This document provides guidance for first-time teachers on communicating with parents. It highlights that teacher-family communication can increase the odds of students completing homework by 40% and improve student behavior and social skills. Preferred methods of communication include email, text, and face-to-face meetings to discuss complex issues. The document offers tips for preparation, effective communication strategies, managing difficult conversations, and building positive relationships with parents.

1. Sources: 1
apptegy.com/guides/rethinking-parent-teacher-communication | 2
readingrockets.org/topics/parent-engagement/articles/building-parent-teacher-
relationships | 3
positiveaction.net/blog/impact-of-parental-involvement | 4
digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1579&context=honorstheses
blog.brookespublishing.com/15-essential-dos-and-donts-of-parent-teacher-communication | silkelessner.com/talking-to-parents-tips
First-Time Teacher’s
Guide For
Talking To Parents
The Importance of a
Teacher-Parent Relationship
The odds of completing
homework increases
by 40% for students
with teacher-family
communication.1
Teacher-family
communication has
also shown to improve
student behavior and
social skills.1
Involved parents tend
to have a more positive
view of teachers,
which helps improve
teacher morale.2
40%
One survey found 95% of
students with actively involved
parents have better physical
and mental well-being.3
A lack of academic support
and supervision makes
students 34% more
likely to drop out.3
95% 34%
Preferred Methods of
Teacher-Parent Communication
Email and text messaging are the
most commonly preferred when
discussing grades, scheduling
and health concerns.4
Face-to-face communication is
viewed as being more useful when
discussing complex issues, such
as concerning behavior.4
Face-to-face interactions and
phone calls help ensure that the
relayed information is less likely
to be misinterpreted.4
Meeting or communication preparation
• Choose the right communication channel.
• Approach with a goal in mind.
•
Gather specific information about the student
(academic strengths, weaknesses and special needs).
•
Review school policies and procedures for
parent-teacher interactions.
Effective communication strategies
•
Present a professional attitude.
•
Use active listening skills.
•
Be clear and use jargon-free language.
•
Treat parents as the experts on their child.
Difficult conversation management methods
•
Talk about and give examples of behavior you observe,
not your perceptions.
•
Collaborate with parents to set actionable steps.
•
Speak in a consistently relaxed and friendly manner.
•
Do not take aggressiveness or negativity personally.
•
Gauge any accusations for hidden meanings or messages.
Positive relationship building
•
Show empathy by putting yourself in their shoes .
•
Respond promptly.
•
Ensure any advice is well reflected.
•
Provide regular updates about current and future events.
•
Express appreciation for parental involvement.
Parent Communication Best
Practices for First-Time Teachers