In the ongoing debate about modern education, many blame classroom failures on policies and standards. But retired teacher Lisa Roberson’s viral open letter shifts focus, arguing that the real issue is parental responsibility. Written in 2017 and still relevant, her message is clear: the crisis isn’t teaching methods, but a breakdown in parenting.
Roberson criticizes those who, unfamiliar with classrooms, try to “fix” schools from afar. She boldly states, “Teachers are not the problem! Parents are the problem!” She emphasizes that basic manners, respect, and social skills are no longer taught at home, leading teachers to spend more time on discipline than instruction. She highlights the irony of children arriving at school dressed in expensive sneakers but lacking basic supplies like pencils and paper—often provided by teachers out of their own pockets.
Roberson urges critics to look beyond test scores and consider parental engagement: attendance at meetings, communication with teachers, and whether parents prepare children physically and mentally. She suggests schools are often blamed unfairly for community and home issues, which hinder student success regardless of teaching quality.
Her words sparked division: supporters see her as exposing the unpaid labor teachers perform daily, while critics argue she oversimplifies complex socio-economic factors. Ultimately, Roberson calls for a return to personal responsibility, urging parents to step up. Her letter reminds us that education begins at home, and true learning depends on a partnership between families and schools.