Parent-Teacher Communication: Best Practices for First-Year Teachers

The MetLife Survey of The American Teacher (2004-2005) reported the greatest challenge new teachers face is communicating with parents. Their research also indicated it was the area in which new teachers were the least prepared. This book provides a literature review, which covers research dating back nearly 30 years on practices veteran teachers and practitioners used for improving parent-teacher communication. Additionally, a quick-reference handbook has been designed to cover topics on the initial meeting; building relationships; encouraging on-going communication; ways of communicating; parent-teacher conferences; and encountering difficult parents. The analysis and easily accessible manual should be especially useful for first-year teachers or any other person seeking further knowledge on using recommended practices in regards to developing and improving effective communication with parents.