In 2017, a retired teacher named Lisa Roberson wrote an open letter that struck a nerve and quickly went viral. Published in the Augusta Chronicle, her heartfelt message reignited a long-standing debate about the state of the American education system. But rather than pointing the finger at the usual suspects—teachers, schools, or the government—Roberson shifted the focus to an often overlooked group: parents. In her candid and straightforward letter, she argued that while many people are quick to blame teachers for the decline in student achievement and classroom discipline, the real problem lies much closer to home. According to Roberson, it’s not the teachers who are failing the students; it’s the parents who are failing to do their part.
Roberson spoke from years of personal experience in the classroom. She spent her career witnessing firsthand the challenges teachers face on a daily basis. Her letter painted a clear picture of the modern classroom, where educators are expected to do far more than teach academic lessons. She explained that teachers are often burdened with addressing issues of discipline, responsibility, and respect—things that, in her view, should be taught at home long before a child ever steps foot in a school. Roberson’s words struck a chord because they highlighted something many teachers feel but are hesitant to say aloud: that education starts with parenting.
One of the most powerful points Roberson made was about priorities. She described the all-too-common scenario where children show up to school wearing designer shoes, carrying expensive phones, and dressed in the latest fashions, yet they come unprepared for class. Many of these same students don’t bring the basic supplies they need, like pencils, notebooks, or paper. And who ends up covering the gap? Teachers. Roberson pointed out that educators often reach into their own pockets to provide students with supplies, despite being underpaid and overworked themselves. For Roberson, this disconnect between what some parents are willing to spend on material things and what they prioritize for their child’s education was both troubling and telling.
Beyond the lack of supplies, Roberson questioned the level of parental involvement in their children’s education. She asked bluntly how many parents regularly check their kids’ homework or even know whether it’s being completed. She wondered how often parents attend parent-teacher conferences, show up for school events, or communicate with teachers about their child’s progress. In her experience, it wasn’t often enough. Too many parents, she said, seemed disengaged or uninvolved, leaving the full responsibility of educating and raising their children to the teachers and the school system.
@marcistook This amazing letter from teacher Lori Singaraju to parents is going viral, and you can see why. The level of care, empathy and understanding the reminder I needed today. 🥹 Also, a huge credit to all our educators like Lori who spend so much time loving on our kids every single day! #fyp #foryou #teachers #parenting #educators #thankyouteachers ♬ Married Life (Piano Version) – The Chillest
Roberson’s letter wasn’t meant to attack or shame parents, but rather to spark reflection and, hopefully, change. She believed that if more parents stepped up—teaching their children manners, respect, and personal responsibility at home—the entire education system would benefit. In her eyes, parents are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have. What children learn at home shapes their attitudes, behaviors, and readiness to learn when they arrive at school. Roberson argued that no amount of funding, standardized testing, or educational reform can fix a system where parents fail to support their children’s development.
Her words resonated with many teachers, who felt validated by her honesty. They saw in her letter the reflection of their own daily struggles and frustrations. But not everyone agreed with her message. Some parents pushed back, saying that modern life is full of challenges, and not every family has the time or resources to be as involved as they might like. Still, the debate sparked by Roberson’s letter was important. It opened up conversations about shared responsibility and reminded people that education is a partnership between schools and families.
Years after it was first published, Lisa Roberson’s letter continues to make the rounds on social media, often popping up in conversations about education reform and parenting. Her straightforward, no-nonsense approach challenged people to think critically about what they expect from schools and what schools should expect from parents in return. While there may not be an easy solution to the complex problems facing education today, Roberson’s message is clear: if we want to see real change, it starts at home. Parents must take an active role in their child’s education, not only by providing supplies and support but also by instilling values that prepare them to be respectful, responsible learners. And for many, her words still ring true.
