Horror stories teachers swap about nightmare parents are legendary. But in the decade since I started teaching at a public school outside Boston, tense interactions have become the norm. Expectations around communication have changed, burnout is worsening, and this strained dynamic could have serious implications for the future of the profession. More parental involvement broadly benefits students. Research confirms kids do better academically and socially when parents stay engaged. But the current environment often pits parents and teachers against each other instead of bringing them together for the students’ sake. I hear constantly from some parents while unable to reach