Better Together

Better Together

Building the parent-teacher bond in unusual times

WORDS ELISE MCVEIGH + ALEXIS PATTERSON M ARCH 2020.

SEEMS LIKE AGES AGO, RIGHT? The pandemic was just getting underway, and we were getting our first taste of crisis homeschooling. There was so much uncertainty about when or if school would return to normal.

At the current stage, the “crisis” aspect of our kids’ schooling has passed—but as COVID-19 goes on, things still aren’t normal. Is your child’s school offering virtual learning? If your student is on campus, will you send them to class in a mask? Will visitors be allowed? No matter what this year looks like, it’s imperative that we continue to support our children’s education as best we can, and that includes cultivating the parent-teacher relationship.

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION

You no doubt had less face time (and maybe more FaceTime) with your child’s teacher in the last school year than before. That will likely be true, at least to some extent, in the year ahead. If you’re struggling with a lack of in-person interaction, rest assured that it’s not easy for teachers either. Every educator we chatted with confirmed that it’s harder to build rapport with families from afar, but teachers are doing what they can. However a teacher communicates, don’t let it be one-sided, advises Ellen Gintautas, a special education teacher in Lovejoy ISD. “Do not hesitate to reach out and get to know your child’s teacher. We want to get to know you and build that relationship,” she emphasizes. “On the flip side, please provide us with grace. We are teaching during unprecedented times.” This year, some schools are offering an extension of virtual learning—a method that can pose challenges, particularly with littles. And it’s not easy for parents (whether they’re working from home or watching other kids) to sit at the computer and oversee lessons. If your child is struggling with a virtual platform, consult the teacher on how you can support your child being able to do the work on their own. “Parents need to advocate for something where what’s expected from the child is very clear,” says Priscila Dilley, senior officer of the Leadership Academy Network, a partnership between Fort Worth ISD and Texas Wesleyan University. “Make sure you have a good understanding of what the teacher wants and how the teacher is wanting it. Develop a relationship where you can say, ‘Hey, this is not working for me. Help me.’ Keep asking for help; this is new for everybody.”

SHOW OF SUPPORT

For many moms and dads, volunteering provides an avenue to get to know a teacher and convey support. If your child’s school isn’t offering on-campus opportunities or you don’t feel comfortable volunteering in the building, ask about virtual or socially distanced volunteering. You might read to a class or tutor a student over Zoom, or cut out flash cards at home. “Think outside the box for ways to be involved,” suggests Lana Raley, a counselor in Highland Park ISD.

Expressing appreciation could also be as simple as sending a handwritten note to school in your child’s folder. “Small things have ensured a better relationship and established a friendship and trust between our teachers and our family,” explains Vanessa Ayoub, a parent in Highland Park ISD. “I subscribe to the model of kindness and genuine interest. Teachers are always responsive when you care about them and show respect.”