What to Do When the Bully Turns Out to Be a Parent?

Abstract

Emily Poe, an experienced special education teacher with a longstanding history of amiable and collaborative relationships with parents, is encountering difficulty with a parent of one of her students with multiple disabilities. The parent is calling and emailing the teacher relentlessly, often using inappropriate tone and language in her communications. The parent is also threatening legal action against the district if her son is not given the schedule and teacher she requested. The situation is becoming stressful and challenging for Emily. She is unsure of the best way to address the parent's behavior and is highly uneasy dealing with the parent. Emily requests help from her principal, the director of special education, and the assistant superintendent of instruction, but they do not want to get involved and believe the teacher should manage the situation. This case study highlights themes of adult bullying, teacher-parent conflicts, and inadequate administrative support.