How Teachers Can Establish and Maintain Effective Communication with Parents for Student Success

Why is Teacher-Parent Communication Important?

In today’s educational landscape, effective teacher-parent communication is essential for fostering student success and building a positive school community. By establishing and maintaining regular communication, teachers can bridge the gap between school and home, ensuring students receive the support they need academically, psychologically, and emotionally.

I want to start by sharing a bit of my own journey with parent communication. In my first 5-6 years of teaching, I had a real fear of reaching out to parents. It was intense and, looking back, completely irrational. However, after reading countless forums where other teachers expressed similar fears, I realized I wasn’t alone. This is why I think it’s important to address this topic and offer some tips that can help put your mind at ease if you’re hesitant about initiating communication with parents.

For me, initiating and maintaining parent contact didn’t come naturally until my seventh year of teaching. My shift in comfort happened when I transitioned from being a full-time Biology teacher to a full-time Special Education teacher. Before, I had used the excuse of having over 100 students in Biology—reaching out to every parent felt like a daunting, tedious task. However, once I began teaching Special Education, parent contact became vital and legally required. The first year or so, it was still challenging, as I didn’t have many strategies besides scheduling IEP meetings. But once I saw how open communication could positively impact not just the student, but also their parents and my own teaching experience, I realized I should have started sooner.

1. Start with an Introductory Communication

Introductory Text or Phone Call: I personally prefer starting with a text. Parents often respond to texts more readily than phone calls, and texting allows me to respond at any time, even with students present, without involving them in the conversation.
- Here’s my initial text message:
  - “Hi! My name is Amy Williams, and I am Jonny’s Special Education teacher. I wanted to reach out and introduce myself and make sure you have my phone number. Please feel free to call or text me at any point if you have questions or concerns.”
Alternatives to Personal Numbers: You don’t have to provide your personal phone number! There are several apps that allow you to text from a dedicated, alternate number that can be used indefinitely. If you don’t know where to begin with this, be sure to read about some available apps in my previous blog!
Welcome Emails: If you prefer email, start with a short, friendly introduction similar to the text above. Emails are less immediate and may not be as effective in getting responses, but they’re still a great option for reaching out.

2. Leverage Multiple Communication Channels

Phone Calls, Emails, and Texts: Use a mix of communication channels to reach parents in ways that work best for them. I always ask parents about their preferred method early on. While I’ve never had a parent request no texting, I’ve had some ask not to be contacted by phone or email due to their schedules.

3. Provide Regular Feedback and Positive Reinforcement

Recognize Achievements and Engage in Small Talk: Consistently provide positive feedback. A quick text, email, or note celebrating a student’s accomplishments keeps parents and students engaged, reinforcing good behavior.
- Here are some examples of messages I’ve sent after my initial contact:
  - “Hi, this is Mrs. Williams, Jonny’s Dual Credit Biology teacher. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy having him in class! He is such a fun kid.”
  - “Hi, this is Amy Williams! I wanted to reach out and tell you how hard Jonny has been working in class. I am so proud of him!”
  - “Hi, this is Amy Williams! I wanted to share something heartwarming. Today, I saw Jonny stop to talk with a handicapped student, then bend down to tie his shoe. You truly have a kind-hearted kid.”
Be Genuine: Send messages that are heartfelt. Kids of all ages love knowing their teachers see and appreciate them, and parents love to hear it too. Never make something up just to maintain communication—sincerity is key.

4. Be Available and Approachable

Designate Weekly Office Hours if Needed: Setting “office hours” can help if you need to establish boundaries. Having a scheduled time each week for calls or messages is convenient for both teachers and parents.
Create a Welcoming Environment and Open Communication: I personally don’t set office hours. I encourage parents to message or call at any time, whether they have questions about academics, social concerns, or behavior. As a parent of a special-needs child, I understand the need for immediate reassurance. If I’m busy, I respond when I’m able, knowing parents appreciate the openness.

5. Address Challenges Constructively

Handle Issues with Care: Challenges and negative behaviors are inevitable. At some point, you’ll need to reach out to a parent about a concern.
- Here are examples of messages I’ve sent in these situations:
  - “Hi, this is Mrs. Williams! Do you have a few minutes to talk? I have some concerns about changes I’ve noticed in Jonny. I’m happy to text if that’s easier—just let me know what works for you.”
  - “Hi, this is Mrs. Williams. I wanted to let you know Jonny was referred to the office today due to an incident in class. Let me know if you’re free to chat.”
  - “Hi, this is Amy Williams. I spoke with Jonny about his grades today, and I wanted to keep you in the loop. I’d love to brainstorm some strategies to motivate him, and I’d appreciate any insights from home.”
  - “Hi, this is Mrs. Williams! Jonny seems to be struggling today, and I’m concerned about him. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to let him stay in my classroom for the rest of the day so he can decompress.”
Follow Up After Meetings: After any meeting discussing specific plans or goals, update parents on their child’s progress. Follow-ups reinforce a team approach, which parents find incredibly helpful.

Conclusion

By using these strategies, teachers can establish and maintain meaningful communication with parents that positively impacts student success. I’ve found that once communication is open, parents feel comfortable reaching out with their own questions or concerns. This partnership reminds me that we’re all in this together, working as a team for the benefit of the student. Having a strong support network in place allows students to thrive, and it truly makes a difference for everyone involved.