“You went from the pandemic to persecution. In some parts of this country, they’ve developed an intentional, toxic disrespect against teachers in public schools.”

-US Secretary of Education Miquel Cardona

Secretary of Education Miquel Cardona believes that teachers are facing an onslaught of disrespect from parents in certain states. Granted, groups like Moms for Liberty, a parents’ rights group, object to the woke ideology they claim is being taught in public schools and conservative policymakers have pushed for book bans, restrictions on instruction about racism and limitations n the rights of LGBTQ+ students.

And only half of teachers say they’re respected and seen as professionals by the general public, down more than 20 percentage points from 2011.

Yes, it would be great if more people respected teachers and valued their hard work. Yet, it seems harsh to say there’s a toxic disrespect for them. In my district, most parents value and appreciate educators for all they do for their children. They’ve supported me in my twelve years in this high school, and without them, my job would have been much more challenging. I see them as collaborating with me in making their children succeed even in times when they face academic, emotional and behavioral issues. I thank them for trusting teachers to do what’s best for their child.