Retired teacher’s blunt message to parents sparks online buzz

A retired teacher’s powerful letter blaming parents for issues in the school system continues to spark debate years after its publication. Could the key to fixing education lie outside the classroom?

Boldly calling out parents for their role in school system challenges, Lisa Roberson, a retired teacher, shared her frustrations in a 2017 open letter published by the Augusta Chronicle. Her words have since resonated with many and fueled ongoing discussions about education reform.

In her now-famous letter, Roberson passionately defended teachers, arguing that societal criticism of educators is misguided. Instead, she shifted the focus to what she perceives as a lack of parental involvement and accountability in their children’s education.

“As a retired teacher, I am sick of people who know nothing about public schools deciding how to fix our education system,” Roberson wrote. “The teachers are not the problem! Parents are the problem!”

She highlighted several issues she saw during her teaching career, including students arriving at school without basic supplies like pencils and paper, while wearing expensive shoes. Roberson noted that many teachers end up using their own money to provide for these students.

She also pointed to a lack of parental engagement, asking hard-hitting questions:

• Do parents attend parent-teacher conferences?
• Do they ensure their children complete homework?
• Are parents teaching their children basic manners and respect?

Roberson argued that these failures at home often set students up for struggles in the classroom. “Teachers cannot do their jobs and the parents’ job,” she declared, adding that schools will never improve unless parents step up.

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A message that still resonates

Although Roberson’s letter was written in 2017, before the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, her observations remain relevant. The pandemic brought unprecedented changes to education, including remote learning, which placed even more responsibility on parents to supervise their children’s learning.

Many parents struggled to balance work, caregiving, and teaching duties during this time. This highlighted the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers but also exposed gaps in support systems that left some families overwhelmed.

A polarizing debate

Roberson’s letter continues to spark passionate debates. On one side, supporters of her perspective argue that parenting plays a critical role in shaping a child’s attitude toward education. If children are not taught discipline, respect, and the importance of learning at home, it becomes nearly impossible for teachers to compensate for that in a classroom setting.

On the other side, some critics feel the letter oversimplifies the issue. They argue that systemic problems, such as underfunded schools, overworked teachers, and disparities in access to resources, also contribute to the struggles within the education system. Blaming parents alone, they say, ignores the bigger picture.

Others suggest that the relationship between parents and teachers should be seen as a partnership. Both sides share responsibility for ensuring that children succeed academically and socially.

What experts say

Education experts acknowledge that both parents and teachers play vital roles in a child’s development. Research shows that parental involvement in education significantly improves academic outcomes. Simple actions like helping with homework, attending school events, and maintaining open communication with teachers can make a big difference.

However, experts also stress the need for systemic support. Schools need adequate funding, resources, and smaller class sizes to create an environment where teachers can focus on teaching rather than filling gaps left by other parts of the system.

A wake-up call or a one-sided take?

Lisa Roberson’s viral letter challenges parents to reflect on their role in their child’s education and take accountability where needed. While her words are undoubtedly thought-provoking, the broader conversation they’ve inspired reveals that the solution to education’s challenges is far from simple.

In the end, improving the school system likely requires a joint effort. Teachers, parents, policymakers, and communities must work together to create an environment where students can thrive.

What do you think? Are parents failing to support the education system, or is the blame misplaced? Share your thoughts in the comments below!