Teachers are essential in students’ school life just as parents are in a family. This is a unique situation for both students and teachers, and some students here at Mount Pisgah.
Their parents are teachers from different grades and have different life experiences.
One advantage is that the parents are more connected to the student’s school life. Harley Cameron’s mom is a lower school teacher.
“My mom relates to the stress I have for schoolwork and can often provide support,” said Cameron.
While Cameron’s mother works on the lower school campus, Cameron enjoys seeing her mother on special occasions such as the Homecoming parade.
Teachers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional impact school can have on students. They also understand the commitment students have to their schoolwork, & can give beneficial advice to their kids when they are frustrated or stressed.
Having a good understanding of their kids’ needs allows parents to identify if they are in need of extra assistance.
Sophomore Libby Scarbrough’s mom is an upper school history teacher, and Scarbrough feels more connected to the school because of that.
Because of the presence of parents as teachers, students may feel more comfortable speaking to teachers and want to engage in classrooms.
“I feel more comfortable communicating with teachers and participating in school activities,” said Scarbrough.
Clara Rogers, a junior, is in Mrs. Rogers’ math class and enjoys having her mom as a teacher, as well as learning in her class.
Sometimes, these students can feel strange calling teachers by their names when they are also their parents.
Rogers said, “I don’t call my mom by any names while at school. I just go up to her.”
While having parents as teachers provides valuable connection and support, it also comes with challenges that can affect students’ daily lives and sense of independence.
Sophomore Amelia Cook’s mom is a kindergarten teacher.
“My mom is pretty busy, and sometimes it is hard getting around because I can’t drive, and both of my sisters are in college,” said Cook.
Like Cook, Scarbrough also has a similar situation. She said it takes a lot of work to get to places before her sister, Griffin Scarbrough, could drive. Teachers are intensely involved with the school, either coaching or leading extra curricular activities, meaning most of their time is spent at school.
Because these students have a unique connection with teachers, other students might feel as though they are favored. However, this is not true. Teachers do not favor these students because of their parent’s jobs. Kids feel like they have less freedom since they must always be on their best behavior due to their reputation
Having parents as teachers has both benefits and drawbacks. In comparison, it can provide better connections, extra support, and school spirit, but it can limit the student’s freedom and have awkward situations. Overall it is a different experience for both students and teachers.
