Relationships Special Education IEP Santa Clara
Teacher and Parent Collaboration
During a good school year, parents and teachers develop and maintain collaborative working relationships during each school year. Our child has a teacher with whom they are sympatico. We have open and clear communication with our child’s teacher. Services and supports are on time and as promised. From observing and listening to our children and interactions with the teacher, we know the teacher understands our child and their needs. These are the good years that help us get through the other years.
Tougher Times
Other years, things do not go as smoothly. Sometimes we know why immediately. When not immediately obvious, with enough detective work we can figure out why. Perhaps the permanent teacher is out on leave, and our student has a new substitute teacher every 20 school days for the entire school year. Other times, the district has very few hiring options.
What To Do
Relationships Special Education IEP Santa Clara
Regardless of whether your child has a wonderful teacher, a series of short-term subs, or someone who appears to be in the wrong job, that is your child’s teacher. They are in your child’s life, and that means they are in yours.
Be Cordial
When things are not going well, the temptation to say or write things expressing our frustrations can be overwhelming. We love sarcasm and writing snarky notes as much as most people. Go ahead and write them – without putting an email address on the email so you do not send it by accident. Then delete it. While it feels good to write and vent one’s frustrations, it is not going to improve your working relationship with the teacher(s). This is a long-term relationship, and they are working with your child .
Presume Good Intent
Teachers choose this line of work because they want to help children. Some lose their way. Others burn out. We always try to appeal to the part of them that loves teaching and children. Be kind whenever you can, and supportive when possible. This does not mean that you ignore when they do not implement your child’s IEP. It also does not mean we ignore when our child is not getting what they need. It simply means that we interact with as much kindness and mutual respect as possible.
Escalation
Things will invariably go wrong. Keep your emails and documentation focused on the facts. Start with the teacher, and then escalate up the chain of command when necessary.
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As parents, we understand, As experienced and trained advocates, we can help.