Tip #1 – Create a Positive Mindset

Tip #2 – Communication is Key
Communication is crucial for a creating meaningful relationships with parents.  Start off at the beginning of the year setting up a system for communication.  Each teacher handles communication differently.  Some teachers send home daily folders and communication logs, some send weekly newsletters, and still others send emails, use teacher websites or use programs like Remind101.  More than likely you will have several forms of communication.  Pick what works for you and remain consistent with communication.  If parents are expecting folders each Thursday and you cannot get them out on time, let them know.  A simple email will go a long way!  If a parent calls or contacts you, operate by the “rule of 24.”  Get back to parents who have contacted you within 24 hours of receiving their message. In many cases, you can respond in just a few hours.


Tip #3 – Be the First! 
 More than likely over the course of a year, you will experience a situation at school with students where parents need to be notified.  Maybe a student was dishonest, maybe two students got into an argument, or maybe you said something unintentionally that had a negative effect on a child.  It is easy to sometimes sweep something under the rug and say to yourself, “I don’t like confrontation, so I’ll just let this go.”At this point, ask yourself: “If this was my child, would I want to know?”  Parents want to hear from you when something occurs at school.  Many times parents will find out about an incident once their child gets home. At than point, all they have to go on is their child’s perspective of what happened.   My tip: Be the first! Be the first one that parents hear from regarding any incident at school.  There are definitely times where you cannot contact parents until after school and that is still okay.  If there is a possibility to make contact with the parent[s] before the child gets home, do so.  Parents always appreciate a head’s up.  By calling,  you have the opportunity to frame the situation and give details that their child will not have.


Tip #4 – Be More Than A Teacher
Creating relationships with parents and community is much more than your role as a teacher.  It is more about who you are as a person.  When you have conversations with parents, don’t limit your conversations to just their child.  Get to know parents as people and what they are about as a family.  If you see a family at the grocery store or out to eat, go over and say hi. Always remain professional in your conversations with parents, but be friendly, approachable, and let parents know who you are as a person. {I would be remiss by not mentioning the next sentence, especially for our new teacher friends: Don’t confuse my above few sentences for “being friends” with parents.  I think you can be friendly, but I do not advocate for becoming close friends with parents of students in your class.}


Tip #5 – Learn How to Manage Crucial Conversations