11 Things Every Teacher Wants Parents To Know…

"We are just as anxious as the students," middle school teacher Mekeisha Brown tells me about the first day of school. "Educating your child is an honor that we don't take lightly. I have high expectations for your child and I want them to succeed as much as you do."

Elementary school teacher Adam Scanlan told Today that keeping the parents of the students happy is the hardest part of being a teacher. "I think a lot of parents expect perfection from teachers but in reality," he said. "We’re humans, too, and we do the best we can."

Educator J. Freeman wishes that her parents knew how much their children really meant to teachers. "I want my parents to know that I will take care of your kid as if it were my very own," she tells me. "I also wish my parents would know that I couldn't sleep the night before because I was so excited."

Sometimes, parents can become so accustomed to what teachers in the past have done. First grade teacher Bria Banks tells me, "I wish parents wouldn't assume that their child's current teacher will do things like their child's old teacher. I also wish parents wouldn't stress so much over their child not getting homework."

Science teacher Michael Woods revealed to Today that even if you're child is in high school, your involvement is crucial. “Everything in high school is credit-driven, test-driven,” Woods said. “It’s a lot of pressure, and they need a team — the parents and teachers."

Lauren Williams, who teaches middle school, warns parents that the problems should be expected, but not meant to worry over. "We realize the transition from elementary to middle school can be scary for both parents and students," she says. "We do our best to make the transition smooth and pleasant for everyone, but the first day is always the most chaotic. We will give them the tools they need to be successful, and then we need you to let them go so they can learn to be problem-solvers and responsible."

Teachers fully understand that you have a million and one questions about the what, where, why and how of your child's education, but expecting a long conversation with them during drop-off on the first day, isn't ideal. Leapfrog.com wrote that writing a note or email, or leaving a phone mesage with a meeting request date would be better received.

Every year, there's a new list of school supplies needed for students and for some parents, that may cause a strain if the resources are not found in time. Educator Tara Cadogan wants parents to know that they really shouldn't worry about that stuff, though. "I wish parents knew that I will treat their child as if they are my own," she says. "They do not need to worry if there is something they can't afford to buy because I will help them. I wish they knew they don't have to tell their child to give me an excuse about why they don't have their supplies, they just need to be honest."

We Are Teachers noted that when your child is taught compassion at home, it helps them function better at school with others.

Whether you believe it or not, teachers fully understand that starting something new can be very scary and uncomfortable for you and for your child. That's why their goal is to make sure that you child is comfortable when they're in the classroom.

"We're just as excited, nervous, anxious as the kids," teacher Frances Sue tells me. "We're more interested in getting to know our kids the first day and making them feel comfortable in my classroom rather than checking to see if they have all the supplies they need for the school year. We know these are your babies and we will care for them as our babies."

According to Leapfrog, teachers are aware that children come into school on different levels, so if they haven't mastered everything prior to coming in, it's perfectly fine. They'll develop those skills throughout the year and master them with your help at home.