PARENT– TEACHER RELATIONSHIP
Rev. Fr. Dr Pius Yobuta Let us Develop Parent – Teacher Relationship Having a good working relationship between teachers and parents is important and contributes for a student’s academic success. Parents should expect teachers to teach their students and guide their learning so that they can have success. On the other hand teachers expect parents to support their teaching and student’s learning in school. Both sides have expectations for success for their student’s academic performance, attendance, and good behavior both in school and outside the school. If these expectations are communicated they will have strong effect on the student’s learning outcomes. When expectations are clearly communicated, both parents and teachers will have a better understanding of their roles in the parent-teacher relationship. They will then know how best to be a supportive part of that relationship. Both parents and teachers have an important role to play. Their roles compliment and reinforce in providing the student with a consistent message about reading and learning. Thinking of parents and teachers as partners refers to this mutual effort toward a shared goal. It also implies shared responsibility of parents and teachers for supporting students as learners for success. Are we parents/guardians and teachers communicating and working as partners in the education of our students?
In the process of your son’s education, you get with teachers involved as parents to attend students’ performances, school and class activities, parent-teacher conferences, and Parents Teachers Association meetings. When a student comes to school and is wellbehaved it would mean that the parents are involved in the process of the student to be successful and prepared for school. Parents and teachers need to be supportive of each other, have a mutual respect for one another, and have one common focus and goal for success of each student. All parents have genuine desire for their children to be successful at whatever they’re doing. Teachers have that same desire. Seeking to understand one another by communicating expectations is key in having a powerful relationship. When both a student and a parent feel supported by the teacher and vice versa, students will have a greater advantage in their ability to be successful. Working as partners is a way of thinking about how to create constructive connections between parents and teachers for developing ongoing relationship between teachers and parents to enhance the student’s reading, learning, and to address the obstacles that impede it. Parents, let your sons and your son’s teacher know your expectations. Likewise teachers should let students and their parents know your expectations. Communicate those expectations to each other often and in respectful ways. Remember, the common concerns, desires, and outcomes both parties share are the same. Success for all students is the goal, and positive parent-teacher relationships are the key to that success. Try to build a positive relationship with your child’s teacher. Approach the teacher with respect. Create a problem-solving partnership, instead of confronting a teacher immediately with what’s wrong. Meet with a teacher to brainstorm and find ways to help your son. Rev Fr Dr Pius Yobuta PTA Chairman St Joseph’s College Ombaci- Arua.
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