19 of 19

Write now Article Tools

A new teacher brings about a lot of questions. Is this person qualified? Are they patient with children? Will they understand my child's special needs? These are just a few of them. While it seems inevitable to have mystery, the truth is that you can get all your questions answered and form a relationship with your child's teacher to set your mind at ease. I am a teacher in my 8th year and I make develop relationships with parents every year.

Before contacting your child's teacher, you should consider three truths. They are as follows:

1. Public school teachers go through extensive training and screening to be in the classroom with your child. While this doesn't ensure 100% that they are good teachers, you have the odds in your favor that they are.

2. Like you, teachers carry a stressload at the beginning of the year. It might therefore be better to contact them after a few weeks at least into the year.

last

3. There are at least 2 (and probably many more) scheduled times for you to meet the teacher. These are, for example, "Back-to-School Night," and parent conferences.

If these considerations are made, and you still want to make contact with the teacher, here is how I recommend you do it:

1. Stand outsude the door when your child enters and say hello through the threshold. This is a non-threatening place to let the teacher know you are an active parent who cares about where their child is.

2. Shake hands and introduce youself. This will make you a person and not just a name on an emergency card.

3. Ask the teacher the best way to reach you if they want a conference. Often times teachers will have email or voice-mail to make contact easier than just calling the office. Or they may recommend that a simple note sent with the child is the best way.

From there you can start to learn about the teacher and what she/he is like. Remember that teachers have been through a lot of school and have done extensive numbers of hours to earn the privelege of working with your child. At the same time, they should be open to your concerns and suggestions because your child's well-being is the goal of the teacher just as it is of yours.

Learn more about this author, Damien Riley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to build a good relationship with your child's teacher?
We want to hear your view. Write now!