‘Educating children’- the common purpose of us teachers and parents. We share one goal but differing in beliefs, expectations, discipline and methods can make the collaboration a little bit challenging.
For the recent years, one of the reason why many educators are throwing in the towel is because of the negative feedback we receive from parents that place undue pressure to us. Unfortunately, this sentiment seems to be becoming more prevalent. And that is why today, many new teachers only remain in their profession for just an average of 4.5 years.
A few teachers described parents who seem like they aren’t doing enough to help their children. Parents chimed in, too, with some saying teachers should use different strategies to reach students, and this could be worse if both of us keep on throwing blames. “We’re not your enemy”, one thing that parents and teachers must know with each other. Parents and teachers must cooperate and become allies for future sake of children.
Teachers are in a partnership trying to do the best for the children as possible and not just obviously for the money, parents must know that. Teachers play a vital role in molding children since we work with them every day and often see in a different light than parents do. If it happens that teachers give the parents a piece of advice, don’t fight it. Take it, and digest it in the same way you would consider advice from a doctor or lawyer.
Parents, be a partner and not a prosecutor! It’s okay if your children make mistakes and get into troubles sometimes. It builds character and teaches life lessons. And if you really want to help your children be successful, stop making excuses for them and learn to trust teachers.
Educators know how much you love your children because some of us are parents too, and we also love them. We just need you to trust us, support us and work with the system, not against it. We need you to have your backs, and need you to give us the respect we deserve. Lift us up and make us feel appreciated, and for sure we will work even harder to give your child the best education possible!
By: Loreta B. Andaya | MT-I | Lamao NHS | Limay, Bataan
