Being a teacher and a parent at one time is no easy feat, especially if your children are also present at your workplace everyday. For some teachers in the district whose child attends the school they work at, this has been a challenge that they face everyday, and even enjoy.
“I think having my children at my school has had many effects on them, some positive, some negative, some indifferent,” second grade teacher Jessica Laurence said. “Being so close, you get to see them interact with their friends and teachers which teaches you things about them you wouldn’t otherwise know. But it can also cause them to run to you for help when they have forgotten homework or lunch money.”
I love having my kids at my school. It has made it easy to feel like we are part of the Lovejoy family even though we live outside the district.
— Michele Riddle
To some teachers, having their kids at their school has increased their school spirit.
“I love [having my kids at my school],” English teacher Michele Riddle said. “I know so many of their friends because they were in my class and that also helps with knowing their friends’ parents. It has made it easy to feel like we are part of the Lovejoy family even though we live outside the district. With my children going to school here, it makes football games, plays, and other school events so much more meaningful than if I taught here without kids attending.”
But not everything about this situation is a positive.
“The only hindrance would probably be that sometimes I know too much about what’s going on at school and with the kids here,” Riddle said. “[My kids] would probably like a little more independence and distance in high school.”
However, if a problem arises between their children and a colleague, parents are thrown into a difficult situation.
“This is probably the stickiest situation that we have run into as a family here,” Riddle said. “I always try to have them handle their problems with teachers first. We have had some instances when I talked to the teacher, but I always try to be as non-confrontational as possible and let the teacher (who is also usually my friend) know that I am just wanting to clarify the situation and see what needs to be done on my end as a parent.”
Students with parents who teach at their school have adapted to the situation.
“If I have any problem with a teacher I just tell [my mom – school receptionist Rhonda Lloyd] the problems like any other kid would do with their parent and she gives me advice on what to do,” senior Kamie Lloyd said. “She is good friends with all the teachers and staff and knows their intentions but also understands how students and teachers can have issues. She is very good at understanding both sides of a situation.”
Most teachers seem to enjoy having their kids at their schools, despite the challenges it may produce.
“I loved knowing [my daughter’s] teachers so well,” Laurence said. “And having all of the small incidents, whether funny, proud, or serious shared with me while passing her teachers in the hallway or interacting during a staff meeting.”
