The Teacher's Perspective: What Educators Wish Parents Knew

If you ask most teachers what they truly want, the answer isn’t a raise, better classrooms, or fewer hours of grading, though those things matter. What they really want is something simpler: for parents to better understand their world. Teachers play a huge role in shaping children’s growth, yet so often their struggles, challenges, and unspoken truths remain invisible at home.

As parents and teachers, both want the same thing: a child who is happy, confident, and capable of achieving their best. But the reality is that this partnership doesn’t always feel equal. Many teachers wish that parents could see their side of the story, the small ways they sacrifice, the heavy responsibilities they carry, and the ways in which parental support can make or break a child’s educational journey.

So what do teachers really wish parents knew?

Teachers may have dozens of students in their classroom, but that doesn’t mean they see your child as “just another name.” Believe it or not, they notice the shy smile, the struggles with math, the excitement when a science experiment works, or the worry in a child’s eyes.

Educators often think about their students outside school hours, wondering if a child ate breakfast, if they’re safe at home, or how they can encourage them tomorrow. When parents assume teachers don’t care enough simply because they don’t respond instantly to every message, it hurts. The truth is, teachers often care so deeply that it keeps them up at night.

One of the major struggles educators face today is the blurring of personal and professional time. With smartphones and online learning platforms, teachers are reachable 24/7, and many parents do reach out at midnight with questions about homework or grades.

What teachers wish parents knew is this: they are human too. They have families, responsibilities, and their own need for rest. Teachers want to support parents, but they also need boundaries. Respecting office hours or scheduled times for communication helps maintain a healthier, more productive relationship.

Kids today often complain that homework is pointless, and sometimes parents agree. But from a teacher’s perspective, homework isn’t about “giving work.” It’s about developing consistency, practicing skills, and teaching responsibility.

Educators wish parents would see homework as part of the learning process, not as punishment. When parents dismiss it or do the work for their child, it sends the wrong message. Instead, encouraging kids to take small steps, develop good habits, and learn accountability can go a long way.

At home, your child might act one way. In school, they may act completely differently. Teachers see versions of your child that you don’t get to witness—shy, bold, funny, withdrawn, kind, defensive, or even bossy.

Sometimes parents struggle to accept feedback from teachers because “that doesn’t sound like my child.” But both truths can exist. A child may be respectful at home but disruptive in class. Or quiet at school but outspoken in family gatherings. Teachers wish parents trusted that the classroom reality is also real, and not a personal criticism, but an opportunity for growth.

Teaching has always been hard, but in today’s era, it’s even harder. Between managing various classrooms, adapting to new technology, dealing with larger class sizes, handling student mental health, and balancing administrative pressures, teachers are stretched thin.

Add to that the expectation of being available for every parent query, while also grading, lesson planning, and managing extracurricular activities. It’s no surprise so many teachers feel burnt out. Parents who offer patience, kindness, and even small gestures of appreciation can make a bigger difference than they realize.

Educators wish parents understood this most of all: school is not the only place children learn. Home plays an equally important role. If children see parents undermine teachers or complain about school constantly, they carry that attitude into the classroom.

On the flip side, when parents show respect for education, value reading at home, limit screen distractions, and teach discipline, children thrive better at school. Teachers can’t do it alone. Learning improves when parents and teachers are holding the same rope from both ends.

Teachers appreciate parents who stay involved, ask questions, and express concerns. But tone matters too. Approaching teachers with accusations or hostility damages cooperation. On the other hand, approaching conversations with openness and teamwork reminds teachers that you’re a partner, not an enemy.

Every teacher wishes parents understood how important it is to value a child’s progress, not just their grades. A student who struggles with math but finally understands fractions deserves as much applause as one who scores a perfect test. When parents focus only on marks, kids start associating learning with fear. Teachers want parents to celebrate the effort (the late nights, the persistence, the resilience) because those matter even more in the long run.

Behind every classroom door is a teacher who works tirelessly, often with fewer resources than they need and endless tasks on their plate. They are not just knowledge-givers; they are mentors, counselors, role models, and sometimes even stand-in parents.

What educators wish parents knew isn’t about complaining; it’s about building a partnership. When parents understand teachers better, they create a powerful support system for children. Education becomes richer, students grow stronger, and both parents and teachers feel less alone in the process.

At the end of the day, parents and teachers are on the same team. And when that team works together with respect, trust, and patience, the ones who benefit most are the kids.