9 Tips to Help You Build a Strong Partnership with Your Child’s Teachers

Parents and teachers might not always see eye-to-eye at all times, but they are united by a common goal: to ensure the holistic and continued development of the children under their care. By working together and fostering a good working relationship, both parties can contribute to achieving this shared objective. 

Over the years, numerous studies have pointed out that when parents and teachers are aligned in their approach to education and discipline, students receive consistent messages and expectations both at home and in the classroom. This leads to greater clarity and confidence in their learning. A good parent-teacher relationship also makes it easier for both parties to work together to address students’ individual needs and challenges. The combined effort of both the parents and the teachers ensures that students receive the necessary support and resources to thrive academically and personally. 

Perhaps you are looking for ways to cultivate a strong connection with your child’s teachers. This is an ideal mindset to adopt, especially if your child is aiming for Singapore international school admission, as educators in such schools are known for their personalized approach to teaching and their dedication to the holistic development of their wards. That said, you can also foster a better parent-teacher relationship even if your child has been going to the same local school for several years now. Here’s how you can do that.

1. Communicate Openly with Your Child’s Teachers

Establishing open lines of communication between parents and teachers is essential for building a strong partnership. As such, communicate regularly with teachers through emails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings to discuss your child’s progress, concerns, or any other relevant matter. Be proactive in reaching out to the teacher, and make an effort to be responsive to their messages or requests for feedback. Over time and with consistent effort from both parties, you’ll be more comfortable sharing information and collaborating on strategies to support your child’s learning and well-being. 

2. Adopt a Proactive Approach and Initiate Conversations

Take initiative in building a partnership with your child’s teachers. You can do this by actively seeking opportunities to engage with them while supporting your child’s learning journey, such as by attending parent-teacher conferences or school events. You can also make use of volunteer opportunities to connect with the teacher and demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education. Avoid waiting for issues to escalate before reaching out to the teacher. If you have questions about your child’s academic progress or well-being, raise them with the concerned educator. At the same time, be willing to work collaboratively with the teacher to find solutions and support strategies. 

3. Set and Respect Personal and Professional Boundaries

Respect the boundaries and professional responsibilities of your child’s teachers by being mindful of their time, workload, and availability. Schedule meetings or discussions with the teacher during appropriate times, such as before or after school hours or during designated office hours. Likewise, avoid contacting the teacher during evenings, weekends, or holidays unless it is an urgent matter. Following this guideline shows that you are respecting their need for work-life balance. Additionally, give value to the teacher’s expertise and judgment in matters related to your child’s education, and try to avoid unnecessarily micromanaging or second-guessing their decisions. 

4. Listen Actively When Teachers Get in Touch with You

Pay close attention to the teacher’s feedback and recommendations regarding your child’s academic progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and suggestions for how you can support your child’s learning at home, and strive to maintain a non-judgmental and receptive attitude in your interactions with the teacher. Instead of becoming defensive or dismissive in response to feedback, approach the conversation with a willingness to learn and grow as a parent. You can look at the teacher’s feedback as an opportunity to reflect on your parenting approach and identify areas where you can provide additional support or guidance for your child. 

5. Be Supportive of the Teacher’s Efforts and Initiatives

Volunteering in the classroom, attending school events, or offering assistance with special projects or activities are excellent ways to show support to the teacher’s efforts. Your involvement demonstrates your commitment to your child’s education and strengthens the partnership between home and school. Additionally, try to affirm the teacher’s decisions and strategies for supporting your child’s learning, even if they may differ from your own preferences or expectations. One way of doing this is by refraining from undermining the teacher’s authority or their efforts to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all students online or in the classroom. 

6. Stay Informed about Your Child’s Classroom and School Activities

Keep an eye out for changes in the curriculum and school policies, and be on the lookout for upcoming school events. There are several ways to keep yourself informed of what is happening in your child’s school, such as by reading school newsletters, checking the school website, and participating in parent-teacher association meetings or events. Being knowledgeable about school-related matters empowers you to engage more effectively with the teacher and school community. Additionally, it will also allow you to better contextualize your child’s academic progress and how they behave in and out of the classroom. 

7. Follow Through with Your Agreements with the Teacher

If you’ve promised your child’s teachers that you will support your child’s learning at home, attend parent workshops, or provide feedback on school initiatives, make sure to keep your word. Consistency and reliability build trust and credibility in the parent-teacher relationship, and they also demonstrate your dedication to supporting your child’s education. Avoid making promises or agreements that you cannot keep. Rather, be honest and realistic about your ability to follow through on your commitments. 

8. Show Appreciation for the Teacher’s Efforts

Be generous when expressing gratitude and appreciation to your child’s teacher for their dedication, hard work, and impact on your child’s life. A simple thank you note, gesture, or acknowledgment of the teacher’s efforts can go a long way in fostering a positive and supportive relationship. Additionally, acknowledge the teacher’s role in supporting your child’s learning and development. Do this by bringing up their contributions and highlighting the positive impact they have had on your child’s academic progress and personal growth during your exchanges. 

9. Advocate for Your Child

That said, you should always advocate for your child’s needs, interests, and well-being while maintaining a respectful and collaborative approach with the teacher. If you have concerns or suggestions for how the school can better support your child, communicate them constructively and work together with the teacher to find solutions. Avoid being confrontational or adversarial in your interactions with the teacher, and instead, approach advocacy as a collaborative effort to promote the best interests of your child. Remember: you and the teacher are on the same team, and you both want your child to succeed in their academic and developmental journey. 

Establishing a strong partnership between parents and teachers is crucial for the academic success and overall well-being of students. When parents and teachers work together collaboratively and effectively, it creates a supportive learning environment that promotes student achievement, social-emotional development, and positive behavior. Moreover, a strong parent-teacher partnership fosters a sense of belonging and community for students, as they see the important adults in their lives working together to support their growth and success.