What’s more essential, after all, than knowing that every effort is being made to properly and safely raise the next generation of children as they move through what is likely the most crucial period of their lives?
Nevertheless, few people can claim that their beliefs are as widely held as those of a specific retired teacher who gained notoriety a few years ago, despite the fact that there are many people who are willing to criticize and dissect various facets of education.
The schoolteacher in question, Lisa Roberson, wrote an open letter that was published in the Augusta Chronicle newspaper in 2017. Her remarks continue to provoke discussion over who is responsible for the perceived problems in the education system today—parents or teachers.
Because this letter was written before the pandemic, it was written before significant reforms were put in place to guarantee that education could go on despite COVID.
It’s evident that individuals have a lot to say about the condition of the educational system and potential solutions because many of the reforms made during that trying time were greeted with differing opinions from Americans.
However, Lisa Roberson believes that the parents of the children themselves are the issue, not the instructors, as has been asserted in some quarters in recent years.
“As a retired educator, I am tired of individuals who have never taught in a classroom or who have no knowledge of public schools making decisions about how to improve our educational system,” Lisa wrote in her letter.
“The issue is not with the teachers! The issue is the parents! They aren’t teaching their kids respect, etiquette, or simply how to interact with people in general.
“The kids arrive at school without a pencil or paper, but with shoes that cost more than the teacher’s entire outfit. Who supplies them? They are frequently paid for by the teachers themselves.
When examining “failing” schools, consider the parents and children. Are there parents attending parent nights? Do they have regular conversations with teachers? Do they have the required materials on hand to ensure their kids are ready? Do they ensure that their kids complete their schoolwork?
Are their phone numbers operational? In class, do the pupils take notes? Do they complete their assignments? Do pupils pay attention in class, or do they cause disruptions?
Examining these elements will reveal that parents, not schools, are the ones who are failing. Teachers and parents are unable to fulfill their responsibilities. Nothing will improve until parents take charge and fulfill their responsibilities!”
It goes without saying that the letter created quite a commotion, and it does bring up some very good points that are at least worth talking about.
How do you feel about the letter? Are parents at fault? Or do educators bear the entire burden of accountability? Tell us in the comments section.
