As we enter a new year, metro parents can and should consider the transformative impact we could have on teachers and schools if we work together as advocates, partners and engaged contributors to create thriving educational communities.
The last few years have brought our education system front and center in the local, state and national political arena. School boards and state legislatures have proposed and passed policies aimed at providing parents with greater rights in their child’s education. Ostensibly, these policies are designed to increase parental involvement and engagement in their children’s educations. However, at times it feels like what has transpired is the creation of an “us versus them” sentiment.
How can parents best support our teachers and schools in meaningful ways? I decided to enter the trenches for an answer to this question. What follows are suggestions from a longtime educator, principal and a PTA leader in my Moore community.
What teachers need
What I’ve heard most often from classroom teachers is they want parents to be partners in their students’ educations.
Jamie Maples has been a local educator for nearly two decades and states: “One way to be engaged, that often seems obvious to teachers but isn’t always to parents, is to complete homework with your child and check the work that is coming home to make sure you know what they are doing in class.”
This simple daily action can go a long way toward supporting teachers. It is also beneficial to students. By being involved in the day-to-day aspects of your child’s learning, you can help their teachers work more effectively toward your child’s success.
If issues arise, Maples suggests parents communicate directly with your child’s teacher to ask how your student is doing, how you can be helping at home and if they need anything from you.
What principals need
As parents of school-aged children, we are bombarded by communications. Between emails, Infinite Campus, ClassDojo and other channels, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. However, if you truly want to support your teachers and school, stay engaged.
Valerie Singleton, a local elementary school principal, says: “One of the most impactful ways to stay engaged in your child’s education is to keep informed through open and ongoing communication with your child’s teacher and school.”
This includes reading the information your child’s teacher sends home and attending parent nights and parent-teacher conferences.
“Maintaining ongoing and open communication allows your child’s teacher to have a better understanding of your child’s unique background to help guide them,” said Singleton.
What school communities need
One of the most obvious ways to help your school community is joining your school’s Parent Teacher Association or Organization. I know; bring on the eye rolls and age-old joke that PTA stands for “Parents to Avoid!” In all seriousness, your involvement, no matter how big or small, is so important to teachers. I have worn many different leadership hats within PTA, and in each capacity, I have witnessed the positive impact of parent engagement on teachers and staff.
Kaytie Wood, a Moore parent of a 6th grader and a preschooler, has served her local and district PTA for several years. We have often talked about the barriers that keep parents from being engaged at their schools. One of the common reasons is parents don’t have time to help. And that’s fair. Between work, extracurricular activities and family life in general, finding time to fit in one more thing can be challenging.
However, Wood points out: “Don’t let the limitations on your time or resources stop you from doing anything at all. If you can only help for an hour, give an hour. If you can only send some supplies, send supplies. Find one place or task that feels meaningful to you and just do that one thing.”
Suggestions include:
- Make photocopies of assignments for teachers
- Shelve library books for the librarian
- Send snacks or dollar store trinkets as class prizes
- Participate in fundraising activities as your budget allows
- Sign up to chaperone a field trip or class activity
Wood adds parents don’t need to wait for a personal invitation to volunteer.
“Even if you never heard a plea for volunteers, ask how you can help,” said Wood. “It may look from the outside like everything is under control and you aren’t needed, but I have never heard a school complain about having too many volunteers.”
From me, a former PTA leader, to you — a parent who wants the best for your child, their teachers and their school — consider this your official invitation to serve in some capacity at your school.
What school districts need
Be a part of the education conversations at the local, state and federal levels. Consider the following ideas:
- Attend your local school board meetings. They may feel long and drawn out, but they are a great opportunity to become aware of decisions being made that may impact your student and their school.
- Get to know your legislators who serve on the state education committee.
- Write letters to your school board members and legislators to share the good things happening at your school.
- Invite your school board members and legislators to speak at a PTA meeting.
- Seek opportunities to improve your school through programs like National PTA’s Schools of Excellence.
We all know teachers don’t have the time or budget to meet the individual needs of every student, especially with ever-growing class sizes and expectations from administration. Our students need everyone working together as a team to make sure they can reach their potential.
Kaytie Wood, parent and vice president of Moore Council of PTAs
Editor’s note: Christina Mushi-Brunt is a former professor turned freelance writer and public health research consultant. Christina, her husband and their three kids reside in Moore, where she is active in the education community.
