Parents and Teachers: An Effective Partnership in Education?

The U.S. Department of Education launched a new series, "Parents and Teachers: What Does an Effective Partnership Look Like?" In previous posts, I mentioned the desire teachers have for parental involvement. An effective partnership is necessary, and this discussion is welcome. As both a parent and teacher, I took time to answer these four questions. Please, add to the discussion!

What do you think teachers want from parents?

Teachers want parents to know what their child studies in school, what his struggles and strengths are. Teachers realize they error; teachers want parents to realize this too. Teachers also want parents to trust their processes and methods.

Teachers want parents to provide children with guidelines so they will not shock children at school. Teachers want parents to support them when they enforce school dress codes, behavior policies, or tardy rules. Every student's parent can ask for an "exception" and if teachers continually make them, rules will hold no meaning.

What do you think parents want from teachers?

Parents want teachers to abide by current standards and implement research into lesson plans. Parents want teachers to cover the expected goals and curriculum. They expect teachers to be educated, current and overall smart. They dislike lazy, cruel and unapproachable teachers. Parents want teachers to give all children a chance.

Parents also want to hear the entire picture of their children's school day. They want an honest report, which includes good and bad.

Where might their interests converge?

Teachers and parents are responsible for nurturing, teaching, helping and responding to students. In short, their interests converge on the student.

What is your vision for an effective partnership between parents and teachers?

In many ways, teachers must step back from a personal interest in students. While this may sound inappropriate, it is not. Too often the line between parenting and teaching is blurred. Both parties should respect the different roles. Teachers are mandated reporters and should be a means of getting students help when they reach out for help. Teachers are rarely trained counseling professionals. Although teachers may be a good soundboard, seldom do they have the resources to be on the same track with parents, as a professional therapist can be. To that end, parents must not send students to school assuming the teacher will "fix it all."

Education is the crux of sustainable societies, and the U.S. Department of Education is encouraging discussions between involved parties. For this education revolution to continue, we should keep talking, and asking and answering questions. Education cannot start at school, and it cannot end there either. Children cannot believe learning is to take place from a book inside a building. For this to happen, parents and teacher need an effective partnership.

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