For parents of young children, making a connection with teachers is an important part of supporting your child's education. But what’s the best way to do this, especially if you have a busy schedule?

University of Phoenix® College of Education academic dean Dr. Pam Roggeman gives advice: "Supporting teachers as they learn how to best help your child succeed is the best gift you can give them," said Dr. Roggeman.

Dr. Roggeman's three tips for connecting with teachers include:

Teachers need working, positive relationships with their students' parents. Education is a partnership. By establishing relationships, parents can learn more about what’s happening in class, be of more help to their children because they keep current on classroom happenings and experiences, and help the child's teacher to know the family and the child better.

Teachers need students to self-advocate. This is a skill a parent can give to both their children and their teacher. This is also a life skill that will permeate all avenues of a child's life. Regardless of the child's age, each can benefit from learning age-appropriate ways to communicate their needs to their teachers, in the moment. School should be a setting where children learn how to, and practice, solving their own problems.

Teachers need parents' true support. Support ranges from responding when teachers put out a request for more classroom supply donations, helping students stay current on long-term projects and even giving teachers the benefit of the doubt when they make academic decisions they think best benefit their students.

Source: University of Phoenix® College of Education

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