Error in teacher rec states S is "contentious", not "conscientious" -- now what?

Ampersand7
Fri, 20 Oct 2006 12:51:09 +0000

I have a dilemma about a teacher recommendation. It was written by a science teacher who is known at our school for being a bit dyslexic and mixing up the letters in her words. She wrote a wonderful letter about S, saying that he “is a very serious student” whose work in class “has always been exceptional”, and that she respects S’s “talents, kindnesses and the quality of everything he does”. Unfortunately, she also wrote that she finds S to be “very CONTENTIOUS and hard working”. I think she meant to write “conscientious”, but misspelled it, and when the spell-checker offered suggestions, she chose the wrong one.

The letter was returned to S in a sealed envelope, with teacher’s signature across the flap. S had signed the waiver regarding knowing the contents of rec letters, but I, as the curious parent, held the letter up to the window and was able to read snippets of the letter through the envelope. (I know, I know… I hang my head in shame…)
Now what do I do? Send the letter, as is, to 4 colleges who will think that teacher finds S to be contentious (when he’s not)? Or do I admit to teacher that I peaked through the envelope and ask if she really meant that choice of word to describe S?
I am so embarrassed, but don’t want to jeopardize S’s chances by having colleges think S is quarrelsome or belligerent, as the word contentious connotes.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.