Although the ability of families to participate in their child’s learning varies widely because of other family or job obligations, it is the responsibility of teachers to provide opportunities for them to understand both the instructional program and their child’s progress. Teachers establish relationships with families by communicating to them about the instructional program, conferring with them about individual students, and inviting them to be part of the educational process itself. The level of family participation and involvement tends to be greater at the elementary level, when young children are just beginning school. However, the importance of regular communication with families of adolescents cannot be overstated. A teacher’s effort to communicate with families conveys the teacher’s essential caring, valued by families of students of all ages.
Danielson, C. 2013
As an aspiring teacher preparing for student teaching, I have proactively created an introductory letter to introduce myself to parents. This initiative demonstrates my readiness for working with students and shows my commitment to facilitating communication with families and other stakeholders, aligning with the principles outlined in Danielson 4c.
By sending the intro letter, I am taking the first step in building relationships with families, which is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment for students. This proactive approach highlights my enthusiasm for the profession and my eagerness to effectively collaborate with families in supporting the overall success of the students.