Ways to Make Parents Feel Like Partners in Education

·         Offer sessions for parents that explain how they can support their children with homework.  These sessions can even be held during school with the help of the students.

·         Make more positive phone calls than negative ones

·         Keep parents informed about any concerns you have immediately, don’t wait until it’s too late

·         Avoid educational jargon and acronyms.  If you are going to use any, explain them

·         Establish relationships with parents early in the year.  This helps you learn more about the students and will demonstrate your commitment to the whole child.

·         Tell parents how much you value their opinion because no one knows there child better than they do

·         When you invite families to your classroom, make it an interactive and participatory event

·         Find out about their backgrounds, areas of expertise, and interests and invite them to be guest speakers

·         If you are utilizing parents as volunteers be sure to have them do something meaningful and authentic

·         Respect their privacy.  You need to honor the trust they place in you and never betray it