Template Letter to Teachers

As broader culture shifts away from a biblical understanding of sexuality, gender, and identity this shift will make its way into the education of our children. In fact, we already see this happening already in many states. As a church, we have many families whose kids attend public schools. As a church, we want to equip parents to communicate well with their kid’s teachers about what they desire for their kids in the following areas: Gender, Sexuality, LGBTQ Issues, Reproduction, etc.

On the whole, teachers do a great job partnering with parents as they teach and shape the next generation. As parents,  don’t wish to be oppositional but rather, we wish to be clear about our responsibility to raise our kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This includes discussions of biblical sexuality, identity, and gender.

Below is a letter Pastor Mark P. and his wife wrote to their kid’s teachers (1st, 3rd, 5th grade) earlier this week. They wanted to be kind and clear with their hopes and expectations. Really, they wanted to open the dialogue early so they didn’t feel behind or that they were scrambling in response.

We’re sharing this because our guess is that there are more people like them. More moms and dads who have kids in public school and are worried about the increasing culture creep present in our schools. More moms and dads who want to be able to support teachers but also protect their kids.

If you find yourself in that boat, feel free to use this letter below as a way to communicate to your teachers not only your appreciation for them but also your desire to be informed as parents. If you think this can be of use to someone else in a similar situation, feel free to pass it on. Parenting is hard but can be made easier if we work together.”

Love your kids, pray for your teachers, and be bold!

“Dear Mrs. Smith,

We are so excited you are going to be a part of our son Timmy’s life! We believe Timmy will have an amazing year in your classroom. Jane and I recognize you have a lot on your plate this year with COVID regulations in addition to your normal teaching responsibilities. If we can be of help volunteering in class, providing treats, or anything please don’t hesitate to ask. We want to be an encouragement to you and make sure you have all you need to excel at your job. When you win, everyone wins.

We also recognize the influence you will have in Tim’s life. Whether that’s helping shape his love and respect for authority or nurturing his love for learning – your influence in his life sets the stage for how he will view the world. As Tim’s parents, we are responsible to mold Tim into a man who loves God and loves people well. We feel burdened to be involved in the education of our son.

We’re grateful you’re willing to partner with us in the education of our son and believe your place in his life will create a great foundation for continued learning. However, there are a few areas where we feel very strongly about being informed of prior to any lessons. We ask that you, in deference to us as Tim’s parents, inform us the day before of any lessons, discussions, books, special guests in class, or other teaching methods covering the following subject matter:

• Gender (Male, Female, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary, etc.)
• Pronoun Discussion (Any teaching instructing children to use pronouns that don’t correspond with biological sex)
• Reproduction (Discussion of reproductive body parts, sexual act, reproduction, etc.)
• Trans-Gender Issues (Sex reassignment, gender dysphoria, gender non-conformity, gender difference from biological sex)
• LGBTQ Issues (Discussion of Homosexuality, Same Sex Attraction, Same Sex Marriage, etc.)

Our desire is not to burden you with extra emails or tasks. We simply ask for a heads-up. We are not asking you not to teach those things. We simply ask you to let us know it’s coming.

Ultimately, questions of biology, gender, and sexuality are foundational for understanding who we are and how we relate to others. They are substantial. Because of that, we will not cede our God-given responsibility to help our kids understand these fundamental teachings to anyone else.

If you have any issues, questions, or concerns with this request, feel free to contact me directly via email or phone (listed below) or my wife Jane (cc’d on this email). We are truly grateful for the place you will have in our son’s life and look forward to a great year partnering together in Tim’s education.

Gratefully,

Jane and Joe Doe”