Is Teacher Good Fit for Child?

My daughter is entering fourth grade. We just found out who her teacher will be, and it's the one she doesn't like. I have heard horrible stories about this teacher. She yells all the time and embarrasses the kids in front of the class. Other children who have had her wanted to be transferred out. One parent even said she would bring her lawyer next time there was a problem. Is it OK to go to the school and have her switched to another teacher? -- Worried
Answer: It certainly is acceptable to go to the school and request another teacher. You must do this before the school year begins. You need to understand that schools are very reluctant to move students to another teacher unless there is a very good reason. Hearsay about the teacher's personality is definitely not going to be a good reason. Nevertheless, if your daughter has had repeated experiences with this teacher in the past and their personalities clashed so they couldn't work together effectively, the school might decide that there is a valid reason to assign your child to another teacher. This presupposes that there is room in another classroom.
Since it is quite possible that your child might not be able to move out of this teacher's classroom, think carefully about how you will handle this situation. Focus on making it a good year for your daughter. When she comes home, ask her about the good things that have gone on in the classroom -- there will be some every day. Expect her to be very well-behaved in this classroom in order to avoid any personal confrontations with the teacher. And do remember this: Children have to learn to get along with all kinds of people. If you can say positive things about this teacher, your child will have a much better time with her. Don't dwell on the negative.
It is possible that the teacher will react differently to your daughter's class. If there are serious problems, document them and go to the principal with them along with other parents.