13 Things Our Teachers Wish Every Parent Knew

The teacher-parent relationship is one of the most important partnerships in a child's education. And like any partnership, it works best when both sides feel heard. We asked our teachers to share what they wish parents truly understood about this job. These are their words.

1. "I pay for almost everything in the classroom."

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2. "I wish parents understood that they can trust my professional opinion. If I tell you that your student is struggling, it is not at all an attack on the student and what they are capable of. Me saying that they are struggling in a certain area is backed up by continuous data collection. I am always on their side."

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3.  "It is not like when they went to school."

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4. "When you excuse their behavior and blame us, you are not actually helping them. You are just delaying the hard things that they will have to face as adults who can't take responsibility for their actions." 

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5. "Sometimes the behavior you don't see at home is exactly what we see at school."

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6. "It's not just a job, it's so much more than that. We think of these kids all day every day."

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7.  "When teachers care about every student and don't just see them as a number or a piece of data, it becomes such a calling to meet their every need. Much like a parent would. To teach them fractions, while drying their tears from being left out at lunch, and making sure that the student gets an extra snack before they go home to nothing else."

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8.   "We are not out here trying to fail your student. If we are taking the time out of our incredibly busy day to email or call you, it is important and we are looking for support and a way to work together to make it better."

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9. "I am a professional educator, much like a professional businessperson or professional chef. I am not a babysitter."

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10. "How tiring it is to try and accommodate everyone's needs and requests all of the time. I do my best. But sometimes I forget things and need gentle reminders — not because I don't care, but because I care so much that I am trying to do everything."

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11. "Communication goes both ways. Teachers really appreciate when parents approach with curiosity instead of assuming the worst."

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12. "We are humans too. We have lives outside of our jobs too."

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13. "I wish parents knew how much teachers truly care. I miss students when they're out sick, think about them over breaks, and it's always bittersweet when they move to the next grade."

Thank you to every teacher who shared something here. Being seen starts with being heard, and we're grateful you trust us with your words.