They deal with smart-mouths, spitballs, and snack allergies. You're stuck with homework battles, bus bullies, and AWOL permission slips. Educating kids has its challenges for both teachers and parents, and the kids are no doubt whining about both of you. But, oh, those sweet slivers of success, those moments when the proverbial lightbulb goes off in a child's head. They are the experiences that make it all worthwhile. (Certainly neither of you is in it for the money.)
Parents and teachers are the most important adults in a child's life, but they don't always see eye to eye—making it more difficult for students to achieve. “When kids know that their parents and teacher are on the same page, they tend to work harder in class, finish their homework, and—even more important—see that the grown-ups in their lives are working together to help them be successful,” says Lily Eskelsen, vice president of the National Education Association (NEA) and former Utah teacher of the year. That's why we partnered with the NEA to take the pulse of today's teacher-parent partnership. One thousand respondents—half parents, half teachers—were willing to fess up. Here, the survey's most revealing findings, along with insights from an A+ panel of parents and educators.