Katie: In Praise of Parents

As we approach the middle of the school year and the holiday season, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be a first-year teacher working with the BEST parents in the world! Throughout my coursework and interactions with other professionals I have heard many generalized complaints about parents and either their “lack of caring” or their over-eager “meddling.” However, I have been blessed to spend my first year as lead teacher with a group of parents who are open-minded, laid-back, appreciative, and friendly.

I was fortunate enough to enter this new frontier of lead teaching already having established a relationship with the parents in my classroom and the parents from the second-year classroom where I am now placed. This made for a smooth transition as I took on my new position and responsibility (and stress).

The parents were patient and understanding as I figured out what exactly I was doing with and for their children and families. When I was noticeably stressed they encouraged me in subtle ways to let me know that I was doing well. They would take the time to talk to me, ask me how I was doing, and let me know they were happy with me becoming the second-year lead teacher.

Our second-year parents always let us know that they appreciate the program and staff. We get special treats like cookies and cakes and breakfasts—just because. At IEP meetings they tell their home district’s staff how happy they are that their child attends our program. They call our program director just to say “thank you, we’re so happy.” They ask us to “please start a third-year room!” because they don’t want to leave us (we all wish we had the space and funding to do this… anyone want to donate? :-) ). Simple things like talking with me and the other staff, whether it is about their child or just life in general, demonstrate that they trust us and are pleased with us.

Our parents’ laid-back demeanor and open-mindedness make it easy to like and trust them as well. If I have a concern about a child, I know that I can take it to the parents and be met with someone who is willing to have an open discussion and brainstorm with me. They are casual in our conversations, when appropriate, making it less intimidating for me as the newbie, and making it possible for me to feel comfortable when things may need to get serious.

Smiles and cheerfulness speak volumes when the parents enter our classroom. They are almost always happy and friendly when they walk in for drop-off or watch from the hallway at pick-up. If they are not in the best of moods, they again trust us enough to seek advice or just vent.

Having positive, trusting relationships with my students’ wonderful parents makes my job so much better! I appreciate them, their involvement in their children’s education, their caring and understanding when it comes to staff, and their praise of our program.

Now I have to go find some adorable and meaningful gifts for the kiddos to make as holiday gifts for their parents — to help me let them know how thankful I am!

Comments

[brunya goldberg]

I teach special education students. Although parents are
such an integral part of teaching children with special
needs, teachers and professionals have a limited
appreciation of what parents deal with on a day-to-day
basis.

Given your appreciation of parents I thought you might be interested in reading abook by an author who wrote about raising a 26 year old sonwith severe autism. The book is short and insightful, andreally changed the way I, as a special educator see thingsand handle IEPS. I know she's written for The New York
Times.

The book is The Accidental Teacher: Life Lessons from my
Silent Son published by the University of Michigan Press.
Some times you find these rare gems and you want to share.

[jean ann miles]

Katie,
I have been teaching for several years, long enough to appreciate that there are many wonderful parents "out there". Be sure to store all the wonderful comments away - write them down save the cards, etc. This will make it easier if and when someone takes out their frustrations on you...just because you are there. Always remember that you make a difference in the lives of these special children. Keep seeing the rainbows!

[Aften Morgan]

Katie,

I am also a new teacher. It is so wonderful that you have had such a great experience with parents especially in your first year. I have been told a few horror stories about intimidating and head strong parents. It can be a little scary as a first year teacher! Sometimes it is difficult to get parents involved and often times some parents do not seem to care or show interest in their child's education. I am so glad to hear that you are not having these problems. I can only hope that I will be as lucky each year. Good luck to you!

[Jodi K.]

Katie,

You are so lucky to have such wonderful, open-minded parents of students, especially in your first year of teaching! What a great way to transition into the world of teaching! It really makes you appreciate all that you are doing and allows you to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to understand your position. Similar to you, I also have been blessed in my first few years of teaching with incredible, involved parents that enjoy participating in their child's success. While this will not always be the case, it gave you the experience in your first year to be better prepared for the future. Good luck to you Katie!