1. The importance of establishing Parent- Teacher Relationships
The why’s and how’s of effective communication
Jennifer Walker

2. Parent Teacher Relationships
A solid parent-teacher relationship is the foundation in which families get involved with their student’s education.
Initiating positive communication early is proven to yield encouraging results for students, parents, and their teachers!

3. Teacher Benefits
You can learn about students’ needs and home environments through parents.
Are there strategies used to combat behavior at home?
Does the student have multiple siblings causing attention issues?
When you know that your parents are involved and onboard:
You have more time to teach when parents help control other issues!
You have a heightened morale knowing your students and parents are on the right track!

4. Parent Benefits
The stronger communication a parent has with the school, the more motivated they will be to get involved.
Schools give parents ideas on how to help and support their children at home.
Continuous informative communication increases a parent’s knowledge on the school’s overall educational style and program.

5. Student Benefits
Parent-Teacher relationships triggers positive results in students.
Increased motivation and better attitude towards school. (School is cool enough for parents to get involved, so the student’s find an increased interest.)
Better behavior (They do not want parents to find out via the open lines of communication.)
Better attendance
HIGHER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT!

6. What should teachers inform parents about?
Classroom learning activities
Projects
In class expectations
At home expectations
Educational Field Trips
Student’s accomplishments
Interim Grades
Significant milestones
Ways parents can help student learn at home
Homework Help
Supplemental Resources (found on teacher’s website)

7. Effective TWO-WAY communication
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Mutual Organizations (PTA)
Send-home parent surveys
Phone Calls s
Open House events

8. There are examples of parent-teacher phone calls on the internet.
Phone Etiquette
Plan ahead and write down what your plan to address.
Introduce yourself.
Inform the parent on what their child is studying.
Inform the parent of student’s achievements.
Inform the parent of student’s progress and strengths.
Address any concerns.
Invite the parent to any upcoming school functions.
There are examples of parent-teacher phone calls on the internet.

9. Effective ONE-WAY communication
Send school work home periodically
Essays or extensive Projects
Send home weekly or monthly newsletters
Post on teacher’s website as well
upcoming opportunities
Parent workshops or parent volunteer options at school
Send home flyers of community events
Events that students and parents can attend together

10. When using any of these forms of communication:
FOLLOW THESE STRATEGIES
Initiate communication early in the school year.
Be timely with communication, especially when regarding a problem or concern.
Be consistent so parents can expect updates and become familiar with the open line of communication.
Follow through with anything you suggest or discuss with a parent.
Be clear with the language used to communicate. Do not “beat around the bush”, or parents might miss the important message.

11. Don’t Forget:
Parents LOVE random, positive feedback about their children.
Parents appreciate knowing a teacher has an open door policy.
Parents are more likely to access online resources to acquire information: Put time and effort into your teacher website.

12. References and Resources
Reading Rocket (Building Parent-Teacher Relationships)
Scholastic (9 Techniques for Building Solid Parent-Teacher Relationships)
Google images (clipart)