“How to Be a Supportive Parent: Helping Teachers and Students Thrive Together”

(Parents, do you really support teachers?)

I have a parent-teacher conference the day after we return from Spring Break. 😣Can you imagine? We’re starting the 4th grading period…days before the end of the year, and this is when this parent finally returned my communication. I wonder how this will play out?

(NOTE: This note is mainly for parents. Teachers, please remind your parents. I will remind mine on Tuesday when we return from break.)

We need to recognize that the relationship between parents and teachers is crucial. It plays a critical role in the success of middle and high school students. While students are the primary focus, the support teachers get from parents can significantly impact the classroom environment. It also affects academic progress and the overall well-being of the children. Engaged and supportive parents foster a positive relationship with teachers, ultimately contributing to a better educational experience for everyone involved.

Here are a few ways parents can strengthen their involvement in supporting teachers and empowering their children’s education:

1. Maintain Open Communication with Teachers

Teachers are at the front lines, spending countless hours working to ensure that every student achieves their best potential. Parents can contribute by keeping the lines of communication open. Regularly checking in with teachers about your child’s progress, asking for feedback, and sharing concerns or insights helps create a unified front between home and school.

Encouraging your child to discuss their experiences in class also provides insights that you can share with the teacher, offering a more holistic view of their learning environment.

How You Can Help:

• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, even when there are no pressing issues.
• Stay in touch via email or the school’s communication platforms.
• Ask teachers how you can support your child’s learning at home.

2. Support Teachers’ Classroom Efforts

Don’t attack teachers who only want the best for you and little Johnny. Teachers often juggle multiple tasks, from lesson planning to managing extracurricular activities. Offering support, whether by volunteering or providing resources for classroom activities, lightens the load, even backing us up when we assign work or give instruction helps create a more dynamic learning experience.

Many schools appreciate parents who assist with field trips, special projects, or school events. Even small contributions, such as donating supplies or organizing classroom materials, can make a big difference.

How You Can Help:

• Offer to help with events or classroom activities, especially as the year-end activities begin!
• Donate supplies that the classroom may need, especially if the school has limited resources.
• Encourage your child to actively participate in class and show respect for their teacher’s efforts.

3. Embrace Your Role in School Life

One of the best ways to support teachers is to stay engaged with the school as a whole. Attend school functions, join the parent-teacher association (PTA), and make yourself known as a parent who is actively involved in the school community. This shows both the teacher and your child that you care about their educational experience and are willing to be a part of the larger team.

Your presence at school functions also sends a powerful message to your child about the value of education and the importance of being part of a community.

How You Can Help:

• Attend school events like open houses, sports games, or performances.
• Consider joining the PTA or other parent groups to collaborate with teachers and school administrators.
• Stay informed about school policies and initiatives that may impact the classroom. (This year, there’s a truckload of them!)

4. Embracing a Supportive View on Education

Middle and high school can be challenging for students as they navigate academic pressures, social changes, and growing responsibilities. During these formative years, having parents who encourage a positive attitude toward learning is crucial. Avoid blaming teachers for difficulties your child may face and instead, work together to find solutions.

Teachers value it when parents work together on challenges. Teaching your child to respect teachers and take responsibility for their learning creates a better classroom culture. Trust me! Teachers are here for you and your child, not to prevent them from being great!

How You Can Help:

• Model respect for education by speaking positively about school and teachers at home.
• Set realistic expectations for academic success and help your child set goals.
• Promote a growth mindset, emphasizing effort and persistence over just grades.

5. Advocate for Teachers in Your Community

Teachers often face many challenges, from large class sizes to limited resources. As parents, you can be their advocates within the community. Supporting policies that improve teacher working conditions, campaigning for adequate school funding, and promoting awareness of the important role teachers play in society strengthens the educational system as a whole.

Community support has a direct effect on classroom success. When parents and the wider community invest in teachers, it creates a supportive environment where students can thrive.

How You Can Help:

• Advocate for fair teacher compensation and smaller class sizes.
• Speak up at school board meetings or in the community about issues impacting education.
• Encourage other parents to stay engaged and involved.

The relationship between parents and teachers is essential for little Johnny’s success. It creates a positive educational experience for middle and high school students. When parents communicate, provide support, stay involved, encourage a good attitude towards education, and advocate for teachers, they can greatly influence their children’s learning. A strong partnership between parents and teachers benefits everyone, ensuring that students get the best education and succeed both academically and personally.

Let’s unite to build a strong foundation for our children’s future—because it takes a village to raise a child, your child.