the most important thing a parent can do is make the effort to keep regular contact with the teacher and develop a relationship with their childs teacher.
You've hit the nail on the head there, Joy. I think sometimes teachers get a reputation just from one incident that was either dealt with poorly (by either party or by both) and are never forgiven!
By the same token, it's also important for teachers to create a welcoming environment for parents so that they feel comfortable building a relationship.

In my short experience, I have dealt with some pretty great parents that have not only given me the benefit of the doubt, but have sought my advice and allowed me to either correct any mistakes I have made or explain the situation. On the whole, I have felt that my teaching methods have been well received. I have, however, experienced the flip-side (to a degree) and have witnessed some pretty rotten things happen to my collegues. It can leave you a little disillusioned.

I can't say that I dislike teaching boys more than I like teaching boys but it has been my experience that the majority of "trouble-makers" in the school are, in fact, boys. I believe it's because of the way our curriculum is structured. It doesn't always suit some personalities. I imagine it's very hard for someone who has a stack of energy and more interest in other areas (such as sport or hands-on activities) to sit still and be quiet for most of the day. I know many teachers try to cater to these personalities as much as possible but it's really hard when you have almost 30 different ones to cater to.

I really think perhaps this issue of female teachers not liking boys has stemmed from some "general" comments. We're all guilty of making sweeping statements... right or wrong, I am thinking this is perhaps one of them?
It's very frustrating as a female teacher to not be able to get a male student to produce work that you know they are capable of, yet your male counterparts can do it with very little effort just because they are male. Unfortunately there are some boys out there that are taught (either consciously or unconciously) that females are second-class citizens and should not be respected as much as males. In saying this, that probably only applies to 2 or 3 boys per class. The majority of boys that I have taught have been a joy to teach.

I have heard of schools that have tried to take the bull by the horns (so to speak) because they have had a real issue with several boys in their school. I know of one school that had a grade 6 class made up entirely of boys (most of which had built up quite a reputation). They were given a strong, experienced, male teacher and the curriculum was changed to suit a more hands-on approach. They were taught the same things as the other classes (which remained co-ed) but in a different way that kept them engaged. Apparently it was a success and the level of detentions, suspensions and incidences with other students and staff dropped dramatically.
Obviously this was a case where such dramatic measures had to be taken but it does make me wonder if the way our schools are structured needs a big shake-up??