Schools that don't accept specific teacher requests will typically give parents a chance to describe in writing the type of teacher or classroom they want for their child. Parents might say that their child is sensitive and would do better with a nurturing teacher, or that their child needs a teacher who is structured and organized. Parents may want a teacher who focuses strictly on academics, or someone who incorporates other activities into lessons. At some schools, parents can ask that their child not be placed in a class with a combination of grade levels. Sage Canyon Elementary recently sent home forms for such requests, and Swenerton said parents could write anything they would like the school to consider in making placement decisions.
Some parents go to great lengths to assert their influence.
A Seattle newspaper reported that parents of a fifth-grader had their state legislator's office call the school in hopes of influencing the teacher selection. It didn't work. Barbara Morgan, principal of L.R. Green School in Escondido, said parents used to request teachers for the next school year as early as November. And one parent called last year to demand a specific teacher, reminding an assistant principal how much he volunteered. He did not get his wish.