Partner with your kid’s teachers, empower them to give their very best, and help your kids get the most out of their time at school by taking these steps to support your children’s teachers.
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There’s no doubt about it – teachers have a tough job. If you’ve never been one (I haven’t, but I did grow up with a teacher mom), you don’t know just how hard it is to:
- Educate dozens of kids with a WIDE spectrum of skill levels, learning styles, and challenges – whether academic, behavioral, personal, etc.,
- Try to meet (often unrealistic) state-mandated criteria, while also fostering a love for learning,
- Build character and resilience, against the grain of society’s sway,
- Teach a growing number of life skills (that used to be covered at home),
- Appease parents, administrators, community members, etc.,
- And meet growing expectations with shrinking support.
It is definitely not an easy job, and yet they continue to do it because they genuinely care about investing in the lives of their students.
And when I asked teachers a couple of years ago what they wish more parents knew, nearly all of them specifically mentioned their desire to partner with parents. Far too many parents have an “us vs. them” mentality when it comes to their kids’ school experience, but I can tell you, this is not what any teacher wants. Teachers care deeply about their students, and they want to work alongside parents to do what’s best for them.
So, as parents, we should be working equally hard to reciprocate that extended hand of partnership. Below are eight ways you can support and encourage your children’s teachers, this year and every year.
8 Important Ways to Support Your Children’s Teachers
Most teachers I know pour their hearts and souls (not to mention their time and money) into educating, nurturing, and investing in their students. That’s why they continue to do their (increasingly difficult and thankless) job day after day! But they can’t do it in a vacuum – it takes cooperation and collaboration from parents to do what they do to the best of their abilities.
Partner with your kid’s teachers, empower them to give their very best, and help your kids get the most out of their time at school by taking these steps to support your children’s teachers.
1. Engage in your kids’ education
Parental involvement at home exponentially increases what teachers can do at school. Do everything you can to instill a love of learning, look for ways to reinforce skills and concepts in everyday life, and READ, READ, READ.
For more ways to supplement your kids’ education at home, read this blog post.
2. Establish good habits & routines
It is an uphill battle to teach kids who are tired, hungry, and overstimulated by technological devices. Therefore, one of the best ways we can support teachers’ efforts to invest in our kids is keeping a consistent bedtime (and other family routines), feeding them nutritious breakfasts, and minimizing their screen time at home.
Helpful posts:
12 Make-Ahead Breakfasts for More Relaxed Mornings
How to Have Stress-Free School Mornings
10 Screen-Free Educational Activities For Kids
3. Respect them
Our kids’ attitudes towards their teachers start with us. Therefore, we need to make sure we are speaking positively about our kids’ teachers to and in front of our kids. When we have an issue (and they do arise!), we should calmly and respectfully voice our concerns to the teacher — not our friends and Facebook followers. Always remember: we may disagree, but we’re on the same side!
4. Communicate with them
In my survey of teachers, the number one request that popped up again and again was, “Talk to us!” They want to know what’s going on with your kids and family, the questions you have, and any concerns that might arise. Not only do they care about your kids’ well-being, it also helps them better teach and attend to your kids at school.
And the need for communication goes both ways! We can also support our children’s teachers by reading their emails, newsletters, and informational letters. I know we all have a bit of information overload these days, but trust me – our kids’ teachers are just as busy as we are. If they’ve taken the time to write and send out a piece of communication, it’s important!
5. Always give them the benefit of the doubt
Growing up the daughter of a teacher, I couldn’t believe how some parents would talk to or about my mom. The rudeness and hostility was downright shocking sometimes. As a parent, I get how defensive and protective we can be about our kids. But I’ve also seen firsthand how that can lead to blind spots and erroneous assumptions.
So, if your child tells you something about school that bothers you, do a little digging before you respond. Ask clarifying questions to learn more, then talk directly to the teacher. There’s usually a logical explanation, and sometimes it’s a simple misunderstanding.
Above all, remember that 99% of the time, your kids’ teachers want what’s best for them. You may disagree about the particulars of how to accomplish that, but very, VERY rarely are teachers “out to get” their students.
6. Donate Time and Resources
Another great way to support your kids’ teachers is by volunteering. Now, before you protest that you can’t possibly add another thing to your plate, this doesn’t have to mean spending time in the classroom (though I highly recommend doing that if/when you can!). There are many ways to volunteer outside the classroom, as well. You could offer to provide extra school supplies, prepare materials for an upcoming project, donate books for classroom libraries, or volunteer for school events outside regular school (and work) hours.
7. Show your appreciation
As I said in the introduction, teachers have a TOUGH job. And a little appreciation can go a long way toward refueling them for it. Send them a quick note or email telling them how much your child is enjoying their class, drop off little gifts or treats, and/or write to their principal complimenting their teaching.
Every token – big or small! – makes a difference and will be treasured on those long, hard days. After all, don’t we ALL work harder and more enthusiastically when we’re valued and appreciated?
Related Post: 10 Meaningful Teacher Gifts (That Will Bless Your Child’s Teacher!)
8. Pray for them
Finally, if you are a person of faith, PRAY for your children’s teachers. That is one of the very best things you can do to support them! Read this blog post for 7 ways to pray for your kids’ teachers.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- 7 Ways (You Need) to Pray for Your Kids’ Teachers
- 10 Meaningful Teacher Gifts (That Will Bless Your Child’s Teacher!)
- Top 10 Things Teachers Want Parents to Know
- 6 Dynamic Prayers for a Powerful School Year
Share your thoughts!