Parent/Teacher Series

It won't be long before the new school year begins, and according to Education experts it's important parents get their children in the right frame of mind for school.

In the first part of a special "Assignment: Education" report.. "Parent-Teacher Conference", Newschannel Eight's Bill Ratliff takes a look at what teachers want from parents.

--[Teacher Jeri Nelson says:] "That girl, that girl.. is she a girl?" [Student says:] "No, she's a swan." [Nelson says:] "Okay."--

Cleveland Elementary teacher Jeri Nelson is doing what she loves to do. A veteran of 26 years, Nelson believes in showing her students she's just like them.. and if it means sitting on the floor for a reading excercise.. she does it.

--[Teacher Judy Garcia says:] "Andy can you tell me what you drew in your picture? Um um. What did you draw? [Student says:] "My family."--

Foster Elementary's Judy Garcia is another inspired teacher. She too is passionate about what she does. Garcia and Nelson also have something else in common. They are each responsible for developing parent involvment programs at their schools. They both say a parent is a child's first and most important teacher.

--[Garcia says:] "I think that so often they think of us as educators.. We're the teachers we'll take care of that.. And really they are the ones that need to help us build that foundation."--

Nelson says building that foundation comes through involvement in your child's education and is extremely important in the pre-school and elementary years.

--[Nelson says:] "If we can get parents to really realize being involved in a child's education, being involved in school activities.. It's going to make a big difference in what's going on in education."--

Here's what Nelson and Garcia say teachers want from parents. First, make sure your child has a daily routine.. that includes specific homework time. Actually work with your child, when he or she is doing homework. Know what your child is being taught. Attend school and parent conferences. It's the best way to get to know your child's teacher. And help your child develop a positive attitude about school. Jeri Nelson says when it comes to success in school.. -the- most important thing parents can do for their children is to help build their self-confidence and self-esteem.

--[Nelson says:] "I would love to just go up and just grab some parents and say look in my eye.. Please whatever you do.. tell your child you are smart.. you are somebody.. and you can learn!"--

And here are some more tips from Nelson and Garcia. If you concerned about your child's progress, set up a conference.. don't just walk in and demand to see the teacher. Also, make sure the school has correct phones number it could reach you at. And finally, let the teacher know about any health or family problems your child is facing.

Part 2

Educators say the most important things parents can do for their children is to instill a positive attitude about school and be involved in their education. But parents also say it takes a dedicated, passionate teacher to make school a meaningful experience for their children.

In part two of a special Assignment: Education report .. "Parent-Teacher Conference".. Bill Ratliff tells us what parents want from teachers, when it comes to educating their children.

Teachers like Marianne Troy at Plumb Elementary work with youngsters through the summer to get them ready for another school year.

--[Teacher Judy Garcia says:] "Would you like to find an "A" In here? Find an "A" In here for me."--

Over at Foster Elementary, Judy Garcia holds a special kindergarten camp to help young ones get used to the classroom setting.

--[Teacher Jeri Nelson says:] "You're super kids."--

And then there's Jeri Nelson and her class of fourth and fifth graders at Cleveland Elementary. All three work hard at building good teacher-student relationships.. the cement in a foundation for learning. Parents and teacher alike, also believe there's another relationship that teachers need to nuture.

--[Nelson says:]--"I think the relationship between a teacher and a parent, first of all should be positive."--

Ellen Metterle and Tim Littler are parents of students at Plumb. They're the type of parents schools and teachers love. They're -- very -- involved. But with as much time as they give to school.. they want something in return from teachers.

--[Parent Ellen Metterle says:] "I expect a lot out of them. I think I'm hard. I want them in every aspect to help my child. You know, I think this is their chosen profession and what they should do is in everyway try to help my kid. But the classrooms are so large it makes it difficult."--

Overcrowding challenges teachers to give students and parents the attention they may need or deserve. Some parents get angry.

--[Parent Tim Littler says:] "A lot of people get frustrated I'm sure and head straight to the administration.--

Littler says that may not be the best approach. He feels dealing with teachers one-on-one is far more productive and positive.

--[Littler says:] "Usually working with the teacher seems to work out best.. To help find out what the problem is. See what you can do to help and then see what to do from there."--

What else do parents want from the teachers of their children? First, a good line of communication. Also, parents want to be told early, if their child is having a problem in class. They want a clear and specific list of what their children are being taught.
And if the curriculum changes, even the slightest, parents want to be be told. Finally, parents are eager for ideas about teaching tools they can use to help teach their children. Metterle says the parent-teacher relationship should always be in the interest of the child.

--[Metterle says:] "If both are on the same wave length, it really helps the child. And if both have a good attitude towards the child.. it helps the child. It makes them understand how important it is and how hard they should work to be a better student."--

There is one other suggestion parents have for teachers.. Don't be too defensive if parents offer constructive criticism for teachers. They say parents can sometimes offer very sound advice. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel 8.

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