There’s no question that teachers are consistently put through the ringer. With increasing class sizes, and constant pressure from administration and parents, teachers are feeling more frazzled than ever. How can you help? Increase your support of your child’s teacher with the following ideas.

Volunteer

Have you ever met a teacher who doesn’t love a parent volunteer? Me neither. There’s a really good chance your child’s teacher already has a long list of items that could be done by a parent. Teachers are often expected to perform miracles with limited time and resources. Relieve some of the burden by volunteering. You could help with anything from small group learning to copying. Become a resource your child’s teacher can depend on. Discuss your strengths and available times with the teacher in order to figure out how you can best serve. Regular, consistent volunteering makes a world of difference to a classroom.

Communication

Many teachers feel frustrated due to lack of communication with parents. If your child is struggling and their teacher can’t talk to you about it, there’s a problem. Make yourself available to the teacher. Inquire about how your kid is performing in class. When a person spends roughly 8 hours a day with your child, you should be speaking with them frequently. Also, don’t make them chase you down. There are usually 20-30+ kids in each class. Reaching out and updating that many parents on a consistent basis is a tremendous burden. Set up a weekly/semi-weekly time where you can discuss how your child is doing at home and in class. Consider the teacher to be a partner and support them in their efforts to educate your child.

Nurture Success

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to set your child up for success. That means preparing them daily to be successful in learning. An article written by Bekki Lindner for scholastic.com  explains, “Making sure your child has a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and weather-suitable clothing helps the teacher by keeping distractions and disruptions to a minimum. Well-rested, well-fed, and comfortable kids will be more ready to learn, listen, and engage.” These simple acts allow your child to perform their best in school. The preparation you do at home will set the tone for their day. Take this responsibility seriously. Find a routine that is best for you and your child and stick to as much as possible. Doing this will help get your day started while ensuring your kids will be alert and comfortable throughout the day.

Teachers should be treated like a member of your team. They’re directly responsible for the education of your child. Additionally, they look after them for a good portion of the day. Instead of being combative, work with your child’s teacher. Come to a mutual understanding of how both of you can best serve your child. Being supportive makes a world of difference.