Sir Godfrey Gregg

Forging a Strong Parent-Teacher Alliance

A child’s education is a journey with two primary guides: their parents and their teachers. When these guides work in harmony, sharing a map and communicating openly, the child is set up for unparalleled success. The parent-teacher relationship is not an adversarial one, but an essential partnership built on a shared, fundamental goal: the well-being and growth of the child.

For parents, the first step is to view the teacher as an ally. Approach every interaction, especially a challenging one, with a presumption of good faith. Teachers have dedicated their lives to nurturing young minds; they are overwhelmingly on your child’s side. Establish open lines of communication early in the school year. Attend curriculum nights, respond to emails, and don’t wait for a problem to arise to make contact. A simple, positive message sharing something your child enjoyed learning can build tremendous goodwill.

For teachers, proactive and positive communication is equally vital. Make that first contact with parents a positive one—a quick email or note home celebrating a child’s kindness or a keen observation in class. This builds a “bank account” of trust before any potential withdrawals need to be made. When concerns do arise, frame them collaboratively. Instead of “Your child is failing,” try “I’m concerned about Sarah’s progress in math, and I’d like to partner with you to find ways we can support her.” This shifts the dynamic from blame to problem-solving.

Mutual respect is the non-negotiable foundation of this alliance. Parents must trust the teacher’s professional expertise and classroom management, while teachers must respect the parents’ unique, deep knowledge of their own child. A parent’s insight—”He gets very anxious during timed tests,” or “She’s been really worried about her grandma lately”—is invaluable data that can help a teacher tailor their approach.

This partnership is the child’s safety net. When a child sees their parents and teachers communicating with respect and shared purpose, it sends a powerful message: “The adults in my life are a team. They are consistent. They care about me.” This consistency between home and school provides the security a child needs to take academic risks, make mistakes, and ultimately, soar. By working together, parents and teachers create an environment where the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—can truly flourish.