One Size Doesn't Fit All

Am I being too harsh on Mrs. Meanie? Because I play both roles, teacher and mom, it's hard not to give teachers everywhere the benefit of the doubt. I assume that she believes in her approach, which from my view includes raising her voice (yelling), addressing the group (rarely the individual), requiring "privacy folders" to enforce quiet during work time. From her perspective, I'm sure she's proud of the way she holds students to the highest standard, focuses on grammar in an age that doesn't necessarily value it, and promotes independent work habits. Her methods must be a good fit for some students in her class. One can hear Mrs. Meanie call like a drill sergeant, "Table #3,  go to your lockers!" and little Suzie Q skips out of the room, her smile making dimples in her cheeks. As for my son's response to her style, there isn't any spring to his step, but he still goes to school without complaint and he isn't showing any outward signs of stress. He's been discouraged by the low marks, but he's still motivated to improve his grades. Does he see himself as a writer? Well, no, because writing sentences for spelling and responding to reading comprehension questions does not a writer make. Maybe this whole writing thing is overrated anyway.

I shouldn't judge without looking at myself, too, for I'm certain that my style didn't work for everyone. If she's Mrs. Meanie, then what's my name?