Trying to get that WELL LOVED teacher next year?

It's the end of the school year and you and your student have an eye on that fun, popular teacher for next school year... What do you do?

Your school may say that they do not accept teacher requests, and while I would agree that it is inconvenient and hard to accommodate requests from the administrative viewpoint, I say that if you have a real "concern" or "need", vocalize it prior to class placements.  So for those of you that have asked, YES file your teacher request! 

Here are a few things to DO:
- Discuss your student's personality and how that aligns with the teacher you are requesting. (Shy: needs to come out of their shell, Rambunctious: Needs structure? etc...)
- Mention learning styles or individual needs. 
- Mention emotional support if applicable. (Parents going through divorce and child feels comfortable with particular teaching because a sibling had them or they interact with them on campus and feel secure around that teacher, etc...)
- If you like what you have seen, vocalize it! (Teacher requested worked with an older sibling, and you saw how well they benefited from them, you have volunteered in the teacher's classroom before and you like how they have developed positive relationships with the students, or have created an exciting classroom atmosphere, where students are excited about learning, etc...)

Here are a few things NOT to do:

- Mention how the teacher is popular on campus, how kids seem excited to see the teacher, teacher reinforces with candy or toys, etc... If so, you will sound uneducated and ill informed, and your request will likely go unrecognized! 

Provide concrete examples and really dig into how the requested teacher will have a positive influence on your child and their education.

Personal Note: I did not request a teacher when my daughter went into first grade and I am not requesting a particular teacher for next year either.  Why? Even though I am regularly at the school volunteering, I haven't felt as though I could make an educated choice as to who would best fit my child.  So I have left it in the hands of the teachers and administrators, and have been pleased with the results.  It is also what you make of it!

Lastly, do not discuss recommendations with your student.  It will create negativity if they know and do not get placed in the classroom requested.  Take it for what it is, and make the most of your school year, regardless of who you get!