Education is widely recognized as crucial, especially for young people. However, the current state of the education system leaves much to be desired.
Teachers, who have a significant role in shaping the future generation, often find themselves overwhelmed and underpaid. Many are enthusiastic about educating young minds, yet a growing number end up disillusioned and burned out. While there are numerous factors contributing to teacher burnout, a retired teacher’s opinion piece published in 2017 has struck a chord with many struggling educators. The piece, titled “Parents are the Problem”, has gone viral, sparking debates about who bears responsibility for the challenges in our education system.
In the article published in the Augusta Chronicle, Lisa Roberson, a retired teacher, voices her frustration with people who lack firsthand knowledge of public schools or who haven’t set foot in a classroom in years, yet feel entitled to provide solutions for the education system. Roberson argues that teachers are not the problem; instead, it is the parents. She highlights the lack of preparation parents provide their children with before coming to school. Basic manners, respect, and social skills are often missing, while extravagant material possessions take precedence over essential school supplies. Teachers are left to fill this gap by providing necessary materials out of their own pockets. Roberson challenges parents, questioning their level of engagement with their children’s education. Do they attend parent nights? Do they communicate regularly with teachers? Are they responsible for ensuring their children bring required supplies and complete their homework? Roberson concludes that until parents step up and fulfill their role, nothing will improve. These sentiments have struck a chord with many educators, particularly in light of the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
In a perfect world, teachers and parents would collaborate seamlessly, working together to give children a well-rounded education. However, the real world is far from ideal, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Lockdowns forced parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s education. Yet, it also ignited numerous debates on controversial topics such as vaccinations, gender identity, race theory, school closings, and masks. These debates have caused divisions and further complicated the already intricate parent-teacher relationship.
Despite these challenges, educators and parents share the same ultimate goal: to provide children with a solid education that equips them for the future. Teachers must find innovative ways to connect with and motivate their students, imparting valuable knowledge along the way. On the other hand, parents play a vital role in preparing their children for optimal learning before they even step foot in the classroom. Teaching them basic skills such as following rules, completing assignments, and being punctual is part of this crucial preparation.
However, there are cases where parents may face obstacles that prevent them from being as involved in their children’s education as they would like. Conversely, overbearing parenting can be just as detrimental, if not more so. Ghost parenting, where parents are absent or uninvolved, can negatively impact students. Conversely, helicopter parenting, where parents excessively intervene to shield their children from disappointment, can hinder a child’s ability to solve their own problems.
The parent-teacher dynamic has never been more challenging to manage. The pandemic had a significant impact on students’ academic progress, with many falling behind their peers. The widespread shortage of teachers has amplified the fatigue and burnout experienced by those who remain in the classroom. Moreover, children’s behaviors have worsened since the pandemic, rendering pre-pandemic routines and techniques ineffective. The disruptions caused by the pandemic extended beyond school closures, affecting daily routines at home and impacting young minds’ ability to comprehend the changes.
Perhaps both parents and educators can agree on the need for schools to adapt to the times. The modern world presents unique challenges that curricula and schedules have yet to address adequately. It is crucial for schools to address issues of inequity, teach life skills, integrate technology, and adapt to the changing demands of the contemporary world. Efforts are underway to modernize curricula, personalize learning, leverage technology, and shift away from the emphasis on standardized testing. These changes aim to align K-12 education with the evolving needs of society.
In the meantime, parents and teachers must work together to optimize children’s education. Establishing a strong partnership is essential in holding students accountable for their behavior. Teachers should actively involve parents, sharing effective strategies such as calming corners, breathing techniques, and opportunities for students to correct their behavior. Building positive relationships between teachers and students, ensuring students feel safe and cared for, greatly reduces behavioral issues in the classroom.
Ultimately, the importance of education cannot be understated. By recognizing the shared goal of providing students with a quality education and fostering a collaborative parent-teacher relationship, we can work towards meaningful reform and ensure the success of future generations.
