Some Things Parents Need to Know Now

How we teachers feel these days

Kindergarten and elementary (primary) school teachers are super stressed right now, just like many parents are. The past two years of on-again, off-again in-person schooling during this pandemic have taken their toll, and this year is even more stressful for us than lockdown was.

We need you to not make it worse, but help us make things better for all of us.

Why are so many of us teachers near the breaking point?

1. We are worried about your child’s health- and their life. Teachers are now responsible for social distancing protocols, enforcing mask mandates… but we are only able to do so much. We worry that whatever we do will not be enough and acutely feel the pressure of life and death on our shoulders.
2. Many of us are grieving the loss of a loved one: a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a child, or one of our students. We are working through our grief the best we can.
3. Many of us have lost a second income, either our own or our spouse's and some of us had our salaries cut during the time of on-line classes. Some of us now face losing our homes. Many of us are over our heads in debt and some of us are food insecure. We are trying to hold it together.
4. Many of us have had no acknowledgment or support from our administrations, school boards, or ministries of education. We feel we are on our own, ignored and neglected by one side, attacked by the other.
5. In some places, we are the focus of political and policy debates and feel that, no matter how neutral we are, or how professionally we conduct ourselves, we are in a no-win situation.
6. Many of our fellow teachers have quit the profession, for whatever reason, and we are left with fewer planning periods and more workload.

How can you help take the pressure off?

1. Be kind. If you have something critical to say about our teaching, please reconsider, or at least say it in the nicest way possible. The Golden Rule applies here.
2. Know that we teachers are not responsible for curriculum, textbooks, scheduling, or making sure your child eats their lunch. We are here to teach our subjects, provide feedback, and reinforce the school rules- full-stop.
3. Do not complain to us about Class Dojo points, awards, grades, or class position. Your child is not in competition for valedictorian, nor are they applying to Harvard next year. Please calm down and help your child do their personal best. If there is a legitimate cause for concern, we are willing to listen, but really don’t want to deal with, “How come Janey got more homework points than my Johnny?”
4. Tell us what we need to know about your child, because way too many parents don't and this makes our job that much harder. Is your child grieving or dealing with a phobia or trauma? Does your child have a serious medical condition, a recent surgery or hospitalization? Do they have a diagnosed or suspected learning disability? We care and want to make sure we are doing all we can for your child. We need your cooperation in order for that to happen.

Your child’s teachers are not the enemy. Most of us are doing our best under extreme circumstances. We need to work together as a team to get you and your child through this difficult school year successfully.