The Benefits and Challenges of Having Parent-Teachers

     At Eisenhower, we share many stories about students with different backgrounds. How someone grows up can give different perspectives on life. Like many other schools, Eisenhower has quite a few students with parents who work at their school, and they share experiences that both benefit and challenge them. Some people could make the assumption that school days are easier for those students, and for some, that may be true. However, daily life at school often feels different from what others may expect.

     One thing that sticks out above all is support in the school setting. When a parent works in the  same building, a student can often feel more comfortable asking for help with schoolwork, schedules, or problems during the day. Some students relate most to the safety aspect and feel safer knowing a parent is usually nearby. Others appreciate quick access to advice when school issues appear. Teachers who know the parent also understand the student’s home situation better, which sometimes helps with communication. Support can make all the difference to make a student's school year go as smoothly as possible. 

     The feeling of pressure can be challenging, along with the desire to behave perfectly. Scared to embarrass or disrespect their parents in their work environment also carries significance, because classmates and teachers know that their parents work there, which is why it’s always important to feel comfortable enough to talk to others in the school besides your parents about any issues or concerns that could appear. Students may feel safer at school, but also feel their privacy is compromised. When they make mistakes or have discipline problems, it may feel more embarrassing when the rope is tighter for them. Privacy also becomes harder. A student may worry that teachers talk with their parents about grades or behavior.

     Access to the school environment can also help students stay organized and involved. Students with parents on staff often hear about events, clubs, or sports earlier. This knowledge helps them plan their time and join activities more easily. Many students also feel proud when they see the work their parents do for the school and there's a sense of accomplishment when you know that what they do helps, not only other students, but others within the community.