Communicating With Your Child’s Teacher
Like all partnerships, those between parents and schools require communication to be successful. The quality of that communication is key to ensuring a strong relationship between teachers and parents, thereby improving childrens’ classroom experiences. Here are some suggestions for communicating with your children’s teachers:
Be Polite. Teachers likely spend more hours each day with your child than you do. They care for, support, and teach your children. They deserve your respect, so treat them accordingly – that includes your tone.
Be Respectful of Teachers’ Time. Teachers are not on call twenty four/seven. If your child is struggling with math homework, it is not okay to text or call a teacher (at a cell phone number that the teacher provided for emergencies) in the evening. Instead, send the teacher an email that he/she can respond to the following day, explaining your child’s difficulty. When you do speak to a teacher, remember that the teacher is giving up his/her personal time to speak to you.
Be Cognizant of Boundaries. Your children’s teachers are not your friends. Conversations should be cordial and caring, but you should refrain from asking personal questions. Don’t discuss children other than your own with teachers.
Keep Teachers Apprised. Life is full of unexpected events. You can help your children deal with the ramifications of those events by informing teachers. When something happening at home impacts your children (a new sibling, illness, death, employment change, etc.), share the circumstances with your children’s teachers.
Address Your Concerns. Teachers are human. Like all people, they make mistakes, and you should feel comfortable advocating for your children if problems arise. A teacher may be short-tempered, unfair, or unkind to your child. If that is the case, you should schedule a meeting, either in-person or over the phone, to address the issue directly.
Contact an Administrator If You Feel It Necessary. Sometimes your children may have needs that are not met after you speak to a teacher, or sometimes you may feel that a teacher is not adequately addressing your concerns. If that is the case, bring your concerns to an administrator – but try to let the teacher know before you do so. It is better if he/she hears it from you than the principal.
