Building Parent-Teacher Partnerships

Good communication means sharing good news with parents and families concerning their child’s academic progress, citizenship and character behaviors, and overall successes in school. As the new school year begins, teachers can take the first step in establishing a positive rapport with their students’ parents and families through good communication. This can be done through notes, cards, letters, or phone calls.

Here is a list of ideas that can be used to initiate the positive communication with your students’ families:
 • Introduce yourself and the new teacher
 • Tell the parents a simple overview of the curriculum
 • Invite them to Open House or Back to School Night by giving them the date and time
 • Comment on how you are looking forward to having their child in your class
• Inform them of any special incentives you may be using in your class for “good work” or “attendance” or “behavior awards”
• Let the parent know you are interested in learning about their child’s strengths and weaknesses and are willing to work together to help their child have a successful school year.

This is the beginning of a two-way communication technique that can be useful throughout the school year. Make sure to share good news instead of only bad news. When and if there is an occasion to talk with parents concerning disruptive behavior, they are more than likely, willing to work with the teacher concerning a plan of action to improve their child’s negative behavior.
Teachers will see an improvement in student achievement, improvement in student’s self-image, and a reduction in disruptive classroom behaviors when the parents and teachers form a partnership through good communication.