By Chrizelle Prinsloo
Dear parents…Your child’s teacher is one of the default members of the village, who helps you to raise your child. Here are examples of things that don’t make its way onto the school newsletter that teachers would like parents to know.
1. I care about your child as if he/she is 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 to be teachers in the first place. However, teaching requires patience beyond measure and giving of yourself even when you are going through a tough time yourself. It is quite safe to say that teachers do not choose this profession for the excellent salaries they earn!
3. My job does not end at 2 pm
In fact, teachers’ 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
The high teacher-student ratio is a reality in most schools. Even in schools with fewer children per class, teachers often feel that they cannot give each child the individual attention he/she needs.
Before asking for an extension for a deadline or making a special request, ask yourself what it would be like of 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 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’ will do
Remember to thank you child’s teacher. Chances are that he or she is doing much more than expected to help you raise your child.
Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer, Port Elizabeth. 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. Contact her on 081 707 9822 for a FREE assessment.
