Teacher’s Pet: Parent Edition

It’s a well known fact that students with parents that are active in the school often get extra “perks.” Not to mention the fact, that when teachers and other school staff (some students too) knows you’re active and will pop up for a visit, it’s less likely that your child will be treated unfairly. Let’s be honest, teachers have their favorites, and they have the ones they don’t like. Most kids fall in between and get less attention. Honestly, I’ve never understood how parents can go a whole school year without making contact with the teachers that isn’t required. Of course there are exceptions, like work obligations or health. Beyond that, there’s no excuse. It’s actually quite selfish, but I’ll save that soapbox rant for another blog. This post is mainly for working parents, whose schedules don’t allow them to volunteer, chaperone, or make regular visits to the school(s). I’ve come up with a short list of ways to make your presence known, in most cases without actually being there.

1. Most teachers prefer to use email to communicate with parents, and you should utilize this option. Drop the teacher a short note introducing yourself, and letting them know that you’re goal is to work with them to make this an awesome school year. You can also let the teacher know that your schedule doesn’t allow you to be as active as you’d like, but to keep you abreast of anything where they may need assistance.
2. Send a friendly note. Teaching is a tough job, with little recognition. I always like to make my girl’s teachers know that they’re appreciated (even the ones I don’t care for too much). You don’t have to write a four page letter singing their praises, but something short and sweet will do the job. You might even want to consider stocking up on cards from the dollar store.
3. Make sure your child is well behaved, well rested, well fed, and turns in their assignments on time.
4. Talk to them, not about them. Often times something happens that we don’t like or don’t understand. If it isn’t something that you feel is 100% inexcusable that needs to go beyond the classroom, try to resolve it with them first. Gossiping with other parents or staff members only makes matters worse.
5. SMILE, like seriously, a smile goes a long way!

There are numerous other ways to insure a peaceful and productive school year, please feel free to add to the list. Parents and teachers I want to hear from you!

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Originally published at trackmomchronicles.wordpress.com on August 17, 2015.