Technology has certainly changed the parent-teacher dynamic. Teachers are more accessible than ever before, however, it’s still important for parents to meet in person with teachers to build rapport.

Technology Is Changing How Parents and Teachers Communicate

In the past, parents would typically communicate with teachers at parent-teacher conferences, via homework notes; letters home, at school events, or if there was at issue at school. Technology has changed this and made it easier for parents to play an active role in their child’s education.

Communication is a significant factor in a child’s academic success. Parents, teachers, and children need to have a strong and open line of communication to ensure everyone is on the same page to help children succeed. Technology has opened up the lines of communication. Teachers and parents can now communicate using email, Google classroom, class websites, messenger apps, or social media. And there will be countless new ways to communicate using technology in the future.

Regular communication, using technology or in person, between parents and teacher keeps children on track. It is an important factor to help your child develop the framework from which they will learn to manage their time and priorities. It’s about giving them the tools to be successful and teaching them how to use them. It is also about supporting your child’s academic progress.

The Benefits of Establishing a Good Parent – Teacher Relationship 

There is no doubt a positive parent-teacher relationship contributes to your child’s success in school. However, the difficulty is that the dynamic changes from year to year. One year, your child may love their teacher; and the next, they may have issues. The same can be said for parent – teacher relationships and how well you communicate with your child’s teacher.

An effort to communicate needs to come from both sides. “Communication on both sides is extremely important,” notes teacher Susan Becker, M.Ed, on pbs.org. “The parents need information about what and how their child is learning, and the teacher needs important feedback from the parent about the child’s academic and social development.”

6 Tips to Establish a Good Relationship with Your Child’s Teacher

So, how do you establish a good relationship? Here are some tips for parents to ensure they are doing their part: 

1. Respect the teacher’s authority in the classroom
2. Read and understand the school’s discipline policy and rules
3. Read the notices the teacher sends home and take them seriously
4. Avoid discussing issues during inappropriate times – pickup/drop-off, on field trips
5. Get actively involved in homework time
6. Communicate struggles with the teacher – is there a subject the child struggles with/ doesn’t like?

5 Simple and Effective Ways to Keep the Lines of Communication Open

“Good two-way communication between families and schools is necessary for your students’ success. Not surprisingly, research shows that the more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically,” according to the American Federation of Teachers.

Here are 5 ways to keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher:

1. Attend all teacher-parent conferences.
2. Get involved at the school – become a parent volunteer, go on field trips, become part of the PTA.
3. Contact your child’s teacher if you identify an issue – address it immediately. Contact the teacher via phone or email, but set up an in-person meeting if possible.
4. Review any and all correspondence sent from the school – newsletters and emails.
5. If applicable, regularly review the class website or virtual classroom.

The more actively involved you are with your child’s education, the better it is for them. All children are different. Identify the best way to communicate with your child’s teacher and how you can best support your child in their academic progress.