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Thank you. I can understand exactly what you are saying, because I have found that the few parents I've heard complaints from, are the ones never found at parent teacher conferences, or any of the other functions the schools and the districts run. Those with our attitude who do attend those things, don't seem to have many complaints, beyond the normal grumblings about weather related delays and closings, or "Not another holiday." I get very discouraged on these threads by the nastiness extended toward public school teachers and parents who send their children to public school. No system is perfect, and there is good and bad in all. I'll take good teacher in a public school any day over a poor one in another form of edication program. I spent 12 years in Catholic schools.........and had my fair share of problem teachers. Keep up the good work, FRiend...........and know there are parents with kids in public schools that truly appreciate you and the majority who are like you. WOW!!!!!! People like you are truly why I teach. I think a lot of parents who try to get involved and show that they really and truly care have your attitude. I have some of those types of parents of my own students. They are the ones who have the most influence with me and who I appreciate very much. There are some who do work, but it's that support that I truly value (that any teachers value). Your comments ring so true. I had a teacher say to me that to become a teacher today, you really do have to care about kids because the baggage isn't worth it. We aren't trying to spread any political agenda, just trying to make a difference in kids' lives. I absolutely love my job and the people I associate with. The parents sometimes become my friends and supporters during the year and their kids "my kids" (I have none of my own). I am becoming an endangered species, being a white male primary grade teacher, though. Yes, there may be good and bad teachers, but we can learn form almost any. My parents did not like my fifth grade teacher. Yet, he was one of my favorites. He taught me a lot about being honest in even simple things. I remember the football games we played against another class, the hard math he gave us, "finally" winning an art contest, and his "red hot specials" where we got pops for doing good on academics and other things (I give my kids happy meals for reaching a second grade level). Thank you so much. Your comments are worth a lot in pay.