6 Strategies for Building Better School-Parent Partnerships

As an elementary school educator for over a decade, I have learned that a strong school-parent partnership is key to developing the best person your child can be—academically, socially, and emotionally. After all, we both, the school and the parents, want a balanced child who is strong in all areas. 

This takes plenty of open communication between teachers, parents, and the school district. Of course, it is easier said than done as we all live busy lives, many kids split their time between households, and sometimes there are language barriers. However, when I think about all the obstacles in my way when I am trying to do something difficult, I often consider this quote from artist Bruce Nauman.

“If you really want to do it, you do it. There are no excuses.” 

Strategy 1: Parents, Make Yourself Known

Every year I would welcome 20 to 30 new students into my classroom, along with their parents, a day or two before the actual school year would start. The child would often bring in their classroom supplies, find where their desk was located, and say hello to their new teacher.

This may sound hard to believe, but most parents never introduce themselves to me. Their child will, but the parents will stay in the background. I am very social in these situations and seek ways to establish relationships at the beginning of the school year, but it is tough to do when parents want to be wallflowers.

Next time you walk your child into the school, introduce yourself to everyone you encounter. It won’t be long before relationships start to form. Introduce yourself to the principal, assistant principal, art teacher, PE teacher, classroom teacher, and anyone else you can think of. It is the first step to building that better partnership.

Strategy 2: Take Interest in What Is Being Covered in the Classroom

I come from a family of eleven, and as a child, my parents never once asked me what we covered in the classroom. For all they knew, I could be studying aliens and Bigfoot. And while that would be a class I would be interested in, it is essential to ask your children what they are learning in the classroom.

By doing so, you can incorporate the lessons being taught by the classroom teacher and use them in real-life situations. For example, in the classroom, as we discuss a sensible diet and healthy foods to eat, perhaps the family could change a few of their poor eating habits. Or, if we are discussing parts of history, you might be able to share some of your own knowledge on the subject with your kids.

Strategy 3: Check-In Now and Then

Teachers like to hear from parents occasionally during the school year. Whether you want to thank the teacher for doing something extra with your own child or ask if the educator has any concerns about your student that need to be addressed, it is always a good idea to reach out through email or stop in for a minute just to chat.

With that said, try to avoid becoming a helicopter parent. I’ve had parents that reached out to me almost daily. And you remember the story about the boy who cried wolf? The people stopped paying attention to the boy. If you reach out too much, your emails will be the last to be answered. I didn’t need to know that your child had a nightmare about a movie you accidentally let them watch last night. If they were having nightmares about being in my classroom consistently, please do reach out! That would be deemed important enough.

Strategy 4: Ask How You Can Be of Assistance

Working with younger students, I always loved having parents come into the classroom to help out now and then. This could mean reading their favorite children’s book to the class, offering expertise about a particular field or technology, or simply lending a hand for room parties. Children will be more interested in school if their parents do so as well.

Strategy 5: Meet In Person to Discuss Problems

Parents and teachers should never start crucifying one another on social media. If you ever have issues with what is happening in the classroom or at the school, meet with the people in charge and discuss the problems. Most of us have been in a situation where we have said something on social media, or a loved one has, and it has started a needless feud. We all need to try to avoid this and keep it from happening.

Strategy 6: Let’s Set Goals Together

Parent-teacher conferences occur once or twice a school year. The first conference, sometimes the only one, usually occurs within the first couple of months of the school year. 

Take this time to create specific goals for your child. They could be goals such as earning all A’s and B’s on future report cards or gaining needed social and emotional skills. With both the parents and teacher on board, along with the child, amazing things can be accomplished! Plus, research dictates that when children are involved in goal setting, they take more ownership and responsibility for the task at hand.