Jennifer Stark Fry: Five truths about reality of teaching

As a 33-year veteran of the public high school classroom, I am increasingly both puzzled and disheartened by the overwhelmingly negative criticism of teachers – puzzled because each school year I meet hundreds of parents who seem genuinely appreciative of the excellent education that their children receive, and disheartened by the knowledge gap between public sentiment and the challenges that teachers face.

Thus, I’d like to “teach” a few truths about the realities of teaching, in hopes of closing this gulf of misunderstanding:

If you believe that all kids jaunt off to school well-fed, well-clothed and ready to learn after a good night’s sleep, then you are sadly mistaken. Teachers simply cannot meet all the needs of children – although many desperately try, by committing their emotional energy and money from their own pocketbooks.

Understanding the challenges that teachers face, and supporting and recognizing them for their efforts, are the first steps in address this serious problem that threatens to undermine our civilization.

This story was originally published July 15, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Jennifer Stark Fry: Five truths about reality of teaching."