'So unprofessional': I overheard school teachers gossiping about my 8yo

"I confronted them and their response was shocking," the furious mum wrote. 

Image: IStock

A mum has asked for advice in an online forum after she confronted her child's school teacher after hearing him gossip about her son. 

The mum was volunteering at the school uniform shop when she overheard a group of teachers speaking about their students...

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Image: IStock

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"I wasn't even angry, I was just really sad"

The OP's son is neurodivergent and has been working closely with a school liaison and Occupational Therapist during Year Two.

In her post, the mum explains that she was nervous about him starting Year Three, as it's in a different building with different teachers and liaisons. 

One of his old teachers, Mr Sherman, was nearby gossiping with staff, warning them about some of the kids coming into their grade.

He said, "Good luck with my child this year. He’s always getting into something and doesn’t know how to shut up or listen. I’m glad I don’t have to deal with him this year."

The mum explained: "Another parent volunteer also heard this and we made eye contact. As we were cleaning up, she pulled me aside and told me that she knows I must be angry and I have every right to be and that if I wanted to confront him she would support me."

With her backing, the mum walked over to Mr Sherman and confronted him. 

"I told him who I was and that I didn’t appreciate his comments. I told him that my kid and the other children they were gossiping about are trying their best and that it was unfair that when these staff members meet my child, they will think of what he told them and that’s not fair. 

"He’s eight years old and adults are gossiping about him - it just isn’t right. Mr. Sherman completely backtracked and tried to say he was just kidding. I told him I didn’t need to hear any excuses."

She added: "I’m not a very confrontational person and I don’t like to cause waves. The truth is I wasn’t angry at that moment, I was just really sad.

"My kid has been looking forward to going back to school. The thought of him being treated badly before he even gets to make an impression is heartbreaking."

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"He should not be working around children"

The mum then asked the forum for advice - was she overreacting? Should she let it go? Is the damage already done?

"I would bring it up to the principal," one person said. "The principal can address this problem with the entire staff. It would also be good for admin to know that there is already an unfair target on your kid's back, in case there are other incidents in the future."

"This is so incredibly unfair and unprofessional for the children," someone else pointed out. "Those comments were way out of line."

"This goes beyond venting and it is absolutely not okay," said a third. 

"No way! That is so mean what they said… especially about children who obviously need help/accommodations. Some of these kids probably have enough to deal with without ADULTS acting this way," concluded a fourth. 

Then a teacher weighed in: "As a teacher, the tone isn't right. I complain about my students plenty, but I like them and care about their wellbeing. This person doesn't even sound like they like them at all. A kid being really annoying doesn't keep them from being delightful. I would be mortified if a parent overheard me talking about their child, but it wouldn't sound like THAT."

And another said: "This guy should not be working around children. My wife is a teacher and doesn't even talk about her students like that to me at home, where zero people could overhear and where her audience (me) is about as sympathetic as possible. She has compassion for even her "worst" students."

Originally published as 'So unprofessional': I overheard school teachers gossiping about my 8yo