It did, and when you add in race and class....they're defensive and terrified that you're coming to judge and maybe to take their kids, or start a process that might. Sometimes, as messed up as it sounds, those kids are an income source. Not judging, just facts. They may love the kids too, but it is what it is.

Teachers can do a lot. But in 5 hours a day, they can't be everything to everyone and it's unfair to expect it. It's one of the things my grade 1 teacher (the one who told me not to be a teacher ) told me back in 1989....She said, "Teaching is changing, it's not educating anymore, it's nursing, social work and parenting. It's not what I signed on for." Imagine what she'd think these days if she were alive.