A retired teacher’s blunt message about education continues to spark debate. In 2017, Lisa Roberson wrote an open letter published in the Augusta Chronicle, arguing that many of the problems facing schools cannot simply be blamed on teachers. Instead, she pointed to parents and the role they play in preparing their children for school and teaching them basic values.

“As a retired teacher, I am sick of people who know nothing about public schools deciding how to fix our education system,” Roberson wrote. She insisted that teachers are not the problem, saying parents also need to teach their children manners, respect and how to get along with others. She also described teachers providing basic supplies for students out of their own pockets.

Roberson went on to question how involved parents are in their children’s education. Do they attend parent meetings, communicate with teachers, make sure their children have the necessary supplies and complete their homework? She also questioned whether students listen in class, take notes and avoid disrupting others.

Her conclusion was simple but controversial: “Teachers cannot do their jobs and the parents’ job.” She argued that schools cannot succeed without parents taking responsibility at home as well. The letter quickly attracted attention online and continues to divide opinions about where responsibility for children’s education should lie. What do you think—should parents take more responsibility, or do schools and teachers carry the greater burden?