The Importance of Parent Communication

The Importance of Parent Communication 

    One item on my OPL record that I have found to be interesting and challenging at the same time is communication with parents. To be completely honest, I am a more quiet and timid person most of the time. So, when I first started teaching, communication with parents was one of the things that scared me the most. Ove time, I have gotten better at that side of teaching, and I have learned that communication with parents is necessary for a successful school year. As one article that I read stated, "Parent-teacher relationships based on high-quality communication appear to be a key ingredient in children's school functioning" (Roy et al, 2025, p. 444). The article goes on to study certain students chosen at random from they entered school to the time they were twelve. The findings were very interesting. The study reports that "scores of inattention/hyperactivity, opposition and non-aggressive behaviors were positively associated with low quality trajectory" (Roy et al, 2025, p. 450). This shows the importance of quality communication with parents due to the fact that those students started to show worse behaviors in comparison to the students whose teachers contacted parents more often. The textbook also backs these findings by stating that "As the types of parental involvement are implemented, there are also results for students and results for schools" (Jones and Kennedy, 2022, p. 176-177). Everyone benefits from strong relationships between parents and teachers. This video gives more insight on the importance of parent/teacher communication:

Relationship Building: Parent/Teacher Communication

    One of the biggest things that has helped me with communication with parents is technology. The OPL item specifically reads "Enhance communication by keeping up to date on emerging technologies." That is something that I believe my team and I are able to do efficiently. First, we use a utilize a weekly newsletter that is updated through Google Slides weekly to communicate important information with parents. We put test dates, sports events, current topics in class, and more on the newsletter. Time and time again we have had parents tell us how much that helps them to keep up and stay engaged on what is happening in our classrooms. This year, our district also purchased a program called ParentSquare. Therefore, my team and I changed our approach to start incorporating that app into our routine. We now use it to send the weekly newsletter. Furthermore, ParentSquare allows teachers to be able to directly message parents quickly, which is so helpful during the busy day. 

ParentSquare Logo

    One other way that I communicate with parents is as a coach. I coach majorette and softball at my school, as well as work with Bibb County Children's' Theatre. In all of those areas, I have to communicate with parents. Another article I read spoke about middle school athletes and communication with their parents. As far as communication, the article states, "To help maintain contact, parents noted coaches providing their cell phone numbers, emailing parents on a listserv, and using third- party apps" (Kerr et al, 2023, p. 8-9). I have used a few of those methods, including using my personal cell phone number, as well as a Google Voice, Remind, and GroupMe. Remind is specifically talked about in the textbook. It says, "Part of what makes this app so effective is the ability to easily send messages and reminders to specific individuals, groups, or the entire class" (Jones and Kennedy, 2022, p. 181). The best methods are not using a personal cell phone, but with sports it is harder. I prefer apps like GroupMe that allow me to message the group or a parent directly all from the same platform. If other apps or platforms come about that seem better, I may move to using those as well. 

    Throughout my years of teaching and coaching, parent communication is vital. Apps and technology have helped tremendously in both areas, especially being someone who shies away from confrontation on a normal basis. Especially as a coach, confrontation with parents is inevitable, and it is all about finding the best way to communicate effectively and efficiently!

References

Guilderland Central School District Website, ParentSquare                                                                                      Logo. https://www.guilderlandschools.org/parentsquare-notification-system/

Jones, L., & Kennedy, E. (2023). Effective technology tools for school leadership: Understanding digital and data-driven strategies. Routledge.

Kerr, Z. Y., Gildner, P., Parker, S. K., Kostogiannes, V., Callahan, C. E., Nedimyer, A. K., Kossman, M. K., Chandran, A., & Register-Mihalik, J. K. (2023). Sport culture and communication among middle school athletes, parents, and staff: A qualitative study. PLoS ONE, 18(3), 1–19. https://doi-org.ezproxy.montevallo.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0282252

Roy, M., Julien, C., Gobeil, B. J., Nadeau, M., Fitzpatrick, C., & Garon, C. G. (2026). Longitudinal trajectories of parent–teacher communication during elementary school: Investigating child academic skills, school enjoyment and self‐perceived ability. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 96(1), 443–457. https://doi-org.ezproxy.montevallo.edu/10.1111/bjep.70026

SBCUSD (2018). Relationship Building: Parent/Teacher Communication. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTKOhxE4LNc&t=41s

Comments

  1. Travis JenkinsMarch 21, 2026 at 1:48 PM

    I like how you highlight leveraging digital tools to build community. This connects to the infographic I shared in my recent post, which emphasizes the importance of aligning all stakeholders to support student success. Research shows that digital tools can enhance communication and collaboration among educators and families, strengthening these relationships (Haleem et al., 2022). This also aligns with our textbook, which highlights how intentional use of technology supports communication and creates a more connected and effective school environment (Jones & Kennedy, 2023).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Travis JenkinsMarch 21, 2026 at 2:01 PM

      References
      Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

      Jones, L., & Kennedy, E. (2023). Effective technology tools for school leadership: Understanding digital and data-driven strategies. Routledge.

      Delete
  2. The Tech Ed GolemMarch 26, 2026 at 4:20 PM

    I agree with you about speaking with parents. It's definitely easier for me to speak in front of students than it is adults. Jones and Kennedy (2023) note the importance that social systems have on the climate of the school when it comes to interactions. Interactions with parents may seem awkward at first but are a necessary part of establishing a positive school climate. Positive school climates also produce positive learning environments which help schools face challenges when they are fostered by the administration (Martin & Gillikin, 2025).

    Reference list
    Jones, L., & Kennedy, E. (2023). Effective Technology Tools for School Leadership: Understanding Digital and Data-Driven Strategies. Routledge.

    Martin, S. P., & Gillikin, M. W. (2025). Leadership in action: Empowering school administrators to tackle bullying through targeted training. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 98(1), 15–20.

    ReplyDelete

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