague whinges about a year group / class which my son is in
    Encouraging him to keep quiet that I'm his mum as I don't want him to be singled out in that way
    Potential for me being embarrassed if his behaviour is not good (unlikely but you never know), particularly in my subject.

    I will be seeking out other parent / teachers in the school - I'm told there are some - and try and get their take on it too... but it would be really helpful to know what has helped others in the same situation.
    Posted
    Please join this group to replyReply
  • post reply

     I've taught both my children (as a supply teacher).  My wife works at their school.  everyone knows who's related to whom - no point trying to hide it.

    Our rule has always been that I'm the "parent" for all communication. No behaviour/homeworketc. issues are to be discussed in school and if any teacher tries, they're reminded to phone me after work.

    Pupils may talk to your son about you being strict (or whatever) - I'd suggest that you give him a script to the effect that 'you're just doing a job, nothing to do with him, if you have a problem take it to someone else' - and stick to that script; otherwise you risk him being pulled into situations unfairly.

    Posted
    Please join this group to replyReply