Building strong parent-teacher partnerships is one of the most valuable steps you can take to support your child’s success in school—whether they’re in elementary, middle, or high school. These partnerships create a bridge between home and school, allowing children to feel supported, understood, and encouraged at every stage of their education. In this post, we’ll explore how building strong parent-teacher partnerships benefits students and offer practical strategies for fostering these relationships. You’ll find helpful resources and insights to make family-school communication a priority.
What is a Parent-Teacher Partnership?
A parent-teacher partnership is a collaborative relationship between parents and teachers, working together to support a child’s academic and social-emotional development. These partnerships are essential across all grade levels, from elementary to high school. When strong parent-teacher partnerships are in place, students experience consistent expectations, emotional support, and tailored learning.
Schools that build connections between educators, students, and families enable teachers to better support young people and customize their teaching to individual needs[^1]. The process begins with regular, student centered, positive communication with families—a simple step that goes a long way in building trust and ensuring families feel welcome[^1]. Prioritizing these relationships ensures families can play a meaningful role in their child’s education.
Learn more about our Collaboration Workshops designed to help parents and teachers build stronger partnerships, tailored for all grade levels.
1. Prioritize Open Communication
Strong parent-teacher partnerships begin with open communication, especially in elementary school. Research from the Learning Policy Institute shows that while family engagement is often prioritized in elementary schools, it declines in middle and high schools. However, adolescence is a critical period for social-emotional growth, and effective communication during these years can improve attendance, school climate, and academic achievement[^1].
Example:
In elementary school, regular updates between home and school should help teachers understand your child’s individual needs while keeping you informed. For older students, staying in touch about academic performance and social concerns ensures that issues are addressed before they escalate.
Tip:
Establish a regular communication routine through emails, quick check-ins, or scheduling informal conversations when needed. Our Collaboration Workshops help you master communication strategies to build and maintain strong parent-teacher partnerships.
2. Attend Parent-Teacher Meetings and School Events
Showing up for parent-teacher conferences and school events is one of the most direct ways to foster strong parent-teacher partnerships. Whether your child is in elementary or high school, these events help parents stay involved and show teachers that you’re committed to supporting your child’s learning experiences.
“Children do better when their parents are engaged in their education. Attending meetings and events sends a clear message to both the child and the school: ‘We’re in this together.’”
Dr. Jane Nelsen, author of Positive Discipline
Tip:
Even if you have a busy schedule, attending at least one event per semester is crucial. If you can’t attend in person, ask about virtual options that allow you to stay connected.
3. Be Proactive in Addressing Concerns
Whether your child is in elementary school or high school, being proactive about any challenges they face—academic or social—can make a big difference. By addressing issues early, you build a stronger relationship with the teacher and ensure that your child gets the support they need.
Schools that actively engage families in the educational process can also help foster stronger emotional well-being in children. Positive school-family partnerships cultivate social-emotional well-being through relationship-building practices that encourage families to take an active role in their child’s education[^2]. This kind of engagement helps both parents and teachers develop strategies to support a child’s unique needs.
Example:
If your elementary-aged child struggles with reading or math, reach out to the teacher early. For high school students, issues like managing AP classes or preparing for college admissions may require collaborative problem-solving between you, your student and the teacher.
4. Set Mutual Goals for Your Child’s Development
Setting goals that both parents and teachers can support is crucial for building strong parent-teacher partnerships. In elementary school, the goal might focus on specific academic skills or social-emotional supports, while in high school, it could center around preparing for standardized tests as well as overall wellbeing.
Example:
In elementary school, a mutual goal might be improving your child’s reading fluency or areas around social-emotional learning. For high school students, a goal could be increasing SAT scores or improving study habits. Setting these goals together ensures that both you and the teacher are working toward the same outcomes.
“Parents and teachers working together create an environment where the child thrives, knowing that the adults in their life are aligned in supporting them.”
Dr. Joyce Epstein, Johns Hopkins University
Tip:
Check in regularly with the teacher on your child’s progress toward these goals, and adjust strategies as needed. Learn more in our workshops about setting and achieving mutual goals for your child’s development.
5. Show Appreciation and Build Trust
Teachers can play a critical role in your child’s development, and recognizing their efforts goes a long way in building strong parent-teacher partnerships. Expressing gratitude for a teacher’s hard work creates a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
Example:
For younger children, thanking a teacher for helping them adjust to school routines can be uplifting. For older students, expressing appreciation for extra support during exam preparation can also build goodwill.
Building Strong Parent-Teacher Partnerships for All Ages
Whether your child is in elementary school or preparing for college, building strong parent-teacher partnerships is essential to their success. Focus on open communication, proactive involvement, and shared goals to support your child’s academic and emotional growth. A strong partnership between home and school creates a unified support system that benefits everyone—especially your child.
Bring Collaboration Workshops to Your Organization or School
Our Collaboration Workshops aren’t just for individual families—they’re perfect for schools, employee resource groups, and community organizations. If you’re interested in hosting a workshop or training session on building effective parent-teacher partnerships, please fill out our interest form to get started. We offer tailored programs to meet the needs of your group, helping parents and teachers work together seamlessly.
References & Resources
- Learning Policy Institute: The Learning Policy Institute conducts high-quality research to improve education policy and practice. Explore their research on family engagement and education policy. Learn more
- Greater Good Science Center: Provides research-based tools and resources on emotional well-being, including strategies for improving parent-teacher communication and relationships. Explore more
- Youth.gov: (formerly FindYouthInfo.gov) was created by the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP), which is composed of representatives from 13 federal departments and 12 federal agencies that support programs and services focusing on youth. Learn more
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