In 2017, retired teacher Lisa Roberson went viral after writing an open letter published in the Augusta Chronicle, where she passionately argued that the issues within the school system were not the fault of teachers, but rather the parents. Roberson criticized parents for not preparing their children properly for school, citing examples such as students arriving with expensive shoes but no school supplies. She lamented that teachers were often forced to buy supplies out of their own pockets and that parents were not actively involved in their children’s education, whether through attendance at parent-teacher nights or ensuring homework was completed. She emphasized that, without greater parental involvement, the problems in the education system would not improve.
The letter sparked significant debate, with many agreeing with Roberson’s observations on the lack of parental responsibility, while others questioned whether teachers or the education system as a whole bore more of the blame. Roberson’s pointed remarks, made before the pandemic and subsequent educational shifts, continue to resonate in discussions about how to improve schools. The letter remains a contentious topic, as it challenges societal expectations of teachers and parents, prompting reflection on how much responsibility each group should bear in shaping the future of education.