Building Positive Relationships with Your Child’s Teachers

Whether it’s back-to-school season, the start of a new quarter, or parent-teacher conferences, it’s always a good time to think about how to best work with your child’s teachers. Set your child up for success by establishing a positive working relationship with your child’s teacher.

Even young school-aged children can be a part of this process and can even be involved in preparing information, meeting the teacher, telling their story, asking questions, and when it is time, ultimately assuming a responsibility for communicating with their teacher during school hours. These self-advocacy skills are critical to their success as they grow up. Teaching self-advocacy starts during their toddler years so by the time they’re old enough for school, they’ll be confident in asking for what they need.

What the Research Shows

Research shows a strong relationship between parental involvement and student academic achievement (Journal of prevention & intervention in the community, 2010). It also indicates that the transition to school is improved with increased parental involvement (Kraft-Sayre & Pianta, 2003). Establishing positive relationships between you and your child’s teachers can enable better understanding of your child’s specific strengths and needs. This is particularly important as a parent of a child with hearing loss as they navigate the classroom.

Why Is It So Important?

• Your Child’s Story: You know your child better than anyone. You can tell your child’s story directly to their teacher and establish a personal connection. Work with your child to share their own story. An experience book can be a great way to do this.
• Technology Matters! It’s essential that your child’s teacher recognizes the importance of well-functioning technology so your child always has the best listening and learning experience. Learn more about how you can maximize technology for the best outcomes.
• Knowing What to Expect: If your child is familiar with the classroom and school expectations before school starts, they’ll be set up for success in the classroom and beyond. Talk with their teacher about different expectations, activities, and routines in their class so your child knows what to expect.
• Setting High Expectations: You’ll want your child’s teachers to hold the bar high for social and academic achievement. In many cases, children with hearing loss are performing as well as or better than their hearing peers.
• Fostering Social-Emotional Success: Social-emotional development is a critical consideration for children with hearing loss. A mainstream school environment can help your child with hearing loss learn social skills and develop healthy and lasting friendships.

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More on the Web

• The Parent Teacher Partnership
• Why It’s Important to Partner With Your Child’s Teacher