What I Wish Parents Knew About My Classroom

Summary

A teacher passionately conveys the complexities and challenges of their classroom, emphasizing the importance of parental understanding and support in educating and nurturing their children.

Abstract

The author, a dedicated teacher, pens an open letter to parents, expressing a heartfelt plea for deeper communication and collaboration. They highlight the significance of knowing each child's unique needs and home life to effectively support them in the classroom. The teacher underscores the importance of responsibility and self-reliance, teaching children to be organized and independent. They also address the need for a diverse and inclusive learning environment, rejecting any form of bigotry. The letter touches on the challenges of managing behavioral issues and the necessity for empathy to be fostered at home. The teacher reassures parents of their commitment to preparing engaging and accessible lessons, even during personal time. They remind parents of the fleeting nature of childhood and the shared responsibility in teaching values and respect. The teacher concludes by acknowledging the criticisms faced and reiterates their dedication to teaching, seeking understanding and support from parents.

Opinions

The teacher values open communication with parents to better understand and care for their students.
They believe in the importance of teaching children responsibility and self-organization.
The teacher is an advocate for a vibrant and inclusive classroom environment, including exposure to diverse colors and cultures.
They emphasize that empathy and emotional processing must start at home for children to succeed socially.
The teacher is committed to their profession, often working beyond school hours to prepare lesson materials, especially for students with special needs.
They feel that parents should cherish their children's growth and contribute to their education by teaching basic skills and values at home.
The teacher is disheartened by the lack of trust and respect from some parents and seeks more support and less criticism.
They suggest that a collaborative effort between teachers and parents is crucial for children's learning and development.

Dear parents,

Photo from the author. My Seven-Year Classroom

When you greet me in the morning, please know our communication is sacred. I’m not waving to put on a show. I’m flagging you down. Like your child, I’m desperate for your understanding. I want to know as much as I can. If I do not know your children’s ticks, preferences, and difficulties, how can I effectively care for them? The more we can speak openly, the better. I know you’ve got places to be, but take the time to introduce me to your child, so that I can better see the life they live outside of my classroom.

When you walk into my classroom, please don’t beg for a seat change for your child. For you see, the two up front cannot yet read, despite being seven, their parents and previous teachers either could not or would not educate them on phonics. So I need them close, so I can help them form letters to stay on track. And the ones in the second row have what the administration calls ‘behavioral issues’ so I need to keep a watchful eye on their sharp pencils. So yes your child is in the back, and yes I know it’s unfair.

When you snoop around their cubbies, note how nicely folded their jackets are. Do you see how their crayons are neatly stacked on their Hello Kitty pencil cases and their books are aligned in a row? I taught them that. It only took a few days for them to get it right. Responsibility isn’t scary, it’s a necessity in their development. They need to know the power they hold. So please stop asking me to coddle them more, I’ve got no time to help them do everything. So please teach them to clean up after themselves at home. I’m a teacher, not a maid.

When you see the rainbows hanging on the posters, please keep your ignorant mouth shut. Children love rainbows. Not just for the cuteness factor, but for their brain development children must be exposed to a vast array of colors, sounds, and textures. That’s why the ‘beige moms’ of TikTok are so controversial. I will never deprive your children of light and joy. So please get off social media, take a breath, and don't forget that queer people exist, and my classroom will not be altered to appease your strange bigotry.

When you come in for a parent-teacher conference, please unfold your arms, I am not your enemy. Yes, your child got into another altercation. And yes, they did start it. The school doesn’t want me to be so direct, so I’ll offer some advice that I’m sure you’re not listening to. Empathy starts at home. I support it in my class, I have anti-bullying posters and team-building activities. But it has to start at home. If you don’t teach your child to process their emotions, I am limited in the ways I can help. I’m not a therapist, I teach literacy and grammar.

When you see me on the computer, know I am prepping. Even during Lunches, Breaks, and After School hours, I am always getting ready for the kids’ sake. I’m not playing games or watching videos, I’m checking the curriculum and setting up power points and worksheets. Remember those two who can’t read? I’m making sure they can participate during lessons by creating audio files of all the lessons. Again, and I can’t stress this enough, I’m awfully busy.

When you see your child at the end of the day please hold them close. They won’t be this size forever. Your daughters wrote me love notes on their little yellow sticky notes. Your sons battled me in a fierce game of Rock Paper Scissors. I held each of them close and tried to connect, despite the large number of them demanding my attention. I’m doing my best with what little is provided to me. So please do your part. Teach them how to hold a pencil at home. Teach them how to respect others at home. Teach them how to pick up their toys at home. Teach them that they matter, but so do other people.

When you see me, know that I am a teacher. I am not a miracle worker, I am not a saint, I make mistakes but I’m trying my best. I adore children, despite the fact they often drive me mad. I respect parents, despite the disrespect I’ve received. Please remember, the children cannot learn without both of us.

I wrote this in a quiet response to the criticisms I’ve received from parents. I’ve had parents complain to my manager that I was sitting down at my desk instead of standing right next to their child. I’ve had parents completely ignore me during pick-up and take-home time only to have them later complain that I wasn’t communicating with them enough. I’ve had parents scoff and roll their eyes at the very decorations their children helped me make.

I know being a parent must be hard. I just wish there was a bit more trust in my profession. I adore children and love teaching, all I’m looking for is a bit of support from home.

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