This is the time of the year when I start getting asked, "Can I pick my child's teacher for next year?" The short answer is, no. Now for the long answer:
We take a lot of time.....I mean a lot of time in creating class lists for the next school year. The process starts with the grade level teachers formally meeting and discussing each child's strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits. They decide which students work well together and which ones do not. Based on the information, they create a tentative class list for the next year. These lists then come to me. I look at the make-up of each list, any notes submitted by the teachers, and the staff available for the next year. I move kids around based on information I have and then assign a teacher to a list. As you can see, kids are not just randomly placed with teachers. While we are not perfect, we do try our best to make good student/classroom selections.
Now, for more of the long answer. Yes, you can request a teacher if you feel it is absolutely necessary. I require the request to be in writing with an explanation of why. (I sometimes get a written request that states the child wants to pick their teacher. Sorry, those are not accepted.) I can't guarantee the request will be honored, but I can guarantee it will be read and considered. Often, I will contact the parent who made the request for more information.
Jesup Elementary has great teachers! Everyone wants your child to have a good relationship with his/her teacher and everyone wants to do their best to meet the needs of all students. Even if your teacher request is not honored, please know that a process was followed and we truly did place your child where we thought he/she should be.
