Letters: Mar. 14, 2005

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What Teachers Hate About Parents

"People wonder why children are rude, belligerent and disrespectful. Your article has the answer: they learn it from their parents."

JILL A. GORZE - Pittsburgh

I TAUGHT HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH FOR 34 years and can strongly identify with your article "Parents Behaving Badly" [Feb. 21]. It is so refreshing to read something from the teacher's point of view for a change. Most articles note the flaws in the education profession but seldom discuss, let alone blame, parents for any part in the problem. I am pleased that most of the parents I was actually able to reach were cooperative. I did, however, occasionally encounter a mom or dad who displayed a less than realistic view of the adolescent angel taking up space (and often little else) in my classroom.

ANASTASIA TEROVOLAS - Elmwood Park, Ill.

TO TRIVIALIZE PARENTS' CONCERNS about their children's education by referring to them as "mama grizzly bears" and "monster parents" reveals a bias against parental involvement in schools. Educators need to understand that the days of viewing the teacher as "the expert in education" are over. If a parent's advocacy of a student or school program looks like adversity to a teacher, perhaps it is because the teacher is squirming under the just weight of accountability.

SHELLEY L. HOUSTON - Eugene, Ore.

I AM THE MOTHER OF TEENAGERS WHO are succeeding in school, and I thank the competent teachers they have had. I know I could not do a better job. Parents who think they can should home-school.

NORA MARTIN VETTO - Scottsdale, Ariz.

FINALLY! A PUBLICATION THAT HAS THE guts to call a spade a spade. This behavior of overprotective parents has gone on far too long. Parents, shape up or ship out! School boards, hire superintendents with the courage to instill some discipline in students. Only when parents stop spoiling their children and administrators stop being "politically correct" will this bad behavior cease.

HARRY BRUNDRIDGE - Hermitage, Mo.

THE MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE IS WHAT parents hate about teachers.I hate teachers who cannot spell or write. I hate the fact that these illiterate underachievers are responsible for teaching and evaluating my children. I hate the fact that these teachers receive the support of a union that makes the Teamsters look like wimps. I hate the fact that teachers apparently wish to claim all the credit for good students but blame parents for bad students. And I hate the mere notion that teachers are even asked what they hate about parents.

MARY ENGELMAN - Cherry Hill, N.J.

AS A RETIRED HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL with 37 years in education, I thank you for your report. It was balanced and right on target. Teachers will feel gratified that someone understands and sympathizes with their growing plight. Parents who fit the negative paradigms should take a good look in the mirror--and reflect.

DENNIS NAUGHTON - Foxborough, Mass.