2nd grade teachers at Cornell Elementary--Thoughts?
My kiddo will be attending Cornell elementary in the fall as a 2nd grader. I was wondering if anyone knows about the 2nd grade teachers? My kiddo has an IEP & has some behavior challenges in the classroom--I am hoping to advocate for him to be placed next year with an experienced and skilled teacher. I am sure all the teachers are wonderful, but I am hoping to a identify a teacher who will be a good fit. I am looking for someone with excellent classroom management skills, who is grounded, patient with kids with learning disabilities, fun/engaging/dynamic teaching style, deeply empathetic, and not rattled by kids having hard time with emotional regulation. Thank you!!
Feb 12, 2024
Parent Replies
Cornell probably has the most experienced, most forward-thinking, empathetic and knowledgable group of teachers at any local elementary, public or private. You're already doing well! Both my kids recently graduated from Cornell. They had their share of bumps and it wasn't always easy sailing. But with the teachers, you can't really go wrong. Keep in mind that you can't hand-pick your teacher--the teachers try their best to balance classrooms with personalities and everyone's needs. Class sizes are large, so consider getting *into* the classroom and volunteering to stuff Friday folders, or ask the teacher how exactly you can help out during the school day. Try to do the paperwork immediately in August to drive on field trips. Have your co-parent do the volunteer paperwork too. (It's so hard to take time away from work, but our underfunded public schools depend on lot of parent volunteering to run.) Finally, one great way to advocate for your kid is to make friends with other parents. That way when there is an issue on the playground or social problem, you actually know the family, have a phone #, and can work together to repair relationships or agree to give each other a wide berth, etc. I can't tell you the number of times where my kids had a hard time with someone or some rule, and I was able to understand the dynamics, talk with the other parents involved, and actually demonstrate to my young child what it means to get along in a community.