#fellowsteach

It truly takes a village to raise a child. Good educators understand this ideology and make all necessary efforts to engage parents in the educational process. In doing so, parents are able to advocate for their children and feel empowered to do so. Educators are able to incorporate unique ideas and pertinent information into curricula that include demographical, cultural, ethnic, and other forms of data (that is individualized to the child). Students benefit by having resources at home which allow them to better engage in the learning process.

There are many strategies for connecting with parents. First, formal introductions are important. This can be done via email or telephone. Telephone correspondences are a preferred method of communication because it is a bit more intimate. Educators should introduce themselves, the curricula, and goals for the school year. Parents should have an input in the educational process and educators must make all necessary arrangements to include these into their curricula, lesson plans, and unit plans.

Secondly, it is important to keep a communication log. Contact parents on a weekly basis. During these conversations assessments, changes to curricula, child behavior, and other pertinent information are communicated.

Furthermore, it is important that parents attend annual Parent Teacher Conferences. During this time, all members of the educational team meet to discuss the student’s academic progress and best practices. This is an opportune time to have parents, teachers, and students sit down to communicate.

It is important that the lines of communication remain open at all times. I provide my mobile number to parents and keep them updated via email and text. Transparency is also important and parents must be constantly updated on their child’s education. Collectively, these strategies provide an apparatus for inclusion of all parties in the student’s educational process.