<p>Renee, I actually do say “I am not a licensed family therapist” (or similar words) when a conference becomes essentially a plea for such services. I see nothing wrong with that. I have politely suggested appropriate professional recourse in such situations when families inappropriately ask for guidance beyond my specific credentials. </p>
<p>As to taking up collections for items such as you mention, I see nothing wrong with a teacher demonstrating such compassion, but in & through an appropriate venue. The extrinsic need can be communicated to the district, the administrator of the school, etc. When teachers begin refusing to take on parental roles & professional non-teaching roles, the needs will still be there but the “cause” will get funneled elsewhere. Yes, I do understand (I’m sure some poster will point out) that undernourished children do not perform well academically. That’s why there is the <em>federal</em> breakfast (or lunch) program. The teacher does not administer it, and hopefully does not serve it, especially within classroom instructional time. This is an agency function. </p>
<p>And yes, this means that some kids who are the product of exceptionally bad or absent parenting, or exceptionally compromised circumstances, will fall through the cracks. I’ve gotten over any Saviour complexes. If I can provide exceptional educational opportunities for my students (both dependent & independent, both challenged & gifted), that’s “saviour” enough for me.</p>