Meet the teacher

ADAM GELMON

What if I suggested to you that 1+1 = 3? You'd probably ask to see my teaching credentials, or at least suggest I double-check my arithmetic.

One of my favorite words is "synergy," or the 1+1 = 3 effect. You may have also heard this described as "the whole being greater than the sum of its parts." Without a doubt, one of the best things you can do to support your children's school experience is to cultivate a synergistic relationship with their teachers, with the "sum" being a happy and successful student.

We know that a child who receives regular academic support at home is primed for learning success. We also know that a child who learns in a nurturing school environment can achieve amazing things. A child that receives both, however, is gifted with opportunities to truly reach amazing personal heights. Therefore, an important goal for us, as teachers and parents, is to work together to build open, honest and regular communication based on the singular goal that binds us – guiding your children to reach their full potential.

Our first encounter usually happens in September, at "meet the teacher" nights. This initial meeting should leave you with a good picture of your child's learning environment, the teacher's expectations, the tone of the classroom and an overview of the year ahead. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to your child's teacher. Remember, this is going to be one of the most influential people in your child's life for that year – and maybe beyond. If you couldn't make it to the scheduled meet the teacher night, try to make an appointment as soon as you can to introduce yourself.

At the beginning of the school year, your child's teacher will tell you how they prefer to be contacted. Some prefer voicemail, some e-mail, while others use notes to communicate back and forth.

Barring an emergency, dropping in five minutes before the start of the school day is not a good time to speak with teachers. At this point in the day, teachers are usually settling the students for the day ahead and making final preparations for their lessons. We won't be able to give you the attention and time that you need, nor can we meet in a room full of students. But please do make an appointment for a time that is comfortable for both you and the teacher. Also, if you send a voicemail or a note requesting a follow-up phone call, please leave a general message describing the reason for calling, and how best to get back to you.

Unforeseen stresses, both good and bad, affect all of our lives. Many students haven't developed the self-awareness and coping skills needed to navigate through tough or stressful times. A change of address, an illness, a new addition to the family, or anything else that throws our lives into disarray, can affect your child's performance at school. In order for us to support your child, we need to know as much pertinent information as you can give us. When dealing with personal and sensitive issues, tell your child's teachers as much as is necessary, within limits that you're comfortable with. You may also wish to express the level of confidence you expect. Teachers will only use this information to help support your child.

Some parents, feeling like their children should get a "fresh start" at the beginning of the year, withhold information that may actually help the teacher better support their child. If your child has benefited from certain support in the past, or has a particular learning style that may not be readily obvious to a new teacher, you're better off discussing this as soon as possible. Teachers will only use information about your children's learning style to better support them. The sooner things come to light, the more effectively we can do our jobs, and the happier and more successful your child will be at school.

Parents who find it difficult to communicate with teachers because of a language barrier often find it useful to use a third party. A family member or trusted friend can act as a translator. Please don't let language get in the way of advocating for your child. Teachers want to meet you and are happy to work with you in any way that makes you feel comfortable.

Your experience and knowledge of your child, combined with a nurturing classroom and school environment is a powerful combination. In order to tap into this power, we – teachers and parents – must do everything we can to build an open, trusting and collaborative relationship. Keep the lines of communication open, and stay involved in your child's school life as much as possible from the very beginning of the year until the final bell rings in June. Don't wait for a low grade or a homework reminder before you take action. If you get involved and stay involved, you'll see that one plus one can, in fact, equal three.

Adam Gelmon is a teacher at Vancouver Talmud Torah school who is currently completing his master's degree in education. He can be reached at [email protected].

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