Do You Know Your Child's Teacher?

If you are a parent of a school-age child like myself, then you probably become anxious about who your child will have for a teacher. When I was a kid, there was a level of certainty about who the teachers were for each grade and the course of study. They were attached to the school and the community. On occasion, there were spurts of "newness", but moreover, teachers and the school administration remained the same.

In reminiscing about knowing my teachers, I will admit that there was a calmness for my parents. Whether my parents liked or disliked my teachers, at least, they knew the historical background and references of most of them.

Well, over the course of time and with the economic situation dismantling teaching positions, this sense of stability is changing. Gathering data and information on teachers is becoming increasing difficult.

So as a parent, how can you become knowledgeable about who is teaching your child before or during the course of the school year?

Contact the principal. After your child has been assigned to a teacher, inquire about his/her experience or teaching methods. School administrators and the PTA may be privy to information too.

Ask a parent. Well-informed parents are open to sharing information with you. If you know of a parent(s) whose child was instructed by the "assigned" teacher, please introduce yourself and ask away.

Start a dialogue with the teacher. Communicating with a teacher is relatively simple today with access to the internet, email, web sites, and moodle sites. However, face-to-face meetings are essential. So make school visits and teacher conferences a priority.

Volunteer. What better way to know the structure and the style of the class and your child's teacher! First-hand exposure is priceless. Plus, teachers need your presence and participation.

Listen to your child. Whether you notice or not, your child will provide clues about what is transpiring within his or her school day. He or she will either voice it, act it out, or withdraw. As a parent, listen, pay attention, and ask questions.

Ultimately, you and I have a choice in this matter...to manage the school year and to partner with our child's teacher(s). It is imperative to release the apprehension and anxiety so that we can concentrate on the tasks at hand.