In 2017, Lisa Roberson, a retired teacher with years of experience in the classroom, decided to share her thoughts on the state of education in an open letter published in the Augusta Chronicle. What she wrote struck a chord with many people and quickly sparked conversations across the country. Her message was clear, direct, and unapologetically honest. While many debates about the struggles in education often place the blame squarely on teachers or the system itself, Roberson took a different approach. She pointed the finger at an issue she believed was being ignored: the lack of parental involvement and responsibility in their children’s education. According to Roberson, it isn’t the teachers who are failing, but rather parents who are not doing their part at home to prepare their children to succeed in school.

Roberson began her letter by expressing her deep concern for how teachers are so often criticized and blamed when students fall behind. She explained that she had witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts of her fellow teachers, who worked long hours and gave everything they had to support their students. Yet, despite all their dedication, teachers were frequently held accountable for issues that, in her view, originated elsewhere. She wrote that many of the challenges facing today’s classrooms have less to do with curriculum, school funding, or teacher performance, and more to do with a lack of basic values being instilled at home. She emphasized that many children arrive at school unprepared to learn, not because they are incapable, but because they have not been taught discipline, respect, or personal responsibility.

One of Roberson’s most powerful observations came when she described the disconnect she saw between some parents’ priorities and their children’s educational needs. She noted that it was common to see students wearing expensive sneakers and carrying the latest smartphones, yet they often lacked even the most basic school supplies like pencils, paper, or notebooks. Teachers, already stretched thin, frequently stepped in to provide these materials themselves. Roberson questioned why parents were willing to spend money on luxury items but neglected to ensure their kids had what they needed to succeed in the classroom. This, she argued, was a glaring example of misplaced priorities.

@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 didn’t stop there. She also challenged parents to reflect on their own level of involvement in their children’s education. She asked how many parents regularly checked their children’s homework or made sure it was completed on time. She wondered how often parents communicated with teachers or showed up for parent-teacher conferences and school events. In her experience, too many parents were disengaged, leaving teachers to shoulder the full weight of their child’s academic progress and behavioral development. She believed that if parents were more present, more supportive, and more involved, many of the issues facing the education system today would drastically improve.

Her letter was not intended to shame parents but to serve as a wake-up call. Roberson passionately believed that education is a partnership between schools and families, and that when parents fail to uphold their end of the bargain, teachers and students suffer. She urged parents to recognize their vital role and to take an active part in their child’s learning journey. She called for a return to teaching basic manners, respect for authority, and personal accountability at home, so that students could enter the classroom ready to learn, behave appropriately, and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Lisa Roberson’s letter continues to resonate years after it was published. Her words have been shared widely on social media and continue to spark debates about what needs to change in our education system. While some parents felt her message was harsh, many educators applauded her for saying what they had long felt but were often afraid to express. Her candid observations reminded people that while teachers play a crucial role in shaping young minds, they cannot do it alone. Parents have a responsibility to support that process by reinforcing values and lessons at home. In the end, Roberson’s letter was not just a critique but a call to action—one that challenges all of us to take a closer look at how we can better support the next generation in school and beyond.