Parents come from many different backgrounds, but stubborn stereotypes still tend to show themselves in academic settings.

When one electrician faced patronizing remarks from his daughter’s teacher, his response sparked a tense exchange that made everyone uncomfortable.

Read on for the full story.

AITA for calling out my kid’s teacher for talking down to me?

I was at my daughter’s teacher conference. I was still wearing my work clothes (I am an electrician, and the uniform is somewhat dirty).

The teacher started talking to me in a baby voice using very simple words and speaking slowly.

“Your daughter needs help with her MATH homework. Do you know what fractions ARE?”

This dad decidedly did, and he decided to make an example out of this teacher.

I have accrued 60 college credits and I read all the time, but I guess since I fit the blue-collar mold I must be stupid.

I kept my cool, though, and asked her if she always assumed the level of intelligence of parents based on what clothes we wear.

Embarrassed, the teacher tried to backtrack, but it was already too late.

She started getting defensive like she was “only trying to be helpful” and “didn’t mean anything by it.”

I told her that in the future I would rather she talk to me like a normal person.

His reaction drew some controversy from his wife.

Now my wife thinks I made the teacher look bad for no reason, and I should have let it go because she “meant well.”

I feel like that was pretty disrespectful, though.

AITA?

Let’s hope this teacher learned a valuable lesson about not making assumptions.

What did Reddit have to say?

This teacher definitely didn’t need any help in looking bad.

You know what they say about assumptions.

It’s clear this teacher doesn’t have a great understanding of what electricians actually do.

This commenter would have gone lethal with their response.

He walked out prouder than ever, both of his career and his ability to stick up for himself.

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.