Kontan Jou

I am tired of politics, frustrated colleagues, semiconscious students, media hype, and especially I am tired of parents who expect me to resolve their children’s problems. I simply do not have the answers.

I have tried everything. I have hugged your child, listened to your child, bought supplies for your child and reminded your child of the importance of getting an education as well as the importance of caring about life with heart and genuineness. I have read theories on how to teach high-energy students, shy students, students who have problems at home, female students and male students. I have attended conferences for ideas on how to teach hands-on activities, higher-level thinking skills, cooperative learning groups, technology, standards-based education and numerous other strategies. I have lain awake at night rolling over and over in my head solutions and lamentations. I have cried tears trying to find the answers for motivating your child to have success in my classroom and in life.

I am a teacher. I am not a doctor, I am not a psychiatrist, I am not God, and I am, emphatically and unequivocally, not your child’s parent. I am a teacher.

I am tired of politicians blaming policy-makers, state government blaming localities, administration blaming central office, central office blaming the school board, the school board blaming city-council, and EVERYONE blaming teachers.

But I have to tell you, the students who have success in my classroom are the ones whose parents I have met at every open house and on every parent/teacher conference day. So, please, do not tell me that educators are the solution. The solution, the power, and the state of your child’s welfare lies in your hands – not in mine, but in the hands of you, the parent.

And if you don’t want to lose another educator who cares, who gives it their all, and who encourages your child, then I suggest you go to your child’s school and make education matter in your child’s life.