An OPEN LETTER from a teacher that ALL parents should read

This is a reblog from http://arewegoingtodoanythingtoday.wordpress.com
I think it has an important message worth sharing.

Parents, this is a letter a teacher WISHES she could write to her classes parents.  Please read this with an open mind and remember that our teachers have taken on what at times is an overwhelming task of teaching our kids.  As a Parent Volunteer who has logged countless hours in the classroom I can atest to the hard work these educators are doing, the love they are giving our little ones, and at times the mistakes they've made.  I ask you again to think, without judgement, have I ever made a mistake in my OWN workplace?  We are all human, all of us.

Reblog:
 
There are so many things I wish I could say, but alas, I am not allowed. Ok, anyone who actually knows me, knows that I would NEVER say these things, but this is how I really feel, and this is the truth; at least it’s my truth.


Dear Parent/Guardian,


I am looking forward to a great year with your student.  I have spent my
summer learning new strategies, and looking at ways to improve student learning. 

Not a day has gone by that I didn’t at least think about something I would like to do or change in order to enhance student learning.  I have ignored statements made about what I do with my summers, ignored reports of testing on the news,
and done what I know is right.  I know, that if I do my best to help and teach all students, tests will take care of themselves.


Every summer, not only do I prepare curriculum, but also prepare my
classroom.  I believe that no student should have to receive a lower grade because they can’t afford basic supplies.  I stock my room with $1500-$1800 worth of supplies from my own money.  I go to trainings year round.  I go to school an hour early, and will stay late to help your child do the very best they can.  I don’t ask for much in return.  Here’s what I would like:


1. Respect my time.  If your student stays late, please pick them up.
2. Don’t speak negatively about teachers in front of your student.  It undermines our ability to be the authority figure in the classroom.  If I can’t discipline your child because you have told them not to worry about what a teacher says, it disrupts the learning of others.  If it were the other way around, would you be up at the school demanding a conference because your child couldn’t learn in that environment?
3. I don’t mind providing supplies when needed, but please don’t take advantage of me. I don’t make enough to support 110 children.
4. I need more than 24 hours to grade 110 essays.  Don’t call or email complaining that grades aren’t updated.
5. Guess what, sometimes students lie; sometimes teachers make mistakes (we are human after all). If something is bothering you,
please call or email so we can discuss it before you jump to conclusions.


If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact
me.


I am sure I have left some things out, but this is what comes to mind as I  begin to shop for supplies.

Again, Please think about this, and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!