Team Work

One of my students had an interesting question when I reminded them about our school's upcoming Conference Night.

"Do parents have to attend?" he asked.

(Blink. Long pause. Blink again.)

"No," I said. "Teachers have to be there, but parents do not."

Teachers have so many different duties. We are required to:

- keep an updated record, on line, of our students' grades.

- send home progress reports and report cards.

- call parents of every failing student.

- attend four conference nights each year.

- be available every day during conference periods.

- update each special ed student's Individual Education Plan annually.

The list goes on and on. No complaints. Our job, after all.

In turn, a parent isn't required to do a thing regarding his/her child's education. They don't have to check grades, attend conferences or IEP meetings, or even answer the phone when we call. Parents feel quite comfortable holding teachers accountable. However, if we suggest, gently and diplomatically, that they could do some things differently at home, we are "meddling" and a new teacher is often requested.

Parents and teachers are on the same team - along with the students - and must work together for a successful educational career. Working together - that ought to be a requirement.