Developing positive relationships with parents, students and teachers is important for student success. Effective teacher-parent relationships allow parents to stay informed about their child's academic and social progress. Teachers should communicate regularly with parents through both good and bad updates. Developing rapport with students requires learning their interests, protecting their self-esteem, listening to feedback, and spending individual time. Positive relationships among teachers are built by avoiding gossip, offering constructive criticism, and collaborating with peers.
2. Importance of teacher-parent
relationship
Research has shown that students do better in school when their
parent or guardian is involved. However, in the world today,
parents are responding to increased expectations, economic
pressures and time constraints that cause them to not know what
is going on with their child. As a result of this, an effective
relationship between teachers and parents have become even
more essential to meet the needs of the children they share.
Cultivating a teacher-parent relationship is vital to the
development of students.
3. Importance of teacher-parent
relationship
Teacher-parent relationships are a great opportunity for parents
to hear how their child is doing academically and socially in
relation to their classmates. However, these relationships are also a
great way to discuss any troubles or questions with the teaching
that they may have regarding their child. As their child’s greatest
role model, it’s vital that parents get involved in their schooling,
rather than sit back and let the teacher handle it all. Children need
to see the effort their parents put in their education.
4. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with parents.
*Teachers should begin the school year by meeting the parents
before classes begins. Since first impressions are lasting teachers
should be sure the classroom is warm and welcoming.
*Teachers should contact parents with good news weekly. These
calls should be scheduled in a planner, this means you’re more
likely do them and more likely to make a difference in a parent’s
and student’s day.
5. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with parents. (cont’d)
*Teachers should establish an open door policy. Look for other
ways to get parents to stop by, e.g. welcome them to come in and
observe you teaching.
*Teachers should communicate about the entire classroom. Make
sure that parents are aware that you’re responsible for more than
just their child. Setting this context will help parents see your point
of view when and if you need to make a decision that is best for the
group, but which might not be ideal for each individual student.
6. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with parents. (cont’d)
*Teachers should ask for email addresses and work and home
numbers.
*Teachers should also choose communication tools that work
best for parents. Ask parents what communication methods
are best for them. Do not assume that parents are all the same.
Using multiple communication methods allows parents to hear
from you in ways that work for them.
* Teachers can ask for parents to be classroom volunteers.
Volunteer signup sheets should always be readily available for
parents who want to assist with various class and school
activities.
7. Importance of developing a positive
relationship with students.
We all want to feel cared for and valued by the significant people
in our world. Students are no different. As a classroom teacher, you
have a great deal of power over your students simply due to the
fact that you control their destiny for up to six and a half hours
each day, five days a week. When students feel that you value and
care for them as individuals, they are more willing to comply with
your wishes.
8. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with students.
*Teachers should work at getting to know their students as
individuals. Find out their interests. Initiate conversations with them
about sports, and school activities. As you talk to them and listen to
what's on their minds, they will begin to see that you're not just
another adult, but someone who is genuinely interested in them.
*Teachers, should protect their student’s self-esteem, as they are
dealing with fragile beings. Being accepted by their peers is the key
to their self-esteem. Being criticized by a teacher loudly in front of
their peers humiliates them, so teachers should avoid humiliation.
9. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with students. (cont’d)
*Teachers should listen to students, as they like to feel that they
have some say or influence on what goes on in class. If a teacher
is open to receiving feedback, this can bring about a better level
of mutual respect.
*Make an effort to spend time individually with each student,
especially those who are difficult or shy. This will help you
create a more positive relationship with them.
10. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with students. (cont’d)
• *Be aware of the explicit and implicit messages you are giving to
your students. Be careful to show your students that you want
them to do well in school through both actions and words.
• *Create a positive climate in your classroom by focusing not only
on improving your relationships with your students, but also on
enhancing the relationships among your students.
11. Tips for developing a positive
relationship with other teachers.
*Do not talk about or discuss your co-workers with your
students or parents. It undermines the authority of that teacher
and additionally taints your credibility.
*Avoid being critical of your co-workers. Build them up,
encourage them and offer constructive criticism.
*Collaborate with your peers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
or to ask for help in your classroom. Too many teachers think
this is a weakness when it is truly a strength.
12. Video on developing relationships with
parents, students and other teachers.
13. References
Cox, J. (2016). About education. Retrieved June 08, 2016, from Teacher-parent communication:
http://k6educators.about.com/od/parentcommunication/a/Parent-Teacher-Communication.htm
Foley, D. (n.d.). National Education Association. Retrieved June 08, 2016, from
http://www.nea.org/tools/51057.htm
Halloran, J. (2016). Teach hub. Retrieved June 08, 2016, from http://www.teachhub.com/parent-teacher-
communication-tips
Meador, D. (2016). about education. Retrieved June 08, 2016, from http://teaching.about.com/od/pd/a/Teacher-
To-Teacher-Communication.htm
Rimm-Kaufman, S. (2016). American psychological association. Retrieved June 08, 2016, from
http://www.apa.org/education/k12/relationships.aspx
Williams, K. (2016). Scholastic. Retrieved June 08, 2016, from Where teachers come first:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/9-techniques-building-solid-parent-teacher-relationships
