A cry from teachers everywhere! You want your words, actions and behaviours to impact positively your teacher – for she is just the person whom you want to be on her game to the benefit of your child.
Please:
- Respect the professional qualifications and experience of your child’s teacher. Teachers are not “hired help” ….
- Understand that any recommended intervention/therapy is to the long-term benefit of your child; the teacher has nothing to gain. She makes suggestions because of her professional responsibility, not because she is on a personal mission.
- Discuss educational/classroom issues with the teacher, she is the person who deals with your child at school on a daily basis. She, therefore, has the most pertinent and meaningful input.
- Do so out of the earshot of your child. And do not ask the teacher about other children, for her to share such information is unprofessional.
- Making appointments to have these discussions about your child – at drop off/collection time or at school functions or in a shopping centre is not appropriate.
- Say thanks for reports, presents (Mothers’/Fathers’ Day or Christmas gifts) or for any extra effort – your appreciation will validate and encourage.
- Make cellphone calls off the school property – not at drop off/collection time, during birthday rings or, most importantly, not during interviews.
Also, do not phone the teacher at home, doing so intrudes on her private life. - Be polite and respectful in relating – shouting and being rude is counter-productive. “Please” and “thank you” is for big people too!
- Train and expect your child to be responsible for his/her belongings – label clothing, shoes, etc. – and be appreciative when the teacher helps in this process – yelling at her for lost items is not helpful!
- Attend functions, fundraisers, talks and interviews – you cannot expect the teacher to be motivated and engaged if you are nowhere to be seen.