Parents: Its Time to Get More Involved in the Classroom

In a world where Helicopter Parents and Tiger Moms have become a part of our daily vernacular, one might assume that teachers would rather hide from parents than invite them to their classrooms. However, the contrary is true: most teachers would like to see parents even more involved in their childrens education, pointing to a number of benefits not just for students, but also for themselves. According to a national University of Phoenix College of Education K-12 teacher survey conducted online by Harris Poll, nearly one-fifth (18 percent) of teachers said more parental involvement could even attract more educators to the teaching profession; and over a quarter (27 percent) think programs that encourage parent participation in schools and classrooms could help improve teacher retention.

As a former K-12 educator myself, I know first-hand the value gained when parents take an active role in the classroom. Sadly, many of the teachers surveyed are not seeing the same level of engagement I experienced. The same K-12 teacher survey found that 62 percent of teachers say fewer than a quarter (25 percent) of parents are actually involved in the classroom.

Teachers and parents need to work together to ensure that their childrens education doesnt stop when the last bell rings. Here are a few places to start.

Get involved from the get-go

While many educators I know believe parents are always welcome in their classroom, many parents only see formal invitations such as parent/teacher conferences as an opportunity to visit and engage with their childrens teachers. However, it is important to begin the year building those strong, positive relationships. Rather than waiting for an issue to arise, parents should get to know their childs teacher before there is a probleman overwhelming 68 percent of teachers would prefer it, according to the survey. After all, it is far more comfortable to negotiate a difficult situation with a familiar face than a complete stranger.

To have the greatest impact on their childs learning, parents should think of themselves as an extension of the classroom and look for ways to reinforce what is taught there. Sixty-five percent of teachers say they encourage parents to ask about areas of improvement for their child. Parents should feel comfortable connecting with their childs teacher on areas of opportunity. Having an open dialogue will give great insight on how to continue to reinforce and aid in learning experience for the child.

Stay connected to your childs teacher

For many parents, classroom involvement begins and ends with the first parent-teacher conference. Sixty-five percent of teachers would like to have more regular communication with the parents of their students. This doesnt necessarily mean a physical presence in the classrooman email exchange can be enough to have a positive impact. Teachers understand parents are busy and cannot always stay involved in person; most often, a simple thank you is enough to help a teacher to feel appreciated and respected. It all boils down to communication: the most impactful thing a parent can do to stay engaged in their childs learning is to have open dialogue with their childs teacher throughout the year.

Today, there are numerous ways to get in touch with a teacher without having to actually visit the classroom. Email is an efficient way to get in touch, and even better, teachers are starting to implement social media not only in the classroom with students as teaching tools, but as a way to maintain contact with parents. Social media can allow quick and easy communication and accessibility and provide resources through shared groups when used appropriately.

Show your appreciation

Teachers have the privilege of meeting and teaching dozens of students every year, and with this, they have the great honor to serve not only as stewards of learning, but as role models, guardians and caretakers. Being involved in your childs learning and success doesnt mean you have to be a helicopter parent, and it doesnt imply telling the teacher what do to or change. Be involved in a meaningful way by helping with classroom activities, proactively seeking help for your children and understanding their homework needs to help them outside the classroom. You do that, and teachers will be thanking you.