If I could add just one it would be to give a teacher a heads up about your concern or question before the meeting or when leaving a phone message requesting a response. When you let the teacher know ahead of time, he/she can research your concern or question before returning your call. I can give parents general thoughts about a child’s progress but don’t always have specific grades at my mental fingertips. Additionally, I might need to pull together notes I’ve made or other paperwork to help address a concern or question appropriately. I have so many things going on at any given moment that my brain does not always process as quickly or as thoroughly as I (or a parent) might like. I also might need to consult other teachers who meet with your child or were involved in a given situation in order to give you a complete response.

Again, thanks for understanding what parents can do to build great relationships with their children’s teachers.