PTO Today

I am on the PTO and a parent of a 6th grader. Although this doesn't really involve the PTO, I am wondering if anybody else has encountered this situation. My daughters' 6th teacher who is single, is pregnant. Oddly enough, she is also the teacher that handles the sex-ed course. As I have recently, had "the talk" with my daughter, explaining that people should wait until marriage for sex, how do I now explain to her that her teacher, someone she respects, is now pregnant?

Her teacher is an adult and can chose what she wants (ie not wait to get married) because she is an adult, you child needs to respect her whether shes married, ugly, disabled, unmarried, pregnant or not becuase she's her EDUCATONAL teacher.

Explain to to her your views but also explain that other people have their own beliefs as well that may contradict yours and we should all still respect them and their beliefs (if she teaches sex-ed so what? Its sex-ed not law, doctrine or dogma)

Her teachers decision is between her, the father, God (or whomever it is) and no one elses business, responsiblitiy or judgement.

Just because she teaches sex-ed and is single and pregnant does that make her less of a person, teacher (than us)or less qualified (to teach, or be respected and treated with dignity)? -- I think not

[ 10-22-2006, 01:38 AM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Here,here Shawn. I posted a similar response on the other thread.

I think Shawn said everything I would have said. People often teach their children THEIR values as being the best, which for them, it is.. the mistake we too often make is to remind ourselves to teach our children tolerance and respect for all people.

Here's another example.. I do not care for bodies covered with tattoos.. I let my girls know that " while it's not for me and I hope they don't make that choice for xy and z reasons", there is nothing wrong with them for the people who like them...

You know, seeing this teacher go through her pregnancy and the emotional and physical changes that go with it, and then seeing the teacher after the birth being tired and stressed may be a great lesson for these students in the reality of becoming a parent. It may be a great opportunity for you as a parent to open discussion with your child about those issues too.

It is hard as a parent to have your child exposed to situations that go against your values and beliefs, but it is unfortunately a reality of life.

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