The Role of Teachers and Parents in Education: Compare & Contrast

Parents strive to raise children to be productive citizens and good stewards in their communities. Teachers are charged with creating safe atmospheres in which children can learn, grow and excel academically. There are specific responsibilities parents and teachers have in regard to the children in their care. Understanding the different roles teachers and parents play can enhance a child’s experience and bridge the gap between home and school.

Teachers spend time preparing children to learn academic skills by creating lesson plans, classwork and homework assignments. Parents try to make sure their children complete homework assignments, turn them in on time and sometimes provide academic enrichment through after-school tutoring and learning games.

However, at times, how much can a student excel in his undertaking varies between parent and teacher point-ofview. Parents who feel that it’s solely their responsibility to educate a child have a parent-focused outlook, whereas in the school-focused paradigm, the teacher or school feels this is their primary responsibility.

Discipline is also a sensitive subject for parents and teachers. Part of the responsibility of any teacher is to maintain class decorum by making sure students respect the rules so learning can flourish. Parents take on the responsibility of teaching children morals and values such as respect for others and self, and appropriate social skills. A joyful medium occurs when both teacher and parent work together to ensure the child respects rules inside and outside the classroom.

As was mentioned in the prior papers for this compilation, due to the current scenarios that we are facing, parents have come to understand and appreciate the efforts of a teacher when they are now facing the challenges of educating their kids at home. Parents have now realized the struggles there is just to put education in the hearts of their young.

However, presented this idea of similarities and differences, one thing is common for sure, Teachers are parents too, and parents are teachers too. We are a part of this ever-winding connection that enables us to foster the young, build their dreams and ensure that in life, they are prepared – one way or the other.