With this being my 10th year in education, I’ve had multiple conversations with parents – some good and some bad. My goal is to have more positive healthy communication with parents. I want to make sure the parents/guardians know I am in both the students’ and parents’ “corner”.

I feel like I have reached my goal and that I have a good rapport with parents and students. The strategies I’ve implemented have paid dividends!

So, last year, I decided to write down some of those strategies and below is the list. Please feel free to use them!

Timing Is Everything

In the Summer

• Write draft on Google Docs or Create Email Drafts for Communication:
  • Beginning of the year – ALL THE INFORMATION
    • About Me/Introduction
    • Syllabus, Honor Code, Student/Parent Information, Newsletter, etc.
    • Expectations for the Teacher – (i.e.: 48 business hour turnaround time for emails)
    • Expectations for the Parent & Student – (i.e.: contact ASAP when an issue arises)
    • Paragraph explaining that you have the students fill out an “about me” form on the first day (or something similar) but you would like the parent’s perspective on what works best for their child, any relevant background, and how you can start a relationship with their child day-one.
    • Tutoring Times & where all information/grades/assignments can be found
    • Contact Information
  • 3 different positive emails – so they don’t all get the same email and once you have them, you can use them from year to year. 
  • Compliment “sandwich” – with refinements, tutoring time reminder, extra resources, etc.
  • Before first test email – just a reminder that it is coming up soon
  • After the first test email – reminders of tutoring, video resources, etc.
  • Before Testing – State Testing/AP Testing/IB Testing, etc. with best test taking practices
  • End of Year Email – thanking them for their participation to make it the best class possible & to send updates on the students future plans
• Draft syllabus & any other paperwork you send home
• Create drafts of Google Classroom/Canvas courses with all information as possible – remember to publish at the beginning of the year.

On Contract Time

• Complete syllabi & send out Beginning of Year Email
• Send at least 1 positive email/letter home per student during the time you have them.
  • I know… this takes a lot of time; however, the reward is far greater!
• Contact home for:
  • Failing grades or in danger of failing
  • Missing work/assignments
  • Excessive Tardies
  • Chronic Absences
  • Misbehavior
• Respond within 48 business hours of a parent/guardian contacting you
• Call home if email is not working

Tips

• Be understanding – The parents are looking out for their children.
• State everything that you have previously done and are willing to do for their child.
• Copy administration & their counselor so that everyone is kept in the loop.
• Clear up any misunderstandings with a phone call or parent conference with the admin in the meeting.
• Use this communication log to keep track of all communications.
• Try to not be defensive but explain everything you have done.
• Don’t use phrases like “I believe…” or “I think…” – instead be factual.
• Let them know that you are there for their child.
• Overall takeaway – BE GENUINE!

What strategies have you used for healthy communication with parents?

I’m sure there are several other things that we can do to have positive healthy parent communication. What strategies have you used that have worked? What hasn’t worked?