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We asked for your best tips on cultivating positive relationships with parents. Here’s what you said.
Trish Hrytsak
My second principal called us into a short staff meeting before the first parent–teacher interviews of the year and told us to remember that not all parents had a good experience in school, and if they didn’t, they’re likely bringing that with them to interviews. I’ve never forgotten that and hold it close any time I talk to a parent.
Rebecca Larkin
Focus on the positive rather than always the negative, especially with those students that struggle with school.
Laurie Dirsa
The first call needs to be positive!! We need to make sure we call home for positive reasons more often.
Karen Sucie
Listen.
Nicole Mooney
I talk to them at the beginning of the year and find out how they want to communicate. I let them know that unless it is an emergency, I won’t reply during evenings or weekends.
Megan Cross
I set my communication parameters early in the year. I turn off notifications or delete the app from my phone during school breaks so that I make sure I focus on my family and am not consumed by work!
Justine Merritt
Every Friday I send out a “next week at a glance” so the parents know what we will be doing in class. I post pics and activities up there and the feedback has been really positive!
Andrea Riquielme
Remember that their child is not just another number on a class list or the 500th kid you’ve taught over the last few years. Their child is not a “low,” “high” or “average”… know where they are at as learners and communicate that you care.
Julaine Guitton
Talk to them. Know their kids beyond just the grade they have in your class. Recognize that parenting is hard and that all parents are doing the very best they can given their circumstances. See this in them.
Michelle Fatica
Regular communication is vital. No matter the platform, set your plan and communicate to families when to expect your communication and stick with it. I do a weekly email to get families ready for the week ahead. They love it and I have never had any complaints about lack of communication.
Rosalba Politi
I use old school methods ... the telephone and email.
Let them know you are both on the same “team” with the same goal: success for their child.
Kathleen DeGeer
The cycle of trauma is real and many parents are dealing with things we may never understand. Always remember that they have the same goal — success for their kids — even if it’s not always shown on the surface.
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