Teacher Woes

I read with great disappointment Terri Hamlin’s (Aug. 30) Commentary “Skepticism a Sad Shield for a Teacher.” While I empathize with her feeling overwhelmed by the problems and special needs some children bring to school, it is not helpful or productive to blame families any more than it is for families to blame schools that fail to educate alarming numbers of their children.

By using her self-described “educational triage” to sort and label children as those who can learn and those who cannot, Hamlin effectively avoids spending any energy where it might be productive--reaching out to parents to help them help their children.

The overwhelming majority of parents, regardless of income or educational level, want their children to do well in school. Most are willing to help, but many just don’t know how. If Hamlin would adopt a “no fault” attitude, make it her business to let parents know her expectations of what the children will learn in her classroom and how parents can help--she might be surprised by their willingness to support their children and her efforts. Sustained action of this nature is within her reach and can make a positive difference in student achievement.

Stop fixing blame, Ms. Hamlin, and start fixing what you can.

JEANA PRESTON, Specialist, Parent Involvement and Support Unit, San Diego City Schools