This One is for All the Teachers Out There

Last night I overheard a conversation that got my blood boiling. Two mothers were discussing parent/teacher conferences with their daughters' teacher. Apparently the teacher is young because one said that she could be the teacher's mother.

Anyway, one of the mothers was not happy about her meeting because the teacher said that her daughter is doing "fine" in all areas. The mother took this to mean that her daughter would be getting no attention or be challenged at all. She felt the teacher was saying that she had other students she needed to worry about more.

What?!? Oh my gosh, I was biting my tongue HARD as I listened to these moms talk. Ok, first my disclaimer - since we have chosen to homeschool I have not been on the "parent" end of the stick - only the teacher side. So naturally I identified with this new (well I assume new), young teacher. And I know that as parents we want the best for our kids. And I *do* believe that parents should be their children's advocate.

But it's time for a wake up call parents. Schools are NOT ideal and they probably never will be. So if you want the perfect conditions for learning, your child to be safe, just the right amount challenged, and supported to boot - you're probably not going to get it in a school. Because guess what? It's not just the kids who are in survival mode - the teachers are too. Throwing 30 kids in one room with an adult (2 if your lucky) is not the best way for your child to learn. You want the teacher to "challenge" your child when your child seems to be doing swimmingly? How do you expect this to happen? After this woman grades all her papers and makes up her lesson plans for the week, should she tweak that plan for each child individually (that's called differentiation, you know!) Maybe it's time for a little switcheroo - parents get to teach their kids' classes for a week and see how they do. What? You aren't qualified? You don't have the degree or the credentials? Don't worry, you can learn as you go - that's what I did!

Sure, I taught in an urban setting and I'm sure that it's somewhat "better" in suburban schools. The kids are a little better behaved. But I guarantee that teacher's job is still harder than anything you've ever done.

Seems to me this is another case of "Teachers Can't Win" because you just got a GOOD report at your kid's conference and you still aren't happy. My advice? You want to challenge your kid? You can take them out of school and do it yourself. Or you can Calm the Fuck Down - here's a step by step guide on how to implement this newest parenting method. Actually I take that back - only take your kid out of school if you can also CTFD, because I think you may drive your kid and yourself crazy otherwise.