Life

11 Things Every Teacher Wants Parents To Know…

by Ni'Kesia Pannell

The first day of school. Though many children dread the return to strict schedules, homework every night, and less leisure time, most parents love it. With the kids back in school during the day, parents don't have to stress about taking time off from work, finding a babysitter, and checking in on the kids every five minutes. Although this is true, parents endure other stresses when it comes to how the first day of school will go. With that in mind, finding things every teacher wants parents to know about the first day of school will help parents alleviate their stress and find comfort in sending their little (or big) one back out into the world of education.

My sister, who has an almost 3-year-old daughter, sends my niece to daycare every day. Though she's super comfortable with her daycare now, she was extremely nervous about sending her off the first day. Because the teachers knew that, they gave my sister a sense of peace by telling her that my niece was in the best care possible and that they would do whatever they could to take care of her. Although every parent's worry may not be on the same level when it comes to seeing their kid off on the first day of school, being reassured and knowing a few thoughts from teachers about the big day can help put your mind at ease.

Need a way to breathe easy this year? These 11 notes from teachers should help.

1

They're Just As Anxious

"We are just as anxious as the students," middle school teacher Mekeisha Brown tells me about the first day of school. "Educating your child is an honor that we don't take lightly. I have high expectations for your child and I want them to succeed as much as you do."

2

They're Human Too

Elementary school teacher Adam Scanlan told Today that keeping the parents of the students happy is the hardest part of being a teacher. "I think a lot of parents expect perfection from teachers but in reality," he said. "We’re humans, too, and we do the best we can."

3

Teachers Love Your Kids, Too

Educator J. Freeman wishes that her parents knew how much their children really meant to teachers. "I want my parents to know that I will take care of your kid as if it were my very own," she tells me. "I also wish my parents would know that I couldn't sleep the night before because I was so excited."

4

That Things Change, And That's OK

Sometimes, parents can become so accustomed to what teachers in the past have done. First grade teacher Bria Banks tells me, "I wish parents wouldn't assume that their child's current teacher will do things like their child's old teacher. I also wish parents wouldn't stress so much over their child not getting homework."

5

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

Science teacher Michael Woods revealed to Today that even if you're child is in high school, your involvement is crucial. “Everything in high school is credit-driven, test-driven,” Woods said. “It’s a lot of pressure, and they need a team — the parents and teachers."

6

Expect The Problems, But Don't Stress Over Them

Lauren Williams, who teaches middle school, warns parents that the problems should be expected, but not meant to worry over. "We realize the transition from elementary to middle school can be scary for both parents and students," she says. "We do our best to make the transition smooth and pleasant for everyone, but the first day is always the most chaotic. We will give them the tools they need to be successful, and then we need you to let them go so they can learn to be problem-solvers and responsible."

7

Give Them Time To Get Settled

Teachers fully understand that you have a million and one questions about the what, where, why and how of your child's education, but expecting a long conversation with them during drop-off on the first day, isn't ideal. Leapfrog.com wrote that writing a note or email, or leaving a phone mesage with a meeting request date would be better received.

8

They Are Here To Help...Literally

Every year, there's a new list of school supplies needed for students and for some parents, that may cause a strain if the resources are not found in time. Educator Tara Cadogan wants parents to know that they really shouldn't worry about that stuff, though. "I wish parents knew that I will treat their child as if they are my own," she says. "They do not need to worry if there is something they can't afford to buy because I will help them. I wish they knew they don't have to tell their child to give me an excuse about why they don't have their supplies, they just need to be honest."

9

It Helps If Your Child Knows How To Be Compassionate

We Are Teachers noted that when your child is taught compassion at home, it helps them function better at school with others.

10

They Want To Make Your Child Feel Comfortable

Whether you believe it or not, teachers fully understand that starting something new can be very scary and uncomfortable for you and for your child. That's why their goal is to make sure that you child is comfortable when they're in the classroom.

"We're just as excited, nervous, anxious as the kids," teacher Frances Sue tells me. "We're more interested in getting to know our kids the first day and making them feel comfortable in my classroom rather than checking to see if they have all the supplies they need for the school year. We know these are your babies and we will care for them as our babies."

11

Teachers Don't Expect Your Child To Know Everything

According to Leapfrog, teachers are aware that children come into school on different levels, so if they haven't mastered everything prior to coming in, it's perfectly fine. They'll develop those skills throughout the year and master them with your help at home.