6 Ways to Build an Effective Partnership with Your Child’s Teacher

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In any successful partnership there’s trust, honesty and open communication. The same holds true between parents and teachers. A child spends more waking hours with their teacher than they do their parents, so ensuring that you’re both on the same page is critical to your child’s success in school. The Learning Partnership reached out to retired teachers and principals and asked for their best tips on what parents can do to build a strong partnership with their child’s teacher.

Here’s what they offered up:

Write a letter to your child’s teacher to help them better understand your child. Tell them about their interests, strengths, challenges and your own hopes for your child. Follow up with a face to face meeting.
Advise the teacher about anything special/different happening at home (birth of new sibling, death of grandparent, serious illness of student or family member) that may impact the student’s ability to concentrate or focus on learning.
Don’t just get in touch with teachers only when there is a problem. Try sending positive feedback in written form 3 to 4 times a year (e.g. thanking them for an interesting lesson that your child commented on, or a special trip planned for the class). Positive notes are treasured by teachers.
If you’re concerned about something in the classroom, give the teacher the courtesy of discussing it with them first before going to the principal or superintendent.
Don’t disengage when your child starts high school. Be proactive: go to school open houses, get a school calendar and know when events are happening. Find out about volunteer opportunities such as coaching, mentoring, and chaperoning. Be involved in a way that keeps you informed and still allows your student their independence.
Lastly, it’s all about attitude. When we start with the attitude that teachers have our students’ best interest at heart and we remind ourselves that they are human too, parents can begin establishing strong relationships with a healthier perspective and be in a better position to support their children in their school journey to success.