Why Are Parents So Skeptical of Teachers?
How To Return To a Strong and Positive Relationship Between Teachers and Parents
In recent months, we’ve seen an increase in parents demanding book bans. We’ve seen an increase in educators being fired for performing a song with their students or for covering a certain topic. Parents seem concerned that teachers are indoctrinating their children with their ideas.
Why are parents so skeptical of educators? At what point did we stop believing that teachers were genuinely invested in our children’s success? Why does it feel hard to assume that teachers have our students’ best interest at heart?
Across the country, teachers are walking on eggshells, afraid of parent pushback at every turn. Educators are afraid to cover controversial topics and afraid to read topical books. We’re terrified that our career could end with one angry parent taking to Facebook.
How does public education move forward in this era of divisiveness? How can we repair the relationship between parents and teachers?
Effective communication and collaboration between teachers and parents are essential for a child's overall development and academic success. When teachers and parents work together harmoniously, they create a supportive and conducive learning environment that enhances a student's growth. Cultivating a positive relationship between teachers and parents is crucial in promoting a child's holistic development and fostering a sense of partnership in their education journey.
One of the fundamental pillars of a successful teacher-parent relationship is open communication. This open flow of information fosters trust and understanding between teachers and parents, encouraging collaboration and support for the child's learning journey. Acknowledging and celebrating a child's achievements, both big and small, can strengthen the bond between teachers and parents.
I am an elementary school music teacher which means I see hundreds of students each year. That’s a lot of families to connect with. This year, I adopted a strategy to reach out to the majority of families. I sent out postcards with good news from school, delivering messages of praise to my students. It brought me joy to share positive feedback with families. Recognition like this fosters a sense of pride and motivation for both parents and students, encouraging them to continue working collaboratively toward the child’s success.
Teachers recognize and appreciate the crucial role parents play in their child's education.
Parents are the child's first teachers and have valuable insights into their child's personality, learning style, and interests. By acknowledging and respecting this expertise, teachers can create a more collaborative and constructive partnership with parents. Teachers can also seek parents' input in decision-making processes, allowing them to feel valued and involved in their child's education.
Teachers should encourage and support parental involvement in their child's learning process. This can be done through suggestions for learning activities at home, offering resources to extend learning beyond the classroom, and providing regular updates on a child's progress. When parents are actively involved in their child's education, students tend to show improved academic performance, increased motivation, and higher self-esteem.
In any teacher-parent relationship, challenges and concerns may arise. It is essential to address these issues professionally and promptly. Teachers should approach conversations with empathy, actively listening to parents' concerns and perspectives. Avoiding blame and focusing on finding solutions together will strengthen the relationship. On the other hand, parents should also communicate their concerns respectfully and constructively. By handling challenges effectively, both parties can work towards the best interests of the child. Teamwork is the best way to ensure a child’s success at school. To remember that we’re working together and on the same side may ease tension and perhaps provide a bit of grace to the situation.
Cultivating a strong and positive relationship between teachers and parents is a shared responsibility that profoundly impacts a child's educational journey. When teachers and parents communicate openly, create an inclusive environment, and value each other's contributions, they establish a powerful partnership that enhances a child's overall development and academic success. By fostering a collaborative relationship, teachers and parents can work together to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for the benefit of the child's future.
