Heyyy Families!
I want to make sure you’re included in these important conversations. Your involvement and partnership are crucial to your child's success in school, and I know it’s not always easy. As a parent myself, I’ve experienced the frustration of trying to partner with my son’s teachers, advocating for him, and not always feeling successful. But I never stopped because we simply can not afford to.
Here’s My Suggestion:
Just as I recommend that classroom teachers send out a welcome email, I suggest that families do the same. From the time your child starts school until they graduate high school (and maybe even beyond), consider sending a Letter of Introduction to your child's teachers at the beginning of each school year.
This letter should introduce yourself and your child, and outline your expectations and hopes for their academic and social development. Be sure to include your contact information and your preferred method of communication (call, text, email).
Pro Tip: Reach out for updates at least every three weeks. Set a reminder on your phone, or even pre-schedule your request for an update.
Teachers are incredibly busy—there’s no exaggeration here. In my opinion, being a classroom teacher is similar to being a parent; the job is 24/7. Educators rarely get to shut off, whether it’s the end of the day, during school vacations, or even over the summer (except maybe all of July!). And if your child’s teacher has a family of their own, it’s more like 48/7. This means it’s nearly impossible for them to do everything.
We often like to believe that teachers are superhuman, but they’re not. They need your help. By partnering with your child’s teacher and staying informed about what’s happening in the classroom—both academically and socially—you can support your child more effectively. Whether it’s helping with homework, motivating your child to improve, or rewarding them for meeting and exceeding expectations, your involvement is key.
The fact is, when teachers and families are on the same page and work together, children succeed.
Here’s a sample Letter:
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
Happy New School Year!
I understand you will be my child’s teacher this year. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and my child.
My child is bright and has been raised to be respectful. While it’s normal for children to act out occasionally, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time. It’s very important to me that we work together to ensure they exceed our expectations.
I’m available by phone, text, or email, though I prefer text messages.
I will check the online grade book regularly, but I will also reach out periodically for more detailed updates on areas where my child may be facing challenges.
Thank you in advance for your time and dedication to helping my child and their peers succeed this year.
In partnership,
[Your Name]
And that's it
Until you send your next correspondence, in 2-3 weeks, for an update on your child's academic and social progress, check in with your child about school. Ask open ended questions such as: Which teacher is going to push you to do your best this year? How can you tell?
I sure hope this helps,
Dr. O
What else would you add, leave a comment below.
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