Parent Teacher Teamwork

Children have a school life and a home life. Sometimes who they are in each place can vary, just as it does for us! Since we cannot be with them all day, it is critical to establish a great partnership with our children’s teachers. Parent teacher teamwork helps us to foster strong relationships that support our children’s academic and emotional growth.

To paint a well- rounded picture of our children, it benefits them the most for parents to become allies with their teachers. This allows for a perfect blend of their home to school life. As teachers and parents ourselves, we have experience on both sides of the fence. We want to help you to bridge that divide. Let’s consider the following tips to enhance communication, join forces and explore strategies so we are all working together through parent teacher teamwork.

Communication is key

Teamwork thrives most on contact between both parties and allows for individual and group success. If we consider our child’s teachers as an integral part of our family team, we will all be on a winning team! As a parent, make sure to reach out to your child’s teacher with any concerns, observations and good news. When the teacher is aware of what is happening at home, she can support your child in the classroom. Additionally, send your child’s teacher a direct email if you need to share or ask something more personal. Be sure to give the teacher time to reply since they may have limited time during the day between classes and duties! So, how do you receive the same support from your child’s teacher?

Make sure that you are reading the emails, newsletters and other communications that are sent home. Teachers share important dates, school happenings and news via group communications. You’ll find that many of your questions are answered and dates can be added to your calendar ahead of time by reading teacher communications! Parent teacher teamwork is a two way communication street.

Connection strategies

Not every relationship is easy. We know this in life to be true. Some teachers are more accessible than others and we all bring different experiences to the table. There is more than one way to connect with your child’s teacher. Let’s explore a variety of options that work to increase transparency in parent teacher teamwork.

• Digital communication works great for most parents and teachers. Reach out via email or through your school’s communication platform. Many times teachers will send out group messages via email or post on the school platforms.
• Paper communication– Check your child’s backpack daily (I can be better at this myself!) for handouts, newsletters or notes sent home by the teacher.
• In- person communication is easy for quick questions, news or even compliments! If you are a parent who drops off or picks up from school, you may be able to catch your child’s teacher this way. Keep it simple since the teacher may be busy with a duty or responsibility.
• Parent teacher conferences are best when you need to schedule one- on- one time with your child’s teacher to address concerns, note progress and plan for goals.
• Join the Parent- Teacher Association at your child’s school. The PTA is a great opportunity for you to connect with your school leaders and participate in making decisions and plans for the school community.
• Open Houses and Visit Days are available for families to come to the building to meet teachers, walk through your child’s schedule and learn school specific information.

Partnership for parent teacher teamwork

Working together to collaborate as a team allows parents and teachers to equally support children. Parents know their child best at home and teachers know the student best at school. Bringing these two worlds together creates the most beneficial experience for children of all ages! Keep communication open and find ways to connect with your teachers. This benefits teachers, parents, and most of all, it benefits the students.