‘I’m bothered by Piet, who is single-handedly throwing the whole class upside down’

Image: Unsplash

A teacher tells Kek Mama what she is experiencing. This time: Teacher Lola (28) teaches Piet in group seven.

Thursday night. The ten-minute discussions between parents and teachers take place. I just had the parents of my exemplary student Bella at the table. They think I’m top notch.

Now the parents of Piet come, who think very differently about it. Since the beginning of the year I have been at odds with Piet. He doesn’t cooperate, sets the mood in the class, challenges me. His parents Frans and Martien put the blame for all this on me, as was apparent from our previous conversation. I wouldn’t have the upper hand. I objected indignantly that my predecessors had had as many problems with Piet as I had. The conversation turned into an awkward discussion.

And there they are again, Frans and Martien. They look grim. I try to look relaxed and ask: “How do you think Piet is doing?” Frans plays the ball back. “How do you think it’s going?” “Not so good, still”, I say resignedly. “I wish I could say something else.” Now Frans goes on the attack. “Whose is that, Lola? You’re way too strict with Pete. He says you should always have him. If other children do the same as him, you condone it, he says. That’s why he doesn’t do his best for you.”

Also read – Teacher Brenda: ‘Madelief is waiting for punishment, but she doesn’t get that’ >

The class on stilts

I got shot in the wing. I’m not favoring anyone, I’m sure. The only thing that really bothers me is Piet, who can rock the whole class on his own. I angrily tell the couple about Piet’s stunt this morning. While I was busy with another child, he wrapped himself in the curtain cord by the window, and shouted: “Miss! I’m stuck!” The class was doubled over with laughter, while I peeled Piet from the curtain, very irritated. With difficulty, because he had pulled the rope tight.

Martien starts to chuckle softly. French too. And suddenly I do. While this morning I could not see the humor of the case. The atmosphere in the room changes immediately. Frans and Martien look happy.

“I realize how important it is for parents that the teacher likes their child”

“You like him a bit, don’t you,” says Frans. That touches me. I realize how important it is for parents that the teacher likes their child. I’m sitting here afraid of my own skin. But have I moved in with Frans and Martien? And do I work well with them? It is a trap for teachers to think that they are the experts when it comes to their students. The parents see them more. Shame not to use it.

Team building

“Do you have any tips for me about dealing with Piet?” I ask. Frans says, “Maybe you could show him a little more affection.” “And praise him when he does something right,” says Martien. “He works hard for you at home. And then he gets upset when things go wrong in class. Then he will mutiny.” I think I missed a lot because of my defensive attitude.

The next day I take Piet aside. “Piet, I heard from your parents that you really do your best”, I say. “It will be all right.” Pete looks inquisitive. When he sees from my face that I’m serious, he gently glows. I beam back exuberantly. This is now called team building.

This article appears in Kek Mama 08-2022.

More stories from The Miss? Read the previous episodes here.

With a subscription to Kek Mama you enjoy great benefits:

* Cheaper than in the store

*Read Kek Mama first every month

*Free shipping

Subscribe now and pay only €4.19 per edition.