In my nearly 10 years of teaching I’ve realized that there are many parents and community members who seem to think that teacher=punching bag, or at the very least that teacher=lower-class citizen.
I think I understand where this line of reasoning originates, but I’m not sure … I’ll write more later, and share some stories too. Meanwhile, have anything to add? Your own ideas about this topic? Or some good stories?
Mr. Teacher Man: Confessions of a Classroom Teacher 
February 1, 2007 at 9:04 pm
I hear you! I teach special education and so often when a parent is causing trouble, it’s the expression of leftover grief of having a child with special needs. I had a parent cause the school a lot of trouble because they insisted that their child was bright and should be mainstreamed full time in a general education class. Needless to say, this was not what the team recommended. The parents caused such a stink and their attacks became very pointed–they finally ended up pulling their child from the district. It was hard to remember that these were people who were obviously still dealing with their grief.
Bottom line is: parents have their issues, and I try not to take it personally when they take it out on me….
February 21, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I have actually lucked out so far. I haven’t had too many parents upset. I can however associate with Sarah. I have taught my share of parents who seem to be out of touch with how their student actually performs at school. I wish that more parents would come and observe and actually see what happens in the classroom.
February 27, 2007 at 2:39 am
I completely agree. And the biggest problem for teachers is the fact that you cannot say or do anything that might possibly be misconstrued and offend someone – who usually misunderstood the orignal context! I can completely emphasise with parents – they have one child per class and that child is the most important child. We, however have 30 children who are the most important children – Being a good parent does not mean you could be a good teacher! I think our jobs as teachers is to teach compassion to the parents as much as to the students.
April 23, 2007 at 8:54 pm
I too, feel like a punching bag at the end of most days. Whether it is from a parent, a fellow faculty member, my administrator, or sometimes even a student. I also feel on some days that my job is that of referee. I sometimes have to stop, take a deep breath, and remember the many reasons I got into education to start with. It is all about the kids! It’s good to know that I am not the only one who sometimes feels this way.
Ali
November 11, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I am in law school salivating over the prospect of treating teachers like punching bags at some point in the future.
October 8, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I am currently a student, just pining for the day I actually step into a classroom of my own. Before this I spent many, many, (volunteer, mind you) many hours with competitive music programs so, I have had my fair share of the inoperable siamese parent. As I hear the woes of teachers being treated as second-class citizens, I feel like this should be a college course: “PNCHBG 3350.” Why aren’t we taught how to address our own self-esteem issues when we get hit over and over again? I realize this stuff can’t be learned in a classroom, but I know many teachers who feel abused and there aren’t many resources that address it. We think we are prepared, but we never are… Regardless. I STILL CAN’T WAIT TO BE A TEACHER!!! It’s insane, isn’t it??
March 23, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Yeah, the worst part is, the worst person we have for engaging in this crazy behavior is a member of the school board.
Pray for me.
December 13, 2009 at 8:15 am
I’m having my first parent conferences this week and for many of them, the news of their child’s grades and behavior won’t be good. I fully expect to be a bit bruised afterward.
June 13, 2010 at 2:49 am
I am currently a student, just pining for the day I actually step into a classroom of my own. Before this I spent many, many, (volunteer, mind you) many hours with competitive music programs so, I have had my fair share of the inoperable siamese parent. As I hear the woes of teachers being treated as second-class citizens, I feel like this should be a college course: “PNCHBG 3350.” Why aren’t we taught how to address our own self-esteem issues when we get hit over and over again? I realize this stuff can’t be learned in a classroom, but I know many teachers who feel abused and there aren’t many resources that address it. We think we are prepared, but we never are… Regardless. I STILL CAN’T WAIT TO BE A TEACHER!!! It’s insane, isn’t it??
+1
July 26, 2010 at 2:12 am
why do some teachers fuck their students?
July 11, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Ahaha, Danielle read my mind… anywaaayys. I see this blog, and seeing these people complain about being a teacher, while my 27 year old sister is still living at home, because she can’t afford an apartment. Why? Lets just say openings for a full time teaching career isn’t easy to come by in California because people like you who pretty much hate their job are taking up the room for actually good teachers. ~an 8th grade student
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