Ten things teachers wish parents would do

The National PTA publishes some excellent literature for parents of school-age children. Some readers may have seen the piece, “The National PTA Talks to Parents,” which included 10 things parents wish teachers would do and 10 things teachers wish parents would do. The lists are interesting and informative from both sides of the desk.

For example, the 10 things parents wish teachers would do include building student’s self-esteem, getting to know each child’s needs, communicating often and openly with parents, assigning homework regularly that helps children learn, setting high academic standards, caring about children, treating all of them fairly, enforcing a positive discipline code, being aware of students’ different learning styles, and encouraging parent participation. None of this comes as a surprise to any parent who has a child in school.

The list of 10 things teachers wish parents would do shows similar common sense. For example, teachers wish parents would be involved in their children’s education. Such involvement helps students learn and improves the overall school experience for children.

Teachers also wish parents would provide resources at home for reading and learning — items such as books and magazines that children can read each day. And they wish parents would set a good example by showing that they believe reading is enjoyable and useful.

They also hope parents will encourage children to do their best in school. To prevent stress, parents can help children set goals that are reachable, and can avoid getting their children over-involved in too many activities.

Academics should be parents’ first concern, according to the PTA piece, followed by preparation for the workforce and involvement in sports or extracurricular activities. Teachers wish parents would support school rules and goals, taking care not to undermine school discipline. They should also encourage children to do their best, but avoid applying too much pressure by involving them in too many activities or allowing them to set goals that are unattainable.  

Teachers also hope parents will exercise responsibility and not expect the school or teachers to take over their job. For example, teaching basic discipline is, at base, a parental responsibility, according to the PTA. 

In a logistical matter, teachers hope parents will call them as soon as a problem comes up so that they can take action right away. Finally, according to the PTA’s list, teachers wish parents would understand that alcohol and excessive partying are problems as serious as other forms of drug abuse, and can take a serious toll on a student’s health and classroom success.

Parent-teacher organizations are created for the express purpose of involving parents in their children’s education and forging a link between home and school. There is no doubt that schools are enriched immeasurably by this support.