A Retired Teacher Said Parents, Not Teachers, Are the Problem With Schools
Retired teacher Lisa Roberson sparked a major debate with an open letter published in the Augusta Chronicle in 2017.
She argued that teachers are often blamed for problems they cannot control—and that parents need to take more responsibility.
“The teachers are not the problem! Parents are the problem!”
Roberson said many students arrive at school without basic supplies, manners, respect, or the preparation needed to learn. She claimed teachers often end up buying supplies themselves while also dealing with students who aren’t completing homework or listening in class.
She also questioned how involved parents are:
- Do they attend parent meetings?
- Do they communicate with teachers?
- Do they make sure homework gets done?
- Do their children have the supplies they need?
- Do they teach their children basic respect?
Her conclusion was blunt:
“Teachers cannot do their jobs and the parents’ job.”
The letter quickly spread online and continues to spark debate over who should be held responsible when schools struggle.