OK time for major celebration. Jeff won. If you aren’t aware of that recent thread, read these posts before reading on:
https://benslavic.com/blog/2012/11/09/jgr-and-parents/ https://benslavic.com/blog/2012/11/10/jgr-and-parents-2/
Here is the wonderful report of great growth done by more than one person in this compelling situation that happened over the past few months in Cincinnati. Reading it, we can see that Jeff looked the tiger in the eye and lived to tell about it, teaching the tiger one or two things in the process:
Ben,
Thank you so much for the help. I had follow up meetings with the parents. I was able to neutralize them while also getting the principal on my side. I showed her some of the ACTFL documents and she was immediately on board. Admin re-education definitely vital to our jobs.
Parents were still complaining that it was too subjective, but it didn’t matter as my principal defended me. Yes! I made some improvements in the way I am doing things and this kind of growth has been good if somewhat painful, but…
Ironically, I got an email two days ago from another parent who was so pleased with me as her son’s teacher. She has been so impressed by what he is learning and though was skeptical at first, is now a believer. Winning over parents one at a time. Results don’t lie.
Thank you!
You are doing an amazing thing with this blog. It is truly a godsend.
All the best,
Jeff
And Jeff also included that letter he got from the parent:
Mr. Brickler,
I wanted to take just a few moments to say Thank You. I have only met you at parent night, and while your teaching design was different, it has really shown how this particular way of teaching has allowed Trevor to grow in Latin and I see how his love for the language has grown in a few short months.
While I admit I wanted him to learn Spanish I only felt that way because I am familiar with the language and honestly I thought I could help him with the language. After 3 years in HS and 2 in college I still only recently got more fluent due to hearing it and speaking it with my patients.
I think your way of teaching is brilliant and I am eager to continue to watch T. grow in this area.
Thank you again for teaching your love of the language by speaking and teaching it.
God bless,
G. A.
And then another email came from a parent, and below it is Jeff’s response:
Jeff,
I just know from being a teacher myself at MSJ how most of the times when a parent contacts you it is to complain. I wanted to just let you know what a great job you are doing from one teacher to another and how much growth I see in him from your caring so much about the language and the students. Thank you for that.
G. A.
And Jeff gallantly replied:
Thank you so much for this email. I really needed it this last week or so. I am so happy that he is enjoying it. I understand how you wanted to help him with Spanish. That makes sense for a parent.
I hope that he continues to enjoy it. He is doing so well!
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