Letter to the Editor

Your view: A teacher's view

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Dear Editor,

I am a high school teacher and I wholeheartedly agree with your editorial "Improving education begins in the home." Many times students come to school sick, hungry, angry, inappropriately clothed and exhausted. Teachers have become parents to many of these students by providing coats, clothing, transportation, money, food or whatever else the students may need. Some teachers come to sporting events to support students whose parents refuse to take the time to show up.

Teachers sometimes become a student's shoulder to cry on because they know they can count on a teacher for moral support and encouragement. Some parents provide terrible home environments. Students witness and are sometimes victims of promiscuity, drug use, physical, sexual, and mental abuse. It's no wonder children aren't interested in learning. They are just trying to survive!

It is sometimes heartbreaking to be a teacher. Many situations cannot be resolved. Thankfully we do witness some successes. We would have more success stories if parents would take responsibility for their children. We do need money for education but money is not the only thing we need. We need parenting!

Sincerely,

A High School Teacher