Comments on: 8 Ways To Eliminate Parent Complaints Forever

By: Michael Linsin

Michael Linsin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:22:33 +0000

Hi Nefertari,

I don’t, but I’ll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion!

Michael

By: Nefertari

Nefertari — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:21:12 +0000

Hello. Do you offer online courses for SBCEU’s? This would make an excellent class for ongoing teacher professional development.

By: Michael Linsin

Michael Linsin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:15:16 +0000

Hi Suzanne,

Excellent point!

Michael

By: Suzanne S.

Suzanne S. — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:21:24 +0000

I am a parent and would like to add an additional suggestion: proofread the written material you send home. If you aren’t confident in your writing skills, and even if you are, it would be a good idea to ask for proofreading help from someone who writes better than you do.

I came across this website because I have complaints about my child’s ninth grade English teacher. Sloppy writing makes a person appear to have sloppy thinking, and that is certainly not the impression you want to make on the parents of your students.

By: Michael Linsin

Michael Linsin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:37:04 +0000

Hi Trinh,

Assuming that the complaints are classroom management-related, I have two bits of advice.

1. Stick to the classroom management plan you had parents sign off on in the beginning of the year. (If you haven’t done this, do it now.)

2. Be respectful to your students. Don’t argue, scold, yell, lecture, finger wag, use sarcasm, or react emotionally to misbehavior.

By focusing on these two, you’ll gain confidence and rarely if ever receive a complaint.

Michael

By: Trinh Nguyen

Trinh Nguyen — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:06:53 +0000

Hi Michael,
I found your articles are very helpful. Thanks for posting them. This is my third year teaching first grade in a private school. I need your advice on what to do in term of regaining my self confidence, image, and reputation when parents complaint about me to my principal. Could you help me? Thank you for your time.

By: Michael Linsin

Michael Linsin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:03:01 +0000

Hi Meredith,

I agree with you. I wouldn’t feel comfortable carrying that out as a teacher at all. I’d tell the student that you’re satisfied that the parent knows about the behavior, then leave it at that. Also, I personally wouldn’t be comfortable using extra running/walking as a consequence. It could be construed by some as physical (corporal) punishment and thus is something I would avoid. Besides, there are other more effective choices for a consequence.

Michael

By: Meredith

Meredith — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:04:42 +0000

Hi Michael,
I love reading your posts, and find many of your suggestions perfect for my classroom! Recently, a student received a note home as his consequence (after a warning & time away). This student is talkative, and in the note the rule that was broken was stated, as well as a note saying he would have alternate physical activity at recess until the note was signed and sent back. The student returned the next day saying that his parent is not going to sign the letter for 2 weeks to teach his child a lesson. I find this harsh, and wanted to know your opinion. On one hand, how can I go back on the rule, on the other, 2 weeks of walking or running at recess is a lot!
Thanks for your advice.

By: Michael Linsin

Michael Linsin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:10:49 +0000

Hi Elaine,

I’m going to write about this topic in the near future. A few sentences wouldn’t do it justice. However, quickly, I recommend discouraging the use of email, setting office hours, and being brief, direct, and ultra professional.

Michael

By: Elaine

Elaine — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:19:34 +0000

Hi Michael,
I’m so glad I found your website. You have addressed so many questions and concerns of mine in your articles. As I embark on my 13th year of teaching, I plan to utilize your strategies in my classroom. One question, though. How do you handle “helicopter parents” who e-mail or phone daily for an update on their child? Thanks for your advice.