Most folks have opinions when it comes to childcare, education, and the school system as a whole. It’s completely understandable, given that nurturing the next generation as they advance through crucial stages of their lives is naturally a top priority for society.
Among those with strong sentiments on this topic was Lisa Roberson, a retired teacher whose heartfelt words went viral a few years back. Her open letter, published in the Augusta Chronicle in 2017, sparked widespread conversations that continue to this day about the roles parents and teachers play in education.
The message Lisa penned came before the pandemic, a time that saw sweeping changes made to ensure education persisted in the face of COVID-19. These changes triggered mixed reactions across the United States, highlighting how much people care about tackling the challenges facing the education system.
Lisa Roberson brought attention to the idea that the real issues aren’t rooted in the teachers, as often claimed. From her perspective, the responsibility lies more significantly with the parents themselves.
Lisa expressed in her letter, “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. 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 continued, “The children come to school in shoes that cost more than the teacher’s entire outfit, but have no pencil or paper. Who provides them? The teachers often provide them out of their own pockets.”
Lisa’s thoughts struck a chord with many, sparking debate soon after publication. She urged observers to consider more critical questions, “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 ensure their children have necessary supplies? Do they make sure their children do their homework?”
The letter pointed out practical concerns like whether parents ensure they can be reached through working telephone numbers and whether students are attentive and respectful during class. Lisa made it clear, “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!”
Lisa’s letter certainly stirred the pot, raising points that warrant serious discussion. It begs the question: Are parents to blame, or does the responsibility rest with the teachers? Your thoughts on this matter are welcome in the discussion below.
