Career Confidential: Teacher concerned that parents don’t trust teachers anymore

Abstract

In this regular Kappan column, Phyllis Fagell gives advice to educators. This month, a teacher wants to set better boundaries with parents don’t seem to trust teachers and want to have input on every decision. A principal has noticed that students are only hanging out with kids from their own social class, creating a “haves” and “have nots” culture at the school. Another teacher keeps hearing about colleagues who are looking for jobs in higher-paying districts and wonders if it’s time to jump ship, despite being generally happy in her current job.