A retired teacher didn’t hold back in a blunt letter she penned to parents. It’s now being hailed by thousands with many saying that the last line is absolutely spot on. The only question is, do you agree? Lisa Roberson, a retired teacher, made huge waves when she decided to put pen to paper and make known her feelings about the atmosphere in today’s public school classroom. Although many people have an opinion about things like the public school system, childcare, and education, this teacher struck a chord as she spoke from years of experience.
As others question why American students are seemingly falling behind other nations, the retired teacher wrote her letter and submitted it to her local newspaper, which printed her opinion in black and white. The educator’s words left no grey area, that’s for sure, as Lisa blatantly put it all on the line, calling out what she believes is the real problem behind failing students.
“As a retired teacher, I am sick of people who know nothing about public schools or have not been in a classroom recently deciding how to fix our education system,” Lisa Roberson wrote. Then, she got to what she believes is the root of the issue. “The teachers are not the problem! Parents are the problem! They are not teaching their children manners, respect or even general knowledge of how to get along with others,” she boldly declared.
“The children come to school in shoes that cost more than the teacher’s entire outfit, but [the kids] have no pencil or paper. Who provides them? The teachers often provide them out of their own pockets,” an obviously frustrated Lisa furthered. Then, she went on to ask numerous questions that some of these parents might not like the answers to.
“When you look at schools that are ‘failing,’ look at the parents and students. Do parents come to parent nights? Do they talk with teachers regularly? Do they make sure their children are prepared by having the necessary supplies? Do they make sure their children do their homework?” Lisa Roberson asked rhetorically.
“Do they have working telephone numbers? Do the students take notes in class? Do they do their homework? Do the students listen in class, or are they the sources of class disruptions?” Lisa continued before concluding, “When you look at these factors, you will see that it is not schools that are failing but the parents. Teachers cannot do their jobs and the parents’ job. Until parents step up and do their job, nothing is going to get better!”
Of course, the truth hurts, so for some, these words might sting a lot more than they do others. But, Lisa Roberson is right — at least to a point. A child’s success cannot be left up to the teacher alone. The parent must be present and, most importantly, they must parent. Although a teacher can help reinforce it, some things must first be taught at home. For starters, it is not the school’s job to teach our children fundamental manners and respect or be the first to introduce them to the concept of responsibility.
Those basic principles should be learned at home, taught by the parents before the child ever steps foot into a school classroom. Teachers are there to educate the children on things like reading, writing, and math. That simply can’t be done if the child doesn’t know how to behave. It might be hard to hear, but if a child is failing, before a parent points the finger anywhere else, they should do some self-reflection to make sure they are living up to their own expectations and responsibilities. Parents are a child’s first teachers, after all.
