Updated Saturday:
Thank you everyone for all your great comments. There are so many different opinions about it. They've helped me look at this is so many different ways I wouldn't have thought of, so thank you all!
I will let you know that the teacher and I have spoken. She is young and fairly new to teaching. And, this is her first year doing it virtually. She brought up the fact that she hadn't addressed this issue with her pupils before this email went out, and she acknowledged that as junior highers (and alot of first time virtual students) they probably were clueless as to how to leave a proper message. Seriously? I work with our kids constantly to remember how to talk on the phone. It's really more than just a serious of grunting. Seriously.
That said, she had intended this to be light and funny, but having had a colleague read it after she sent it, the colleague had mentioned some of the samt things that had concerned us. Without the benefit of a face to face relationship, sometimes things in writing can be misconstrued.
I found her to be delightful to talk to, and think she is just growing as both a teacher, and someone in a completely enclosed environment. We talked at great length about the struggles of working from home (for the last several years, I've worked from home managing hundreds that work from home all over the country) and we shared the frustration that is can bring.
So, all in all, there is a kinship and desire to work together which I think will be a great thing for everyone involved.
Next time, I will remember to heed my own council (slap to the forehead) and take a minute to remember this and try to see all sides.
Nice lesson. Thanks for helping me though it!
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As you know, Jonathan and Kati both homeschool. This year we have chosen to enroll them in virtual academies where they have teachers assigned for each subject. There is no face to face contact; everything is done through email or live lessons. These are virtual lessons where they log on a website and communicate with a headphone/microphone.
That being said, we received this email from one of Jonathan's teachers today (names have been removed for privacy). Understand this is being addressed to 12-14 year olds (although frankly, I don't think it matters):
Hello MS Students,
Ihave a couple of short stories I would like to share with you today.
1st story:
Last week, I received a call from a student who did not leave a name but wanted me to call and help with math. Today I received a call from a student who left a name saying that I had not called back regarding a message they left last week. I wonder if it is the same kid.
Moral of the story: Tell me who you are so I can call you back.
2nd story:
Today I received a call from a student who left a first name and needed help with math. I have many students with the same first name and three different math classes. I would love to call you back, but I would have to call several students to figure out who you are. Maybe next week, you will call me to tell me I never called you back. Don't forget to leave your last name too.
Moral of the story: It helps if I know who you are and what math class you are in so I can call you back.
3rd story:
I had a student call me when I was in a livelesson to get help with math and another student called me 20 minutes before my next livelesson. Livelessons are every day except Fridays and there are two on Tuesdays, wednesdays, and Thursday. Today is Thursday, come to a livelesson if you have questions.
Moral of the story: If you have a math question, come to a livelesson.
I hope you enjoyed today's story time and learned some valuable lessons.
What I'm wondering is - how did this make you feel as parent? Was the manner in which the issue was communicated proper? is this was delivered face to face to your child, in front of you, how would you feel?
Seriously, let me know what you think. I'm open to all thoughts and opinions.Don't. Hold. Back.
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