Students Do Not Understand the Teacher – School Brings in Interpreter

Several students at a school in Värmland are having difficulty understanding one of their teachers. The problems reportedly became apparent when the autumn term started in August and are described as so significant that the school now needs the help of an interpreter to try to sort out what is not working.

The local newspaper NWT in Värmland is drawing attention to the issue at an unnamed secondary school in their article. Parents interviewed by the newspaper describe recurring communication problems, both during lessons and in social interactions.

They feel that language misunderstandings make it difficult for the students to benefit from teaching and are concerned that the situation may have long-term impacts on their children’s education and results.

– My child came home and said it doesn’t work, one parent told the newspaper.

According to reports, several guardians and pupils have tried to reach the school principal and the municipality to have the situation investigated. One parent states that several emails have been sent, but it has been difficult to get any response from those responsible. Meanwhile, concern among parents has grown.

– We are several who have concerns about this. We are trying to get in touch with someone and get something done, but we get no response. I know that several have emailed, but there is no reply.

The Principal Admits Problems – Brings in Interpreter

A few weeks ago, the principal sent a message to the affected students and their parents. In it, the principal confirms that the school has received several signals that teaching is not functioning as it should and specifically points to the teacher’s Swedish as part of the problem.

“Those of you receiving this message have a child who is taught by our teacher NN. I have received many signals that neither you as guardians nor the students feel it is working as it should. Mainly due to NN’s Swedish.”

– The Principal

The school also states that it has already discussed the problems with the teacher and that a special meeting will be held with the help of an interpreter. The purpose, according to the principal, is to get a clearer picture of where the problems lie and what needs to be done to make the situation work better.

The principal also writes that additional support measures will be introduced. The municipality, according to the principal, has a responsibility to provide teachers with the support needed for them to do their jobs.

I am fully aware of the problems and am in dialogue with NN about them. We have also scheduled a meeting this week together with an interpreter to be able to thoroughly sort out where the problem lies.

– The Principal

One of the parents reacts to the fact that the school needs to bring in an interpreter to resolve the language problems. The parent believes that the need for an interpreter alone shows how serious the situation is.

The school principal does not want to comment on the matter in the media, referring to the fact that it concerns an individual employee’s personal integrity.