How to Build a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
Successful public schools have the great impact on students that they do because of the work of wonderful teachers. However, teachers can’t accomplish the work of making a difference in children’s lives by themselves. Research clearly reveals that students perform much better in school when their parents are directly involved in their education.
Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association (NEA), states that “teachers make students soar and make their hopes and dreams come true.” He goes on to say “…and when parents are involved in their children’s education, they will go farther–and the schools they attend are better. The home is an extension of the learning that takes place inside the classroom. When parents get involved in their child’s education, everyone wins.” This is further confirmation that parent involvement is a very important factor in the educational and psychological development of school-aged children.
The National Education Association, which represents 2.8 million teachers and other education professionals, has even provided 5 practical tips that parents can keep in mind to get more involved in their children’s academic lives.
1. Parents should check in with teachers regularly.
Before a teacher has to call the home to report a child’s bad behavior, parents should be communicating with their child’s teachers to find out what is being taught in class and what can be done at home for the child to excel academically. Parents should also inquire about their child’s behavior in class, since a child’s passive aggressive, overly quiet or hyperactive behavior could be a sign of a deeper issue.
2. Parents should get to know other school employees, like the guidance counselors.
Education support professionals follow this advice as well, as they get to know everyone who works in the school to determine the professional’s role in a child’s educational development as he/she moves from one grade to the next. Employees other than teachers can work with parents to help a child determine their career path after school, or assist the child through a difficult time in his/her personal life so that the student’s grades will not suffer.
3. Parents should attend school events.
As much as possible, parents should be present for teacher conferences, school plays, athletic events and school dances. This not only shows the child that his/her parents have a vested interest in his/her academic life, but gives parents a chance to get better acquainted with the school staff.
4. Parents should volunteer at the school.
It’s important for parents to lend their time and talents to the school when possible. For instance, parents with an artistic background can volunteer to help out with the school play; parents who love to bake can head up the school’s fundraiser. Chaperoning field trips and being a teacher’s aid for a day are also great ways to volunteer.
5. Parents should keep the lines of communication open.
It’s important for parents to get to know other families whose children attend the school. This provides a comfortable setting for parents to discuss their concerns about the school or to emphasize the positive attributes of the institution. By communicating regularly with those in the community, parents can form support groups and take action against unfair conditions in the school.
When parents see their child’s education as a community effort, they will be more likely to directly involve themselves in their child’s classroom activities. This will also come as a great relief to teachers, as parent involvement makes the job of a teacher much more effective.