Things your child’s teacher wants you to know

Teachers are an important part of your child’s life. They spend an entire day with them, teach them more than just math and social studies, and help shape their future. Remember that teachers work harder than you might realize, and before you’re ready to pick up the phone and give them a piece of your mind or march into the school to correct something they’ve done, there are a few things they might want you to keep in mind.

Teachers don’t have a 9 to 5 job. They’re often in the classroom way before the kids getting lessons ready for the day, and they spend hours on nights and weekends building their lessons. They tutor kids having trouble, they help with after school activities, they attend meetings with faculty and parents, and they stay up late into the night grading papers. They don’t have an easy job, in fact, they might have one of the hardest jobs there is, being responsible for shaping the future of the country.

Teachers spend the school year getting to know your child. Their likes, weaknesses and strengths, and their own personalities. They spend more time with your kids than their own. They want your child to succeed. So when you get a phone call or are summoned for a meeting to discuss problems your child might be having, don’t brush it off and think the teacher is blowing smoke. They know your child and want to help them succeed. Work together to accomplish it.

Teachers spend a lot of their own money to make their classroom a happy and safe learning environment for your children. As budgets get cut, teacher spend money out of their pockets to make sure your child has everything they need to make their year not only successful, but pleasant and maybe even a little bit fun too.

Sure, teachers have holiday breaks and summers off. But they don’t exactly have the world by the horns. Most teachers work second jobs to make ends meet during breaks, and some all year long.

Teachers aren’t happy when your child fails. Whether it be a bad grade on a bad test or behavioral problems, teachers aren’t out to get you. They’re on your side and want your child to succeed.

Teachers don’t make the rules, the school district does. Don’t blame the teacher for standardized tests or school rules. Chances are, they don’t like it either. Their main concern is your child and their success in and out of school.