One Who Knows Better
Teacher In Complaint
Apr 09 2009, 08:11:41 PM

Truthfully, while sites such as this and others try to come across as innocuous and “serving public interest” for the popular internet culture, they are sophomoric attempts for people to rant anonymously about people who, for the most part, don’t care about “ratings” on the internet. While “good comments” may be a true sign of a student or parent’s appreciation for hard work and dedication, they are on par with people who blame, scold or vent their feelings about teachers or administrators with whom they disagree. A teacher’s worth is not measured by a rating on a web page. In addition, a teacher who cares about their students will never allow themselves to become concerned with accolades or lambasting. Furthermore, people who spend their time anonymously “rating” teachers online should find a more productive hobby that betters mankind in general. Sites such as this are utilized by individuals who crave gossip, vindication or power in the form of (what they perceive to be) clarification. The best rating for a teacher is the student in June. If they have grown and developed into a stronger individual, then the teacher has done their job. That’s all that matters. Anonymous ratings, good or bad mean nothing.

A Parent
A Parent
Apr 10 2009, 03:25:00 AM

As a parent, I can respect your reply. At least you didn't get into the gossip as most... but handled "a complaint" in a professional way... That says a lot about how you handle things as a teacher as well.

Former Student
A Student
Jan 13 2010, 05:09:04 AM

As a former student of Mr. Heitmann, I must say his teaching style is far different from the norm, however I must add that it worked. My 7th grade year with Mr. Heitmann was unforgettable, A part of the person I am today owes a great debt of gratitude to his teaching ability and understanding of student needs.

Fromer
A Student
Jun 13 2011, 09:08:10 PM

This is pathetic to see these people attack such an amazing teacher! He is by far one of the best teachers in the country, and who are you to say not. You should find something better to do with your time by picking apart someones style that you could never emulate. It is utterly disgusting to see such a sophomoric attitude. You have a problem work it out, don't hide on the internet. Find something better to do, he has done such marvelous things. You really need to think is Mr. Heitmann a bad teacher? or do you have a low self esteem? Just because you didn't get an easy grade pass doesn't mean anything. There is a strong difference from minor opinions from anonymous uneducated people than from true catalysts who make a difference!

George Hess
A Student
Jan 29 2012, 04:41:00 PM

I am a former student of this teacher and I must agree with one of the above posters. Mr. Heitmann's teaching methods were always interesting and helped you to understand the material in a way few other teachers have ever been able to do.

Anything negative about him or his methods is more than likely someone who has either never actually been in his class or someone who seems to always have a gripe with teachers in general.

Either way, this website is a prime example of one of the founding rules of the internet. Take a decent human being and grant him anonymity and an audience. You will quickly find that they will generally create falsified dialog about people who have done great things.

Mr. H, if you ever come across this ridiculous accusation, remember that the internet fuels the ignorant with anonymity and ears who will typically judge with no evidence. Never allow them to change you from your path as a teacher!

George Hess
A Student
Jan 29 2012, 05:04:12 PM

As a side note, the map is wrong. Lake Riviera Middle School is in Brick, NJ of Ocean County. Ocean, NJ is near Asbury Park. Before you rant about a teacher, consult with one of your teachers and ask for help finding the town you live in on a map and what it is called.

I would normally think that you were a result of the No Child Left Behind Act, but judging by the date, you came along before that time. In that respect, you did have some teachers that may not have been able to address your issues properly.

Were each student that passes through any school to have even one teacher like Mr. Heitmann, they would be more educated, and better persons in general for it.

I know this might sound like an attack, and I am probably degrading myself, by snapping back like this, but it is people like this original poster who bring out the worst in me and for my response, I must apologize to my former English teacher who would never have wanted me to use my vocabulary in such a way.