by Carla Conward

Created on: December 01, 2008

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." - Albert Einstein

As a teacher in a public institution I have found that when school personnel and parents participate equally in the education of its students, schools will not be labeled as "low performing", students will not be labeled "special education" and parents would not be viewed as "M.I.A.". In an ideal world, teachers and parents accept the dual role of creating a well educated, productive citizen in society. However, many teachers in today's society have a heavy burden to carry when parents are not visible or vocal in the process of educating his child.

On the other hand, parents and students are disadvantaged when teachers fail to properly educate the student. This often occurs when discipline poses an issue in the classroom. Teachers are often burdened with the task of disciplining their students rather than educating their students. Working together as teacher and parent to develop a workable solution that eradicates the discipline problem in the classroom, would ultimately allow for a environment conducive to learning and positive social development. When this results, teachers and parents have successfully played their respective role in the education of the student.

Many would agree that parents should not have to be encouraged to play an active role in their child's education. However, in today's society where money is an issue, jobs are at stake, and families are stressed out because of it all, students get the short end of the stick. Parents find themselves playing more of an active role in "bringing home the bacon" rather than ensuring that their child brings home the achievement. This idea, however, does not take the responsibility off of the parent, neither does it intend to lessen the role that parents should play in their children's academic career.

Parents have a responsibility, whether they are drowning in societal issues or familial drama, to ensure that their children are receiving a good education. Teachers are also responsible for ensuring that their students are learning based on the indicators and the objectives set for the school system in which they teach. Overall, teachers and parents must work seamlessly and consistently together to make sure that the student is not guinea-pigged and that the student is receiving 100% from the parent as well as the teacher.

When teachers and parents work together towards one goal; creating productive citizens, no person will bare this responsibility alone. Every person who is involved in how a child develops; whether it is the teacher, parent, or child care provider, holds a vested interest in the type of person that the child becomes. No one is off of the hook!

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