Ways to Cooperate with Teachers for the Benefit of Your Child

Tell the teacher something about your family and your child, any special goals you have for the school year. Share your desire to cooperate if any problems arise. Most classrooms now have telephones. If you can’t make a personal visit to the teacher, call on the phone before or after school is in session.

Find out the best way to communicate during the school week. E-mail? Phone? Written notes? What time of day is best for you to make contact? Your child’s teacher will appreciate an honest discussion about your concerns.

Don’t expect a teacher to spend unreasonable amounts of time with your child.
Try to put yourself in the teacher’s position —an elementary educator may have 25 students, each one different and needing individual attention or a high school teacher may instruct over 100 students across several class periods. Imagine what it must be like to have that many students needing your attention.

Attend parent conferences.
Come prepared with questions and comments. If your child is happy in the classroom, let the teacher know! Share any problems the child has mentioned. Take notes so you can tell your child about the conference.

Read all school communication and respond in a timely fashion when required.
Help your teachers by returning permission requests or notes requiring signatures as quickly as possible.

Take a team approach to your child’s learning.
Ask the teacher if there are ways you can help your child do better in school. If there is confusion about an assignment or project, phone the teacher for some help. Let the teacher know you are interested in your child’s progress or lack of it. Most teachers are eager to have students succeed, and are grateful for any efforts you make towards that goal.

If problems arise, don’t blame the teacher, the child, or yourself —focus on solving the problem.
Focus on solving the problem. Getting angry with the teacher is not in your child’s best interest. Often a conversation between the teacher, the parent, and the child will help find a solution. Before siding with your child against a teacher, get the whole story, and discuss it with another party, perhaps a friend or relative.

If you have time, volunteer to help during the school-day.
Most schools have regular volunteers who help with lunch times, office work, or classroom. Many schools are starting new programs that make use of parent’s special skills. Spending time at school will give you a chance to observe your child in a different setting and increase your understanding of school policies.

Consider running for the school board or becoming involved in decision making for the school system.
Does your school have a parent-teacher organization, curriculum or policy committee or student activities that need parent/caregiver participation? You can become involved and help the school at the same time by car pooling, chaperoning trips, or supporting the school band activities.

Keep a sense of humor about the whole school scene.
Don’t forget to laugh...School days are filled with funny incidents. Share stories from your school experience. Laugh when your child tells you his or her jokes —s/he will appreciate it and learn from it.