Think back to the best teacher you ever had-the one who inspired you and made you feel confident. For me, it was my fourth grade teacher, Mr. D. Not only did he make my least favorite subjects-science and math-exciting and interesting, he also made me laugh and feel good about myself. He encouraged teamwork, recognizing it as one of the most important life skills. This is not to say that all my teachers before and after Mr. D weren't good-some were great-but for me, Mr. D. was a perfect match for my learning needs at that time.

It is important for us as parents to recognize that just as we had both stellar teachers and ones that were just okay, so will our kids. And, just because a teacher is not a perfect match for your child, the year is not a lost cause. Dr. Elaine Kanas, principal of Siwanoy Elementary in Pelham, New York, and Stephen Perepeluk, a former principal at East Hartford-Glastonbury Magnet School in Connecticut, share strategies for working with the teacher, the principal, and your child to ensure the year is a successful one.

1. Maintain a positive attitude.
   It is important that your child perceives the teacher as a smart and competent person of authority. Do NOT let your child know that you're feeling negative about the teacher—you'll risk having your child lose respect.

2. Watch and listen.
   Assess the situation before you take action. If you've heard negative things about the teacher, but haven't experienced any problems, don't jump to conclusions. Every situation is unique. If your child has complaints against the teacher, be sure they're legitimate. Sometimes children want to be moved to a class with friends. Finally, the start of the school year can be difficult for younger children. If you immediately make a big deal, it sends the wrong message to your child.

3. Meet with the teacher.
   Share your concerns with the teacher. Get his perspective on what's happening. Discuss ideas you might have to make your child's situation better. If you feel the teacher isn't challenging your child, discuss ways to extend learning. Or, if the work is too challenging, discuss ways to adjust it to your child's level.

4. Meet with the principal.
   If after you've met with the teacher, the situation is not improving, meet with the principal. You may even suggest that the three of you—principal, teacher and parent—get together. Share your concerns, but don't make it a personal attack. The principal may be able to reassure you that the teacher is qualified and competent by explaining the teacher's methodologies to you so you understand them better.

5. Switch class as a last resort.
   Except in the most extreme situations, schools will not switch a child into another class. Not only is it disruptive to the child's education, potentially it may make the child feel like a failure. Further, we should be modeling for our children how to work out problems, not abandon them.

How can you make next year a better one? Before school begins, meet with your child's new teacher. This is a great way to get to know her and understand how she runs the classroom. The more you communicate, the more positive an experience everyone will have.