Recently, I stumbled upon a local Facebook group that aimed to confront the public school district and demand full-time in-person classes amid the ongoing pandemic. The group was filled with parents insisting that there was no justification for keeping children out of school during these challenging times. Alongside their demands were a mix of memes targeting liberal viewpoints, selective virus statistics, and articles from the local press.
I quickly declined the invitation after skimming through some posts filled with furious comments. I simply cannot take part in a group that adds more pressure on our educators. Many of my friends and family are teachers who are already overwhelmed and exhausted, facing burnout unlike any they’ve seen before. We still have three months of the school year ahead of us, and this isn’t the time to pile on more demands.
The pandemic has undoubtedly exposed the flaws within our education system. Parents who may have previously been oblivious to these issues are now taking notice. However, this isn’t an indictment of teachers, who are often at the mercy of higher-ups making decisions from afar. Based on what I hear from the teachers in my life, this is a moment for support rather than criticism.
I recall a family member joking about how lucky I was to be a teacher with my “ideal” schedule, which included summers, weekends, and holidays off. I laughed at this misconception. As a college educator, my summers were consumed with planning for the next academic year, and evenings and weekends were spent grading papers and preparing lessons. Now, teachers are not only working around the clock, but they’re doing so while adhering to strict safety protocols and dealing with increasingly demanding parents.
Veteran teacher Linda Thompson shared her frustration with the situation, expressing how teachers are being labeled as lazy and out of touch. “We do our best, but there are real concerns about safety,” she remarked. “Yet we are vilified for wanting to protect ourselves and our students.”
Teachers are juggling constant schedule changes, new guidelines, and often, their own children’s remote learning as well. One friend of mine had a principal who insisted she work on-site, only for her to contract COVID-19 shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, parents inundated her inbox with complaints about their children’s education.
In another instance, one of my child’s teachers was teaching remotely from her classroom while also managing her own kids’ schooling at home after they were exposed to the virus. Despite her efforts, parents demanded to know how she would ensure their children “caught up” academically.
Instead of placing blame on teachers, how about we show our appreciation? A simple gesture like offering a gift card for coffee or lunch could go a long way. It would be more productive to check if students have the necessary technology for remote learning and organize resources to help them. Why not volunteer to help the school cafeteria staff prepare meals for children in need? Let’s send encouraging emails to principals praising the hard work of teachers.
Educators did not choose this pandemic, and they are suffering alongside the rest of us, often even more so. They are responsible for numerous students, balancing academics with the emotional and physical well-being of each child. I know many dedicated teachers who go above and beyond for their students.
As we navigate through these unprecedented times, I worry that many talented educators will leave the profession due to overwhelming pressure and negativity. Teachers are resilient, but they are also human. We must stop piling on the demands and start supporting them instead. If an issue isn’t urgent, we need to let it go or discuss it in a calm, respectful manner. Teaching is one of the most challenging jobs, especially now, and it’s crucial that we acknowledge our shared struggles and unite in support of our educators and, consequently, our children.
This content was originally published on March 1, 2021. For more insights, check out some of our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination.
Summary
The article discusses the overwhelming pressure that teachers face from parents during the pandemic, advocating for more support rather than criticism. It emphasizes the dedication of educators and the need for parents to unite and assist rather than demand, highlighting the collective struggles of families and teachers alike.