A recent article on CNN.com titled "What Teachers Really Want You to Know" has been circulating like wildfire with claims from "award winning" teacher Ron Clark that parents need to back off and let teachers do their jobs. He professes that parents need to stop making excuses for their children and trust teachers to educate them. Although there is much in the article that I agree with, it is the tone of his words that makes me a bit uncomfortable. Why is he on the attack against the very people with whom he needs to establish a relationship? Below are the top three things I really want parents to know:
1. We love your children. It's true. We would do anything to help them reach their potential. We certainly can never take your place, but when they are with us we treat them like our own.
2. We want you to assume good. Your trust is vital to our success. When your child comes home with a story about something that happened at school, be a "speed bump" and a "deep sea diver". By that I mean, slow them down and dig for the truth. Contact us to discover what is really going on.
3. Let your children make mistakes and don't make excuses for them. The best lessons in life come from experience. When your child misbehaves or does poorly on a test, believe it or not, we STILL think you are good parents.
It is in working together that we create the best experience for your children.
My best,
Heather
