How to Build Rapport with Parents – Advice for Substitute Teachers

By Barbara PressmancloseAuthor: Barbara Pressman Name: Barbara Pressman
Site: http://www.substituteteachingatoz.com
About: Barbara Pressman is an adjunct professor at the College of Education, Florida Atlantic University. She has been a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, and a supervisor for student teachers for 10 years. She currently mentors Substitute Teachers as well. When asked how she came to be interested in writing for substitute teachers she responded: I have subbed for many years during my teaching career. When my children were small, I found subbing to be a wonderful "free lance" job. At that time, I took on a 6th grade long term subbing assignment, which led me back to full time teaching. Upon retirement, I went back to subbing once again. Barbara is the author of book Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008), available in all major bookstores and Amazon.com. To find out more, visit: www.substituteteachingatoz.comSee Authors Posts (32)
 

How can I establish contact with parents?

Dear Barbara,
I was fortunate enough to get a long term subbing position for a high school art teacher on maternity leave. I have been subbing in this district for a while and have developed a relationship with staff and students.  My question is how do I establish good contact with parents?  I never really had to interact with parents the entire time I subbed so I would like to be positive, whether the news about their child is good or bad.  Thanks!

Abby, New York

Dear Abby,

Congratulations! A long term subbing position is a wonderful opportunity to display your talents. Hopefully, you’ll get noticed, and when a full time opening occurs, you will be a known and valuable candidate.

You are smart to realize that a good relationship with parents is essential to your success. There are some steps you need to take right now to set the stage for future communication.

1. Send out a brief letter to the parents. This may be via email, a copy to send home with students, or by regular mail. Check with your colleagues to see which method is used in your particular school. Introduce yourself and explain the situation (filling in/ maternity leave). Your letter should have a warm, caring tone, expressing how happy you are to work with the students. Discuss some of the projects you plan to work on. Ask your principal to approve the letter before you send it.

1. When you interact with parents, you want them to know that you are a team. Student X can’t be successful unless both parent and teacher are on the same side. You both want what is best for that student. Your greatest desire is to have their child succeed.

1. When conducting a parent/teacher conference (or phone conversation), always begin with a compliment about the student. There is always something positive to be said for each person. If you need to discuss a behavior issue, never degrade the student. Instead, talk about the negative behaviors that you have observed. Say that you are concerned about these behaviors. Together, you will come up with a plan to improve the situation. Have the plan in mind, such as detention for uncooperative behavior, or non- compliance with your rules and assignments. A note home or phone call will keep the parents informed, etc. Be clear and confident, always restating that you want Student X to succeed.

1. If you sense that the parent will be aggressive and belligerent, ask an administrator to sit in on the conference with you.

With a little common sense and finesse, you’ll do just fine!

Barbara

__________________________

Barbara Pressman is an adjunct professor at the College of Education, Florida Atlantic University. She has been a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, and a supervisor for student teachers for 10 years. She currently mentors Substitute Teachers as well.

When asked how she came to be interested in writing for substitute teachers she responded:
I have subbed for many years during my teaching career. When my children were small, I found subbing to be a wonderful “free lance” job. At that time, I took on a 6th grade long term subbing assignment, which led me back to full time teaching. Upon retirement, I went back to subbing once again.

Barbara is the author of book Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008), available in all major bookstores and Amazon.com. To find out more, visit: www.substituteteachingatoz.com