The classroom used to be a sacred space.
The teacher was considered the expert who used their knowledge to help guide students, and to occasionally correct them as needed.
The teacher’s (and principal’s) word was law.
But there’s been a shift.
We are now in the era of the whisper campaign, where every disciplinary action, every grade, and every comment is suddenly up for debate, cross-examination, and of course, judging in the eyes of the School Mom’s Facebook group.
Like the rest of our world, education is now in its Post-Truth phase.
Parents have always advocated for their children.
However, there used to be trust between families and the teacher. We all worked under the assumption that the teacher was a professional with a crystal clear and honest view of the situation.
Now the child takes on saint-like qualities in the eyes of the parent. Everything is someone else’s fault. And the teacher has become a villain in a carefully constructed narrative. Yes, everything now is just good theater. Sometimes, an eight year old’s flare for the dramatic is now a much better version of the truth than what actually happened.
All of this just follows with the rest of society and the erosion of trust in authority. Teachers (and school principals) are no longer the most valued and trustworthy members of our society as they once were.
So what can educators do? Make sure you follow these strategies:
Focus on Connections over Corrections. It is crucial to build strong relationships with both your student and parents. Take the time to get to know them, and more importantly, for them to get to know you.
Always be Transparent (with a capital T). Document everything. State facts simply. Clear communication and documented evidence are your superpower when narratives get creative.
Pick your Battles. You don’t need to die on every hill. It might be wise in certain situations to strategically retreat. Save your energy for the fights that truly matter.
Always Remain Calm. If a parent does come in hot, you need to stay cool. Validate their feelings and listen to concerns without getting defensive. Rely on the facts, and continue to share them in a calm, controlled manner.
Don’t take it Personally. While this is easier said than done, try to realize that it’s them and not YOU. Angry or negative reactions can often stem from a place of fear, protectiveness, or even past school experiences. Take a step back and take a deep breath. Don’t let it ruin the rest of your day.
Yes, education is in its Post-Truth phase. Despite this, you can remain resilient and proactively communicate with families.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Keep being the expert professional that you have always been.
Rich