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Dear Middle School Teacher

Dear Middle School Teacher,

Some of you know this and I hate to break it to some of you but your subject is not the most important. I know you believe that it is because you obviously love the subject enough to specialize in your subject and teach it for five classes, five days a week, for 180 days. I am very thankful for your choice to teach. My kids need to know your subject but it is not the only one they need to learn.  You see your job is important to you but my job as a parent is to have a well rounded adult when we are done.

To the teacher that is not a parent. I love your zeal and passion for learning. Your high expectations are great. Your long hours show. Please relax, just a little. A smidgen to start and ease into less. My life would be so much easier with one less worksheet for homework. One is really enough, two is okay on occasion, three is just too much. Again, your not the only subject my kid takes during the day. Plus you have them for (45 minutes a day x 5 days) x all 7 classes = hours of homework.  Especially if the kid has straight A's, lighten the load. I really like to spend time with my kids other than helping them do homework.

To the teacher with the behavior plan you audibly say is too hard for you to manage. Please abandon your behavior plan. You don't like it and I can tell you the kids hate it. Want to know a secret, they are starting to not like you too. This might sound crazy but try positive reinforcement. Positive is so much better than negative reinforcement and I think you will find it will make you and the students. Feel free to prove me wrong. Oh and one more thing, they can smell idle threats from the car line. If you say it, mean it and follow through. Even if you shouldn't have said it. Idle threats are harmful to the respect you deserve.  

I know you are busy and I have been a classroom. The extra hours you put in are numerous. I really do appreciate what you are trying to do. I promise I give you the benefit of the doubt and I don't believe everything I hear about you. The pressure from your district and state is overwhelming at times but trust me as a parent that cares and one that was a teacher, they will be fine come test time. Them liking you is important. I'm not saying be their best friend but if they don't like you, their only goal is to get out of your class. That is not good for anyone.  If you think you aren't that teacher, ask them. Someone will tell you the truth.

Sincerely,
A Parent That Cares

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