Back to Teacher FeatureI am hoping many parents are reading this and realize that teachers are people also. I wish parents would stop undermining the system. They make too many demands that can't be met. I have heard of countless lawsuits over all kinds of things. The system wasn't designed to meet the needs of each and every child perfectly. Life isn't fair and we do the best we can. Society tries to meet the needs of the masses as do the school systems.
This is very long but I have to say this-
1.Parents- please don't show up unannounced in the mornings all the time. I am getting ready for the day and need to use the restroom. I can't leave when students are in the room. Also, don't barge in when students are in the room and expect me to have an extensive conversation with you. I need to watch my students and besides we need privacy to discuss these matters. I don't show up at your work place unannounced so please have the same courtesy towards me. If it is something quick or if it is an emergency, I would be happy to speak to you. It just can't be a habit.
2. The same for the telephone... I can't have extensive conversations with you since I have students to teach and supervise.
3. Be on time for parent conferences. My time(as well as my students) is as valuable as yours. Schools run on a schedule which can't easily be rearranged.
4. Stop making excuses for your child or telling me you can't believe that is what he or she did. I don't have the time or energy to make up any of what I am telling you. It is hurting your child a great deal by you not correcting the behavior. He or she may think you don't even care.
5. If you are able, please donate to your child's class. Stop waiting for other kids' parents to donate.
6. Stop thinking we enjoy retaining kids.. we don't. It hurts us a great deal. We want all of our kids to excel.
7. Before you blame us for all the ills of the world take a good hard look at what's going on at your house. Are you being a good role model? Are you making sure your child is attending school each day? Are you sticking to a behavior plan for your child even though it is hard on you? It is hard for me as a teacher to stick to plans, but I do it for your child. It is my job just as it is yours.
8. Do you thank your child's teacher? A nice note means so much to us. We work so many extra hours to make school a wonderful place to be and learn.
9. When your child's teacher tells you your child needs extra help do you gripe or tell us you don't have time? This is your child we are talking about. I know you may work two jobs but find 15 minutes to spend quality time with them. I will work with your child but I need your help.
10. Try to attend events at school. You have no idea how much it truly means to your child. It may be hard to come but try. 11. Remember that there are school rules that everyone (including parents) must follow. Don't think you are above them. If you feel they are wrong, discuss it with us.
12. Teachers may have reasons for doing a certain thing. Believe me we have thought of every possible solution to the problem. Please discuss it with us first so we can explain. 13. Please don't bad mouth us in front of your child. Listen to your child and then talk to us. When you say bad things in front of your child, it undermines our authority. Give us a chance to explain.
Now, before you all think that I am a terrible teacher this is not true. I have seen so many things go on and happen to so many good teachers. Some good teachers are leaving the profession as we have to do more and more paperwork to prove ours, instead of doing what we love to do- teach. Actually, I always get several kind notes from parents thanking me for the wonderful job I do. I am proud of being a teacher and helping children be successful. It gives me so much joy. It is more than a job to us, but parents we need your help, respect, and support.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
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