The Best Way to Contact Student's Parents
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- I know it's counterintuitive, but I rarely if ever call home for students. Today I want to talk about why that is, how I do it differently, and why you should do it too.
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I find it odd that so many admin teams look at emails being the primary communication as frowned upon. Especially for the point of DOCUMENTATION!
My administration has been hardcore pushing phone calls home and keeping a call log over emailing, and this video is exactly why I disagree with that stance. It can be difficult to put into words in the moment - and when you know your colleagues won't thank you for making meetings run longer, even if it's something many of them are thinking, too - so having this video to reference and pass along is super helpful. I think it's also easier to balance tone in an email, since you as the teacher have time to consider what to say, and aren't reacting to a parent/guardian's reaction in the moment.
I’m always curious as to why school administrators take this stance. Has your school shared with you why they prefer you to call over email? Especially when the email acts as documentation.
@@CJReynolds Part of the reason they give is that they want us to develop a more personal connection with the parent/guardian. But I think it has more to do with the fact that parents/guardians aren't checking email as often as they used to, and with a call, you can leave a voicemail for follow-up.
My admin insists that we make phone calls specifically because they say tone gets lost in an email, so the parent needs to hear your voice. The time thing is a huge problem, though, so the expectation is that you make the calls on your own time since during the work day isn’t best for parents.
So wish more admin was on board with emails over for phone calls for literally all of these reasons. Admin at my last school was strongly pro phone over email and it was so frustrating. Some of that was because a lot of our parents preferred phone calls but lots of those families were still next to impossible to contact via phone and I also feel like a decent amount of that resistance is because schools stress phone calls so heavily that that is what families are used to.
First year teacher here. Thank you so much for your content, it’s helped SO much. Thank you for what you do 🙏🏻
Parent Square works if the parents download it, and can have a translation provided. It works well, while email isn't the best way, since there's so much junk in their inboxes. No more phone calls.
Thank you Mr. Reynolds, I needed something like this.
On point, thanks Reynolds!! Totally agree.
I’ve always preferred emails for all of the reasons you stated. I’ve also always felt that an email is more ‘professional’ in a way; I feel like I’m less likely to accidentally drop into saying the wrong word or phrase with an email.
Question: What would you do in a situation where a large percentage of your students’ parents are non English speakers? I have a phone call translation hotline I’ve been using, but I don’t love involving a 3rd party. Is there a reliable app that can translate for emails?
Nope....no phone calls and no meetings without an administrator. The teacher/parent relationship has become waaaaaay too combative. Email or text only with several cross copies.
Yeah. I agree, CJ. Though Ive had admins tell me NOT to as it can be used against me. Phone and email seems best!!!!
The problem with a phone call is that some telephone numbers might be out of service or have changed. You can always send a note home via regular mail and request the best time to contact a parent. You would want to take a photograph of the letter before sending it so that you have documentation. Thank you for your video presentation. Take care.
100% this. I switched over to emails this year because spending 5-10 minutes calling 5-10 parents each day for the same issue was insane.
This way I spend 10 minutes writing an email and I am done. All relevant parties know of the issue and my consequences. It is all documented. Parents have the responsibility of taking action and cannot say I never let them know. It’s great. Of course, if you have something serious to let a parent know about, call them. Let them know that if you have to call then it is of upmost important.
I fully agree, but sadly our admin dictates that we make phone calls. I personally do not understand it. There is no he-said , -said with an email.
I think that's actually the point. It makes it so that there isn't a papertrail that could be used to sue the school.
We’re fortunate to have the resource School Status for teachers to use. It allows teachers to call and text from their computers/laptops. This resource also records the phone conversations from the moment the call picks up to ring. Teachers are always directed to contact parents via SS for documentation. Admin is also amble to see the log of teacher/parent communications. This is very helpful when speaking with parents regarding any issues or concerns prior to admin calling. This resource also provides other school/student data that can also be used for other purposes. So it pretty much kills two or maybe even three birds with one stone; calls, records and text/email. Oh, you can also upload student work/pics of student’s best work for parents to see. It’s a great resource!
Is this free to use, or require a license?
We love you but you lost us at ‘meeting’.
How do you document your email? Create a folder? Sometimes we send an email to 20+ parents at the same time…
In Australia we have a program which has all student records (details, behaviour records etc) where we can record our contact. Does your school or district have something like that?
I agree with this a lot! I know I would like time to think and digest rather than get surprised by something, especially if I'm busy or occupied elsewhere.
Texting a parent will work better than an email. They may not have a computer but you can bet they have a phone. You can text to see when they are available for a phone call. You can text a problem if it isn't too complicated......late work, missed test, etc. Don't forget to text for good news don't wait for bad news.
This unfortunately does not work in schools located in lower social economic communities. 90% of my students parents do not know how to use email.
Good point. Try sending texts through Talking Points or Google Voice
I’ve only ever taught at Title 1 schools and both of my children have attended Title 1. Part of what you’re saying makes sense, but I think it might be more of a case by case basis. That’s my theory anyway.
I’m curious if your students parents have smart phones that could access email. Also is your school one-to-one? Would parents be able to check email on their students computer each night?
I have to disagree. I also teach title 1, and the issue I is more than parents ignore the emails and claim they never got them. Essentially, they have learned to dodge responsibility so they do not have to take action. Emails keep them accountable because they can’t ever say you never contacted them when 5 other people got the message that you did. If a parent never responds, you can call, or, better yet, let your admin know that you have tried to contact someone for a while now with no success. You can suggest they try to reach out themselves to make sure that the contact info is correct for the sake of safety.
I guarantee you that they know how to use email. What the parents struggle with is the responsibility the e-mails require. There is a reason why their kid acts they way they do!
Yeah, does the school foot the phone bill when you phone after school???