I’ll never forget the day I received a call from a parent who lectured me about how their “precious” child was being treated unfairly. According to them, I was a terrible teacher, and they were paying “good money” for my class. What I couldn’t share was that their “little angel” was nineteen years old, had missed more than half of the classes, and was failing. This was just one of many encounters I had with misinformed parents during my nine years as an educator.
Teachers and school staff are like superheroes—no doubt about it. Being an educator is an extremely challenging profession, filled with long hours, low pay, and high stress levels, especially in the wake of the pandemic. As parents, we can help ease their workload while supporting our children, but we need to drop some bad habits. I asked several educators for their insights on how we can better support them and what we need to stop doing—like, yesterday.
1. Act Like an Adult.
Leslie, a veteran preschool and elementary teacher, reminded us that while it’s natural for parents to side with their kids, there are always two sides to every story. She expressed the importance of addressing concerns in a mature manner. For example, one parent confronted her in front of her class, which was inappropriate. If you’re upset, schedule a meeting instead of resorting to drama.
2. Remember, the Teacher is Your Ally.
Your child’s teacher isn’t out to get you or your child. Candace, an elementary educator, shared experiences with parents who misinterpret educational practices. For instance, when she sends reading homework home, it’s to help children improve—not to create unnecessary stress for parents. Many teachers genuinely care about their students’ success and provide extra resources to ensure they thrive.
3. Respect Their Expertise.
Jackie, another teacher, emphasized the need for parents to trust educators. When parents express skepticism about their child’s progress, it can undermine the teacher’s authority. Cora, a music instructor, noted the dangers of spreading misinformation on social media, which can distort the truth and create a negative atmosphere. Remember, children often don’t grasp the full context of situations.
4. Support Classroom Discipline.
Leslie recounted a time when she had to discipline students for misbehaving in the cafeteria, only to have a parent become enraged over the organic tomatoes involved. It’s crucial for parents to support teachers in maintaining discipline rather than undermining them. Cate, a high school Spanish teacher, pointed out that if she’s reaching out about a behavior issue, it’s because she has already tried other methods.
5. Grades Aren’t Everything.
Cate faced a parent who argued about their child’s average grade, insisting it didn’t add up. After explaining the math, she found herself wasting time on misunderstandings instead of focusing on teaching. Parents should guide their kids in developing self-advocacy and study skills instead of fixating solely on grades. Kids need to learn that actions have consequences to prepare them for life after high school.
While problematic parents are a minority, they can make things challenging for educators. Megan, a high school teacher, noted that it’s often a small percentage of parents who create unnecessary difficulties. Parents should think twice before making demands or stirring drama on social media. If you genuinely care about your child’s education, collaborate with educators when issues arise. Better yet, proactively offer to assist teachers throughout the school year. Ask them what you can contribute, volunteer your time, and importantly, teach your children to respect their educators. Remember, good grades mean little if your child is a jerk—and that includes you.
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Summary:
Supporting your child’s educators can greatly enhance your child’s learning experience while lessening the burden on teachers. Parents should engage with teachers respectfully, recognize their expertise, support classroom management, and focus on more than just grades. Building positive relationships with educators benefits everyone involved.