How do you set expectations with parents for the new school year?

As a teacher, you know how important it is to communicate effectively with parents, especially at the start of a new school year. Setting clear and realistic expectations with parents can help you build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and support your students' learning and well-being. In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to set expectations with parents for the new school year.

1 Explain your goals and methods

The first step to set expectations with parents is to explain your goals and methods for the school year. You can do this by sending a welcome letter, hosting a virtual or in-person orientation, or creating a class website or newsletter. In your communication, you should share your vision, curriculum, teaching style, assessment criteria, and classroom rules. You should also highlight how you will foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, and how you will address any challenges or issues that may arise.

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Kimberly Y. Erwin

iCAMP (an InterCultural Connect, LLC solution), Host & Producer/RACE TALKS®, Educator/Author/Entrepreneur
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It's simple. Be an advocate for the parent's child. It takes a village to raise a child and for some parents, school is a part of that village that they do not ever again want to enter or connect with. Tell parents THAT. Let them know that their child has an advocate in you. Your calls to them will be to enlighten and to help foster a relationship in which your child's grades/behaviors exhibited in the classroom is not as important to you as their overall wellbeing (PERIOD)

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2 Invite feedback and questions

The second step to set expectations with parents is to invite feedback and questions from them. You want to show that you value their input and concerns, and that you are open to dialogue and collaboration. You can do this by providing multiple channels of communication, such as email, phone, text, or online platforms. You should also encourage parents to contact you whenever they have a question, a suggestion, or a problem. You should respond promptly and respectfully, and try to resolve any conflicts in a constructive way.

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Nelum Wijayasekara

Recruiter | Educator | Dyslexia Advocate | Homeschooler | Unschooler
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Communication between parents and teachers throughout the school year is critical to ensure that students receive maximum support to grow in the classroom and at home. But often parents will only be open to sharing their concerns and issues regarding their child with the teacher based on the first impressions they get about the teacher. So at the beginning of the school year what is most important is to come across as someone who is welcoming and open to discussion with parents and students. A teacher must come across as an unbiased and supportive person. If a teacher can convince a parent that their child will be well looked after and cared for in the classroom that is key to forming a positive parent-teacher relationship.

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3 Establish boundaries and routines

The third step to set expectations with parents is to establish boundaries and routines for your communication. You want to avoid being overwhelmed or interrupted by excessive or inappropriate messages or calls from parents. You can do this by setting clear and reasonable guidelines for your availability, response time, and preferred mode of communication. You should also communicate your expectations for parents' involvement and support in their children's learning, such as homework, attendance, behavior, and resources.

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Nelum Wijayasekara

Recruiter | Educator | Dyslexia Advocate | Homeschooler | Unschooler
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Friendly but firm relationships with parents by setting clear boundaries can always help to make sure you do not get overwhelmed. Having set time slots where parents can come to communicate any urgent matters that need attention or encourage parents to use emails to initiate discussions.

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4 Share progress and celebrate success

The fourth step to set expectations with parents is to share progress and celebrate success with them. You want to keep them informed and engaged in their children's learning journey, and to recognize their achievements and efforts. You can do this by sending regular updates, reports, portfolios, or feedback forms. You should also invite parents to participate in events, activities, or projects that showcase their children's work and skills. You should also acknowledge and appreciate parents' contributions and feedback, and express your gratitude and enthusiasm.

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5 Seek support and resources

The fifth step to set expectations with parents is to seek support and resources from them. You want to leverage their expertise, experience, and diversity to enhance your teaching and learning. You can do this by asking for their help, advice, or feedback on specific topics, issues, or challenges that you or your students may face. You should also explore opportunities to collaborate with them on initiatives, programs, or partnerships that can benefit your class or school. You should also seek out and share relevant and useful resources that can support parents' learning and well-being.

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6 Review and revise

The sixth step to set expectations with parents is to review and revise them periodically. You want to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your communication and collaboration with parents, and to make adjustments as needed. You can do this by soliciting feedback from parents, students, and colleagues on what is working well and what can be improved. You should also reflect on your own strengths and areas of growth as a communicator and a partner. You should also celebrate your achievements and challenges, and set new goals and plans for the future.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you set expectations with parents for the new school year?

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1 Explain your goals and methods

2 Invite feedback and questions

3 Establish boundaries and routines

4 Share progress and celebrate success

5 Seek support and resources

6 Review and revise

7 Here’s what else to consider

Parent-Teacher Communication

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