Parents...Teachers...Students....The Bermuda Triangle

This blog is becoming more and more a social commentary and less and less help and fun for teachers.  Another shooting, and it seems to overtake every other thought process I have.  I find it true as well of my teacher friends.  Too close to home are these stories of teachers risking their lives (and sometimes losing them) in the effort to safeguard the innocent in their charge.

My students come to school afraid of what will happen next.  We talk about it because I don't think you can learn if you are terrified or traumatized.  I tell them we are a family who sticks together.  I tell them if they see something, say something, and keep saying it until they see intervention.  I remind them that they are the children of my heart and we will all be safe together and to listen to what I say in the unlikely event it is our turn.

I've been quiet for a few weeks trying to absorb all of these events.  Which teacher are you most like?  For each shooting has its heros, its quick thinkers, its sacrificial life givers, and I wonder who I most resemble.

Then, I read the following post (with apologies for the curse word in it), and wondered what you thought.  Check it out here. Is this the answer to the Bermuda Triangle?  You know, where parents blame teachers, students blame teachers, and teachers blame parents and students and nothing ever changes?  You know, where we blame the government for a lack of resources or such and so for not protecting us better?

I think she makes a great point.  Parental responsibility for the behavior of their children can help to mitigate some of these issues we are facing.  We all know parents who run their homes and the children comply.  And, when those children do not comply, they face consequences that made them wish they had obeyed.   We also know the other ones who don't let their children strive and learn from their mistakes, nor do they correct them for anything.  They couldn't find a consequence if it jumped on their backs.   Nothing can be the sole fault of any group, but parents are the first people responsible for the development and education of their children.

I think I might be the teacher who ends up giving her life for the class, when faced with that situation.  However, I am not the teacher who is willing to give up on her class by capitulating to parents who can't say no to their children.  I am not a teacher who is willing to allow students to live without consequences for their actions.  I am not the teacher who is willing to sit idly by while a student is clearly struggling with reality.  I agree with the post.  Parents need to step it up.  I promise if you will step it up, you will find many teachers ready to meet you and support you.

Praying for Parkland, for the families, students and faculty of MSDHS.

First published February 19, 2018