Written by Kavita Jaisi

It has begun. The start of the school year and the flurry of activities tied to it. Back-to-school days are just as much about the parents as it is about the students. Amidst the books and school uniforms and scheduling transportation, the start of the school year is also a crucial time to forge relationships. The key one is between parents and teachers. Forging a partnership with your child’s teacher could lead will benefit your child in many ways and determine their success in school.

Parent-Teacher Partnership

Also known as the Parent-Teacher Partnership, this is built in based on one key desire – student success. The partnership may look different from child to child and family to family. It may occur in a variety of ways, such as working through academic struggles, holding students accountable, building students up, speaking encouraging words, and more.

Here are some tips for parents that would help strengthen this partnership:

1. Engage

SIS uses various digital platforms (and apps) to share information and communicate with parents regularly. All parents need to do is to “show up” virtually. Commit 10 minutes daily to open these apps to be updated on what your child has learnt and read about what the teachers or school want to tell you. Parent engagement goes a long way in motivating both children and teachers to do better.  Also, show up to Parent-Teacher Conferences and use this time to discuss goals, support and progress. Take part in the surveys sent to you. Your input matters and helps in a difference.

2. Ask questions

The is no such thing as stupid questions when it involves your child. If your child shares with you something that they may have misheard or misunderstood, ask and clarify with the teachers. A quick email or a note to the teacher can clear the air.

3. Share information

Communication has to be both ways. Share with your teachers any information that may be useful to the teacher to work with your child because sometimes, the teachers cannot help if they don’t know. 

• Have you noticed a change in your child’s behaviour recently?
• Is your family going through some difficulties that could impact your child’s emotions?
• Does your child have any learning difficulties?

Some information is hard to share but the benefit to sharing is that the teacher could be able to support better if they know. Sharing would also help both partners to identify if there are any problems that stem from outside the home and school. Comparing notes always helps.

4. Trust your partner

I once had a mom of a preschooler who would approach the marketing staff to ask questions about her child in the classroom. Questions like, why wasn’t her child finishing the water mom has packed in their water bottle yesterday? This parent wanted to remain anonymous because she was afraid to offend the teacher causing the teacher to punish her child. This is a clear case of zero trust, and obviously, no partnership was formed. 

Teachers are passionate people, but they are not perfect. Sometimes, things slip and they may not even realise it. Queries like these help them become more vigilant. Did I say they have thick skin too? Therefore, don’t be afraid to be open and honest with your teacher partner. If your child has been struggling to stay awake in school recently, would you not want their teacher to inform you? Needless to say, trust goes both ways. 

5. Be willing to set emotions aside

Relationships are not all rainbows and roses. To ensure success, your teacher partner may inform you of something that is amiss with your child. Remember, it is about the child and not a personal reflection of the parenting or the parent. In times like this, reserve your judgement when listening to the teacher. Remember they are your ally in shaping your child’s growth. 

6. Ask how to support the teacher

Your teacher partner would always appreciate a little help in the classroom. If you have the time, volunteer as a class parent, or at events and even something as small as helping to organise the classroom. With help, the teachers could do much more for their classes and students. Plus, it is great for partner bonding.

The Parent-Teacher Partnership sends a message home of  “Both my parents and my teachers care for me”. That is a powerful message and a step to inspire our students to reach greater heights.