The education system is a topic of ongoing discussion, with many people holding strong opinions on how schools should operate and how children should be nurtured during their formative years. While concerns about education often focus on policies, funding, and teaching methods, one retired teacher’s open letter took a different approach—placing the responsibility not on educators, but on parents.
Lisa Roberson, a retired teacher, wrote a letter that was published in The Augusta Chronicle in 2017. Since then, her words have continued to spark conversations about the role of parents in a child’s education and how their involvement (or lack thereof) may impact student success. While opinions remain divided, her letter highlights key issues that many believe deserve further discussion.
The Core Message: Are Parents More Responsible Than Teachers?
In her letter, Lisa Roberson expressed frustration over the ongoing criticism of teachers and the education system. She argued that schools are not failing students; rather, a lack of parental involvement plays a significant role in many of the challenges seen in classrooms today.
“As a retired teacher, I am sick of people who know nothing about public schools or have not been in a classroom recently deciding how to fix our education system,” she wrote.
She went on to emphasize that teachers are not the problem. Instead, she pointed to the behaviors and habits of students, which, she believes, are shaped by their parents.
According to Roberson, many children arrive at school lacking basic manners, respect, and the necessary tools for learning. She noted that teachers often spend their own money to provide students with essential supplies such as pencils and paper. Meanwhile, some students come to school wearing expensive clothing and shoes but are not adequately prepared for their studies.
The Role of Parental Involvement in Education
Roberson’s letter called attention to key questions about parental responsibility in education. She asked:
- Do parents attend school events, such as parent-teacher meetings?
- Do they communicate with teachers regularly?
- Do they ensure their children have the necessary school supplies?
- Do they check that their children complete homework?
- Do students actively participate in class and take notes?
- Do parents ensure their children follow classroom rules and behave respectfully?
Her argument was clear: teachers can only do so much in the classroom, and if parents do not take an active role in their children’s education, schools cannot be solely blamed for poor student performance.
“When you look at schools that are ‘failing,’ look at the parents and students,” she wrote. “Until parents step up and do their job, nothing is going to get better!”
A Letter That Sparked Strong Reactions
Roberson’s letter resonated with many teachers and parents, but it also sparked strong reactions on both sides of the debate. Some people praised her for speaking the truth, agreeing that parental involvement is a key factor in a child’s success. Others, however, felt that the letter unfairly placed the blame on parents while overlooking systemic challenges in education, such as school funding, teacher workloads, and class sizes.
Supporters of Roberson’s viewpoint argued that:
- Teachers already go above and beyond their responsibilities to support students.
- A lack of discipline and structure at home often carries over into the classroom.
- Parents who actively engage in their children’s education see better academic outcomes.
On the other hand, critics of the letter pointed out that:
- Some parents work multiple jobs and may struggle to find time for school involvement.
- Economic disparities can make it difficult for families to provide the same level of educational support.
- Schools and policymakers also play a role in shaping the quality of education, and the blame should not fall solely on parents.
The Importance of Collaboration Between Parents and Teachers
While Roberson’s letter took a strong stance on parental responsibility, many experts suggest that education should be a shared effort between parents, teachers, and the community. When parents and teachers work together, children are more likely to develop positive learning habits and succeed academically.
Some practical ways parents can support their children’s education include:
- Creating a consistent routine for completing homework.
- Communicating with teachers about academic progress.
- Encouraging children to develop a love for reading and learning.
- Teaching respect, discipline, and responsibility at home.
- Attending school events and being involved in their child’s educational journey.
At the same time, schools can continue working to:
- Provide accessible resources for parents who may face challenges in supporting their child’s education.
- Offer workshops or informational sessions on how parents can help with learning at home.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive environment where teachers, parents, and students feel heard.
Education in the Modern Era
It is important to note that Roberson’s letter was written in 2017, before significant changes in education occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote learning, new digital tools, and changes in teaching methods have added new layers to the conversation about how parents and teachers interact in the learning process.
During the pandemic, many parents became more involved in their children’s education as they supervised virtual learning. However, it also highlighted challenges such as access to technology, varying levels of parental support, and the need for adaptable teaching strategies.
The debate about education and parental responsibility continues to evolve, with discussions now including topics such as:
- The impact of technology on learning.
- The role of mental health and emotional well-being in student success.
- The need for education reform and updated curricula.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Understanding and Collaboration
Lisa Roberson’s letter remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges in education and the importance of parental involvement. While not everyone agrees with her perspective, her message has sparked meaningful discussions about the role that families, teachers, and schools play in shaping a child’s future.
Rather than placing blame on one side or the other, perhaps the best approach is to foster collaboration, ensuring that students receive the guidance, support, and resources they need to thrive. Education is not just the responsibility of teachers or parents alone—it is a collective effort that requires cooperation, understanding, and commitment from all parties involved.
What do you think about this debate? Should parents take more responsibility for their children’s success in school, or are there larger systemic factors at play? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
