Dear Teacher: There Are a Few Things I Need You To Know

Dear Teacher,

I know we haven’t met yet. I’d love to sit down and talk with you, but I don’t even know your name. You’re about to become a very important person in my child’s life, which in turn will make you a very important person in my life. We’ve been very lucky thus far to have had the privilege of some amazing public school teachers. They’ve shown wisdom, compassion, and love to all their students. My girls have learned so much and grow each and every year. I hope this year will be no different.

You’re very busy at the beginning of the year. I get that. We never really have much time to chat before that first day of class. But, there’s just a few things I’d love for you to know before you start teaching my daughter.

We are a team. We have the same end goal in mind. There’s just one difference, my only focus is on my child’s education. You, on the other hand, have more than 20 other kids to focus on. What’s best for my child may not be the best for every one else. I get that. So, let’s keep the lines of communication open. Let me know if my daughter needs extra help mastering a skill or extra encouragement on a social issue. I’ll step up and I’ll get her through. We’re in this together.

I am also my child’s teacher. Yeah, I know I don’t have an education degree like you do. I don’t know teaching methods and I don’t know much at all about classroom management. But I do know a thing or two about my own child. I know her quirks and her particular learning styles. We like to have fun and we like to learn. I may not do all those cool suggested activities that you send home, but that doesn’t mean we don’t support learning in our house. We just do it in a different way.

I want to help you. I tell you this every year and every year I mean it. I’m not just saying this to be nice. I want to help you and I want to help my daughter’s classmates. Don’t ever be afraid to ask me! I will step in and help to the best of my time and ability. I know you can’t do it all. Please let me carry some of the load. I will sort and staple, file, or even step in and supervise your favorite messy project for the classroom party. I’ve already got the paint-stained jeans ready to wear!

I understand that education today looks much different than the education I received. And, that doesn’t mean one is better than the other. They’re just different. I’m embracing all the differences as they come along and in some cases, learning right along with my daughter. I won’t mock it or post crappy Facebook posts out of frustration. I’ll try to figure it out. And if I come to you with questions, take it in good faith that I’m trying to learn.

You are amazing. I don’t think I could do what you do. It pleases me so much to see you enjoy your job. You love those kids. You care so much about them. Because of that, I can put my trust in you. I know you’ll do a fantastic job and I look forward to the coming year.

Thank you.

I wrote this piece as part of a monthly blog hop in support of public schools. Make sure and visit the rest of the participants.