Can you give me a call?

We have summer teacher homework in our professional development committee!  We were asked to read a summary from the Marshall Memo of a great article from the American Educator.  The authors compiled a list of "high-leverage practices" that teachers should master.  Our assignment is to pick one of those practices and be prepared to discuss how we would speak about it with a new teacher.

I will pick #8, Calling a parent in a difficult situation.

That seems to be one thing that raises hairs on teachers' necks.  No matter how confident we become in our classrooms and how well we feel like we are working with our students, when it comes to talking to parents we get anxious.  There are a couple of specific things that I would encourage a new teacher to do to support them in this.

First, make happy phone calls (or emails) to parents.  There are few things nicer for a parent then hearing from a teacher about something specific and GOOD that their child did in class.  And the reciprocating good vibes are wonderful too!  Then, if there is ever a problem with that student, you have established a relationship from which you can more easily solve problems.

Even if you haven't gotten to do that, and you have to call parents about something a negative situation (grades, behavior, etc. . .), things can still go well.  First, get back up.  Speak to some of the other people involved with this student; at our school this is the deans. They may have information about something going on at home that will help you support the student better and also prepare you to speak with the family. If it is a curricular issue, then speak with your department head first-- they may have strategies too, and can clear up any policy issues before bringing them up with parents.  

Also, consider setting a time limit: "I have ten minutes now, but then I have to get to class." This helps structure the conversation and allow for an end point if the conversation doesn't feel productive. You can always call back or follow up with email.

Remember that parents deepest concern (no matter what they say) is that teachers know their children and are helping them to reach their potential.  Emphasize this with the parents-- if they see you more as allies than adversaries, it is more likely that you will have productive outcomes.


(Photo Courtesy of Bre Pittis)