Even if this does relate to Lutheran Schools, this can relate to any parent in America. What is the role of the parent in their child's education?
Is it the teachers job to do the work for the child, because the parent doesn't want to be involved in the child's homework?
Is it the teachers job to spend the entire day with one child because they get off task or don't care as soon as you walk away, even when it is something they think is fun?
Is it the teachers job make the ultimate choices for a student, because in most cases they spend more time with the child?
Is it the teachers job to change their lesson plans or an IEP because the parent wants them to change it.
This is just a few different questions that have popped into my head in the recent weeks some based on actual events in my life and some just discussion starter. Recently I read a blog post from Anthony Horvath, entitled, "I am my child's advocate; you aren't" I asked Anthony who was he directing his post to. Although his response was a shotgun spitfire in that it could relate to many different folks or professionals, I felt strongly about the implication of how it would fit into the classroom and as me, the teacher.
Parents are parents, and the education starts there. If you don't have parents believe in your system, it is a lost for the child. But, the teacher is the education professional, shouldn't they know what is the right way to best educate your child. I still have mix feelings. I am a father and my oldest son will be in Kindergarten next year. (side note: I will have a unique role in my child's education. I will be the father, maybe the teacher, and as of now I will be my son's teachers boss.) I am trusting that as a parent, I am giving my child the best chance to succeeding and I trust the teacher will put my child's interest first. As a teacher, I am thinking I want to put each child first, but I have 15,20,25 students. They all need a piece of me.
I think Anthony's post is great, but feel that in the sake of the teacher, usually, they are the child's advocate. But, they need to know their role. Teachers deal with students on a personal level that the parents might not be able to. This is more true as you get into High School. I have a student that I am counseling (I am the only teacher she trusts) and it has been a battle. Her mom doesn't want to admit to issues that this girl has, or just wants them to be swept under the carpet. Trying to keep the student's trust and confidence I try to decipher what needs to be shared and what doesn't. The student needs someone to talk to, the student wants to talk to someone. I am that person right now, but working on making that person to be mom. Going back to being called, and as the Call documents state, I am a minister of God. Does that mean I need to follow confidentiality of the student (although she is still a minor) but also being a teacher, makes me a state mandated reporter, so which do I follow?
The law in some of these cases are just crazy. I believe the girl is old enough to see a doctor and have an abortion without notifying her mom, but would still need mom's permission to get her ear pierced. It doesn't make sense.
Getting back to the subject, where does the parent fit?
I think right smack dab in the middle of it, as a voice. The teacher needs to take the responsibility to give EACH student what THEY NEED everyday. It is a fine line that can cause hurt feelings, because some parents just don't give a darn.
What roles should parents have?
If a parent tells you the child can't use the computer or internet, but your learning environment is dependent on the internet or computer, what would you do?
Any other thoughts?
