Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting us with your most prized possessions, your children, our children. Thank you for trusting and believing in us. Often times we as teachers and educators spend more time with your child, our child during the school day. We know how hard you work and that you send us the best you have every single day. We do not take our job lightly. We know we have an enormous task in front of us each day.
Sometimes we disagree and that’s okay. As teacher, we want to fix everything but we also know we have to create real life situations for your child to struggle and feel failure and success. It’s easy to jump in and rescue, but we must resist and teach resilience and grit. We learn from experience and the hundreds of children we’ve had before your child. We see their potential and gifts as we push them to see it in themselves.
Here’s what teachers wish you and your child knew…
“I wish my students knew how amazing and fabulous they can be. I wish they knew I teach every day for them.”
“Did you know your smile makes me smile inside?”
“I wish you could see your gifts and abilities through my eyes. You are going to make a difference in the world! Go and shine!”
“I wish you knew how special you are and how you inspire me.”
“I wish you knew how excited I am when you learn something new.”
“I wish you knew how much joy I get when you finally understand a concept.”
“I wish you knew everything you do today, prepares you for tomorrow.”
“I wish you knew working through it makes you stronger than you realize!”
“I wish my students knew how much I care about them as people, not just students in my class.”
“I wish you knew learning is hard, but I love working with you and seeing you grow.”
“I wish you knew it breaks my heart when you are mean to each other.”
“I wish you knew how great and wonderful you are. I learn from you every day.
“I wish you knew it makes me happy when you show each other you care.”
“I wish you knew how very important you are to me.”
So, when you feel overwhelmed and alone. When you feel like you are the only one fighting for your child, please pause long enough to ask what’s happening in the classroom? Reach out and have a conversation with your child’s teacher – we are a team and we want nothing more than for your child to be successful.
Teachers and educators what do you want your students and their parents to know?
Comments 4
I love this post! I find many of my colleagues are intimidated by parents and seek to minimize contact. This school year I made the goal to be more proactive. And, I will tell you that any subsequent conversations have been very smooth. I think because we had a lot of open communication up front, we were able to have “more difficult” conversations a bit easier.
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing your success. Just like our scholars, we have to build relationships with our parents. Love that you are able to have those “difficult” conversations.
I wish you knew how fascinating it is to watch you learn, grow, and think (and how truly funny you are!).
Thank you Dr. Jen for this post. I love it!! I want my scholars and parents to know how much I value them and I want them to know that I know it’s not easy and the work can be so challenging (work at school and work on the job). I really want them to know that I truly do value them, and their commitment and I do appreciate everything that they do to make this team successful throughout the year! Your post reminded me of how much I need to express these sentiments to my scholars and their families each chance I get. Take nothing for granted. Assume nothing.