Dear Parents

*this comes from a chapter about parents*

Parents- I’m going to be straight up with you. Most teachers don’t want to say this to you, but I will. I want you to know this isn’t coming from a place of animosity or anger. The majority of my experiences with parents have been positive. Even those parents, though, sometimes need to hear what I’m about to say.

I am the professional here. This is my job. I’ve been well trained. I do it for a living. You need to trust me. I don’t get paid based on your child’s grades (yet). I don’t get sick pleasure out of making your son cry. I’m not picking on your daughter via her report card. I’m not trying to ruin your weekend with my math homework. I really do believe the reading is more important than football practice. I could use help on this field trip, and your daughter would really dig it if you came. Yes, he does need all those folders and pencils and journals, they aren’t that expensive at Target and you should see his desk without them. I really do know what is best in my classroom. The story your son is telling you about what happened at recess might be true-ish, I’m not saying he’s lying, but he might be conveniently forgetting context. I would very much appreciate it if you ask me my version of something before you get angry with me. I write notes home so you know what is going on, please write me back so I know you saw the note. And please please please don’t call my classroom in the middle of the day. I’m busy.