Your child’s teacher is by default one of the members of the “village” who help you raise your child. Here are examples of things that don’t make it into the school newsletter which teachers would like parents to know. 

1. I care about your child as if he or she were my own

This can even be true for teachers who aren’t parents themselves. Teachers are upset when a child is upset, especially if it is due to the child’s home circumstances which they cannot address.

2. I chose to become a teacher because I like working with children

At times teachers’ actions leave parents wondering why they chose this profession in the first place. Teaching requires considerable patience and giving of oneself, even if one is going through a tough time in one’s personal life.

3. My job does not end at 2pm

In fact, a teacher’s work is seldom completed during school hours. Marking, planning, setting exam papers and administrative tasks are mostly done after hours. 

4. I love all children equally

A big part of a teacher’s job is to make all children feel loved and accepted. Inevitably, some teachers’ and children’s personalities differ. A child’s well-being is of utmost importance to a teacher, especially when negative feelings lead to negative behaviour in the classroom.

5. I have to consider your child, and 30 others

A high teacher-student ratio is a reality in most schools. Even in schools with fewer children per class, teachers often feel they cannot give each child the individual attention he or she needs. Before asking for an extension to a deadline or making a special request, please ask yourself what it would be like if every parent in your child’s class made the same request on the same day.

6. I promise not to believe everything your child says about what happens at home if you promise not to believe everything he or she says about what happens at school

Ask your child’s teacher about what was said or what happened instead of only believing your child’s version. It could save you some embarrassment when you hear the teacher’s side of the story!

7. I don’t need a round of applause, but a “thank you” would be welcome

Please remember to thank you child’s teacher. The chances are he or she is doing much more than was anticipated to help you raise your child.

Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer.  She has a background in psychology and has taught in mainstream and special-needs schools both locally and abroad. Chrizelle is passionate about helping children gain confidence in their own abilities and about finding different ways to help them learn.