Teacher Appreciation Day & a Note to Parents!
.
Now before you get upset and hate me for posting this, I’d like to explain a few things:
1. I don’t think ANY student is “stupid”. Not a single one. Yes, some are lazy. And yes, some need more attention and more explanation than others. But not a single one of any of my students will I ever call “stupid.”
2. The reason I posted this was for a little humor, but mainly to address some real issues after watching. There are a lot of issues nowadays that I don’t think parents realize: health, responsibility, respect, etc. Basically, all the points that this video is making (but taking it over the top)…
.
So here it is:
My gift to all teachers on this day is a letter written to all parents. A letter that pretty much all teachers wish they could write and send home, but can’t, in fear of the rathe that shall follow… No worries, fellow educator, for I have no fear and I’ve got your back! :)
.
Dear Parents,
Please think about what you’re doing at home before you start pointing fingers towards others for your child’s shortcomings.
Did you ask your child if he/she has any homework tonight? Have you checked it? Have you emailed the teacher or checked the school website?
If your student has “no homework,” does that mean they get the night free to play video games for five hours straight? Have you looked online for extra worksheets or learning materials? Have you made flash cards or quizzed your child tonight?
If you haven’t done YOUR job as a parent, do you really think it’s fair to point the finger and blame the teacher?
Most of what your child will learn will come from YOU and what is observed at home. Demonstrate good behavior, appropriate language, respect, responsibility, and limit the use of your technology at home. If you really have truly done your best effort as a parent, do you really think that you would NEED to point fingers at anyone?
What is learned at home will then overflow into the classroom. It should not be the other way around. Teachers try their very best, every day, to compensate the lack of effort from most homes, but the truth is: it’s not enough.
A (secondary) teacher has about 120 students per year and only sees each student for about 40 minutes per day. How many students do YOU have at home and how long are they in YOUR presence?
.
.
In hopes of change,
Teachers Everywhere
.
If you’re a parent and offended by this, you might want to think about why. A parent that is doing everything I mentioned, would just smile and agree. Hmm…
.
This has been a message from one teacher on behalf of many.
And to all the teachers out there: Keep on doing what you’re doing! You rock!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!
.
Share with another teacher or vocal parent :)
I agree with you completely. I taught for 35 years – more than 4,000 students. Those who came in tired and couldn’t focus for the entire lesson had no set bedtime, were allowed to play video games until late, and often had no breakfast. This is a home issue, not the fault of the teacher. Then there were those who were constantly missing school, going on family vacations off-season, getting tickets for shows in NYC on a school day, etc. Catching up required extra help after school with the teachers, and very often the kids wouldn’t even ask for that. This again is a home issue, not the fault of the teacher. When my own children were in school, we took vacations during the school breaks, went to NYC on the weekends and generally tried to stay focused on education. Parents should take a good look at their role in their child’s education and stop blaming the teachers.