I think it really falls into the hands of each individual teacher. A child may fail at adequately mastering a new skill BUT that is an opportunity for both the teacher and the student to take a closer look at where the troubles are and make corrections. A child who fails an exam and is shown where mistakes were made WITHOUT CONDESCENDING COMMENTS will be just fine. Sure they are going to feel bad that they didn't understand something, that's just human nature...but when that same child, who is already feeling bad faces embarrassment and nasty comments from the teacher....this is where the self esteem takes a nose dive.

I am a preservice teacher who has spent over 10 years as a social worker in the schools...I have seen it both ways. Those teachers who feel it is necessary to belittle a child have no business in the classroom. I disagree with Beattie and I also disagree with Shakey's comment about being a teacher....inferring that those of us who chose to teach do so because we "can't." I would encourage anyone who thinks that the comment, "Those who can't, teach." to spend some time in their local community schools to observe teachers at work, what they have to work with, the lack of support that they receive, the standards they must meet along with many other pressures. That kind of remark shows a HUGE disrespect for folks who spend their lives devoted to teaching the children of the world.

Michelle