Parent-teacher relationships are important. It’s important to start forming a bond as soon as the new school year begins. The goals of parent-teacher meetings are to provide updates on student progress, including strengths and weaknesses. Through parent-teacher conversations, any challenges a student may have can be addressed.
Discussions about progress, or the lack thereof, can help build students’ confidence. Parents and teachers can discuss how to work together at home and school to develop specific skills. This helps both parties be responsible for students and decision-making. This also creates a support system that reinforces a community partnership.
Join the Parent-Teacher Organization
Whether the school has a PTA or a PTO, it’s important to be an active participant. The organization addresses important issues concerning school activities and budgets. Parent-teacher organizations encourage school involvement and foster a positive, supportive climate for students. The more parents are involved in schools, the more attendance increases, academics improve, and student behavior issues are reduced.
Many schools rely on funding from PTAs/PTOs to supplement the school’s budget, sponsoring field trips and purchasing specific resources for teachers. Some may even supplement infrastructure improvements. Where there is a staff shortage, these organizations can provide volunteer support at events and provide classroom assistance.
Parent-teacher organizations maintain open communication with the community through fliers and newsletters. They keep the community up to date on school issues, events, and classroom accomplishments. Their involvement lets them see problems and become part of the solution.
Why Parents and Teachers Don’t Attend
Many parents and teachers do not have anyone to watch their children in the evening hours. With working during the daytime, they do not want to miss opportunities to be with their children.
Teachers work many hours, including grading assignments in the evenings. When teachers attend evening meetings, some parents only want to talk about individual students. Thus, teachers feel trapped in a conference instead of participating in a meeting.
- Most schools don’t encourage teachers to join the PTA or to attend meetings. They are not compensated for their extra time.
- Negative teachers spread rumors or talk about other teachers.
- They weren’t asked to join or be a part of the meeting.
Parents and teachers need incentives and compensation to join and attend meetings. It keeps the community involved in the school.
Attending meetings is the best way to support a student’s classroom and school. Encourage parents and teachers to be part of the school’s community and advocate for student success.
