From teachers to parents...

Teacher Ron Clark is pictured with his students.

So I came across this article on Facebook that a friend of mine had posted who is also a teacher.  As soon as I read it, I was like, finally someone has said what we have been thinking all along!!!  Now, don't get me wrong, I have been very fortunate to have some amazing parents through my 7 years of teaching, but there are times where you can definitely feel like you are being held back or can't even do your job because you are at a loss with how to deal with/get through to a parent.

What stands out most from this article is this, "For starters, we are educators, not nannies. We are educated professionals who work with kids every day and often see your child in a different light than you do. If we give you advice, don't fight it. Take it, and digest it in the same way you would consider advice from a doctor or lawyer. I have become used to some parents who just don't want to hear anything negative about their child, but sometimes if you're willing to take early warning advice to heart, it can help you head off an issue that could become much greater in the future."

Also in the article it goes on to discuss the topic of parents who are easy to assume what their child is saying is the complete truth and jumping to assumptions before actually finding out the situation.  As a parent, I understand how easy it can be for this to happen, but at the same time, as the adult you have to learn when to act responsibly and find out the real underlying story.  Children are exactly that, children.  They know how to stretch the truth, and they are also very smart and know how to manipulate their parents.  This has always been my biggest struggle as a teacher.  Parents who are quick to believe everything their child tells them, no matter how outlandish it is, and come storming at me without even trying to find out the truth.  In the article he says, "If your child said something happened in the classroom that concerns you, ask to meet with the teacher and approach the situation by saying, 'I wanted to let you know something my child said took place in your class, because I know that children can exaggerate and that there are always two sides to every story. I was hoping you could shed some light for me.' If you aren't happy with the result, then take your concerns to the principal, but above all else, never talk negatively about a teacher in front of your child. If he knows you don't respect her, he won't either, and that will lead to a whole host of new problems."  He then goes on to say, "We know you love your children. We love them, too. We just ask -- and beg of you -- to trust us, support us and work with the system, not against it. We need you to have our backs, and we need you to give us the respect we deserve. Lift us up and make us feel appreciated, and we will work even harder to give your child the best education possible."

You can find the link to the full article above, or you can also click here to read it in full: http://us.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html?c&page=3

This is a must read for teachers and parents alike!!  If we work together instead of against each other, the children only stand to benefit!!