A retired teacher recently wrote a letter to parents that has garnered widespread attention. Many are applauding her frank and thought-provoking message, particularly the final line. Take a moment to ponder her words: do you agree?
The retired teacher in question is Lisa Roberson. With years of experience in the public school system, she decided to express her thoughts and concerns about the current state of classrooms. While opinions about the education system are common, Lisa’s letter stood out because it came from someone who knows the system intimately.
Amidst ongoing discussions about why American students appear to be falling behind students in other nations, Lisa submitted her letter to her local newspaper. In no uncertain terms, she made her point loud and clear. Lisa believes that the real issue behind failing students lies not with the teachers, but with the parents. It’s a bold statement, but one she firmly stands behind.
“As a retired teacher, I am tired of people who have never set foot in a classroom or have no recent experience deciding how to fix our education system,” Lisa passionately wrote. She then delved into what she believes lies at the heart of the problem. “The teachers are not the problem! Parents are the problem! They are not teaching their children manners, respect, or even basic knowledge of how to get along with others,” she boldly declared.
Lisa continued to shed light on the challenges faced by teachers. “Children come to school wearing shoes that cost more than a teacher’s entire outfit, yet they don’t have a simple pencil or paper. Who provides these basic supplies? Oftentimes, it falls on the teachers themselves,” Lisa expressed her frustration. She followed up with a series of thought-provoking questions that may make some parents uncomfortable.
“When we observe failing schools, let’s look at the parents and students. Are parents attending parent nights? Are they regularly communicating with teachers? Are they ensuring their children are prepared with the necessary supplies? Are they making sure their children do their homework?” Lisa rhetorically asked.
She continued, “Do parents provide working telephone numbers? Do students take notes in class? Do they complete their homework? Do they listen in class or disrupt the learning environment?” Lisa’s line of questioning eventually led to her resolute conclusion: “When we consider these factors, we see that it is not the schools that are failing, but the parents. Teachers cannot do their job and the parents’ job. Until parents step up and fulfill their responsibilities, nothing will improve!”
Now, the truth can be a hard pill to swallow. Lisa’s words might sting, particularly for parents who feel targeted. However, there is an undeniable truth in what she says. A child’s success cannot solely rest on the shoulders of teachers. Parents must actively participate and, most importantly, parent. While teachers can reinforce certain lessons, fundamental manners, respect, and responsibility should be instilled at home.
It is vital to recognize that teachers are there to educate children in reading, writing, and math, among other subjects. However, effective learning cannot take place if children don’t know how to behave appropriately. Tough as it may be, when a child is struggling academically, before pointing fingers elsewhere, parents should first reflect on their own role in their child’s education. After all, parents are a child’s first teachers.
So, let us consider Lisa Roberson’s letter as a valuable perspective that invites reflection and encourages a renewed focus on the essential partnership between parents and teachers.
