User post: Top 10 Misconceptions about teachers and back to school

In the spirit of fairness I'd like to expose the most common myths regarding Teachers and Back to School. As a mom and a teacher, here's a peek under the plan books and cheerfully decorated classrooms.

10. Teachers love drop by conferences.

Please make an appointment. Leave us an e-mail, a phone message or a note. We try our best to respect your schedule. Please respect ours. We can't meet with parents and supervise students at the same time. It can be considered a violation of your child's privacy.


9. Teachers only care about test scores.

No. We get sanctioned if scores are not high enough or improved enough. We hate the continual test prep too. We have no choice. Call your congress men and local school boards and departments of education.


8. Teachers don't remind students about important events.

We send home notices, use school web sites, write it on the board, have the kids write it in their planners. We want to communicate with you. Check your child's bag. It just might be in there, if not, it's in the desk.


7. Teachers won't listen to parents so call the principal with every little issue.

Please don't. You don't like it when people alert your boss before they talk to you. Golden rule please.

6. Teachers play favorites when it comes to grown up classroom helpers.

Those of us who can, like the idea of many hands making light work. We also know that space, time and other limitations may not allow all who would like to help to do so.


5. Teachers enjoy sending hours of homework home.

No, No, and No. We only do so if the practice is hugely important. Yes learning spelling lists, times tables and reading practice is vital. So is learning to use your time well to create long term projects,which in most cases, are being worked on in school as well. Don't forget we have to look at and grade it all.

4. Teachers love to call you at home.

Guess what...if it's good we love it. If not...we dread dialing as much as you dread answering.


3. Teachers have nothing better to do than send home forms in triplicate for you to fill out and return.

Truth: We've got at least an equal if not greater mountain to plow through. Usually( you guessed it), we didn't ask for all of it.

My personal favorite is number 2.
2. Teachers actually enjoy sending and creating supply lists.

Not on your life, my friends. I will buy those things I feel I want and are "extras" willingly. Many schools are requiring their teachers to make supply lists. Some schools even mandate what materials teachers must ask for right down to the brands.

The largest misconception about teachers is: (drum roll..................)

1. We sat by the pool all summer and worked on our tans.
Not quite. Graduate courses, unpaid set up of our classrooms, fighting with the department of education to mail out certifications in a timely manner,and professional development. Oh yeah, those of us with spouses and kids are just like you.