It's a beautiful thing...Sometimes.
As a teacher in the 21st century, email is a very important tool. Emails can be sent to a class, to individual students or parents, and is an easy way of communicating without having to lose so much time, which as we all know is very valuable. However, sometimes, parents abuse the privilege of having a teacher's email address and use that opportunity for the negative.
I am a new teacher this year, therefore I created a school email account to be used solely for the purpose of being in touch with parents in an easy way. Before school even began, I had an email from a parent telling me that her child would not be in for the first few days because they were on vacation (hello!?!? Summer just ended!) and hopefully he would not be penalized for it. Additionally, I should please not give her child a seat in the back because he focuses better in the front.Another time, I logged into my email to find that I had numerous emails from parents about various things ranging from food lunch problems to homework questions.
A question arose in my mind...is there such a thing as TOO much communication and availability with parents??? When I was growing up and in school, if my mother had a question for the teacher, she would send in a note or would call the school if it was urgent. A parent asked me for my cell phone number because she is a "texter" and it is easier for her. I replied that i do not give out my cell phone number rather she should email me any concerns or questions. Parents, just like children in this generation, need instant gratification and notice. If an email goes unchecked for 30 minutes, parents send another one.
I love that parents want to communicate with the teacher and if a question comes up that it will be answered. I think parents need to realize that during school hours, I am in charge and that if a problem arises I will communicate with them. If something urgent needs to be addressed, it will be addressed. But this hounding of teachers for, sometimes, the most miniscule of things, is absurd. I am not your child's personal psychiatrist or tutor and parents need to understand that they cannot hound me and bombard me with emails and that sometimes, they can figure things out on their own.
