HOW TO RESOLVE TEACHER AND PARENTS CONFLICTS

The enmity between teachers and parents is fast becoming a norm. Parents feel teachers aren’t giving the best of care to their children and teachers also feel parents complain too much and that’s where the conflict arises.

This conflict however doesn’t yield any positive result but rather affects the child, school, and even both parties negatively. It’s quite normal to disagree with teachers and parents but often they aren’t handled well and it escalates to something bigger.

In today’s post I’ll be stating ways such conflicts can be settled or avoided. This post will be divided into two subsections, the first part for the teachers and the next for the parents.

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Conflicts doesn’t yield any positive result but rather affects the child, school and both parties negatively.

TEACHERS ROLE IN HANDLING CONFLICTS

• LISTEN TO THE PARENT: When a parent is complaining about an issue don’t be too quick to jump in. Listen to the parent and understand the point they’re driving at. You trying to match up their words with yours might escalate the matter and you won’t want that.
• BE POLITE: Sometimes this can be difficult especially when you know your actions are justified but still try to be polite when explaining to the parent. Your reply can either quench the fire or ignite it.
• TAKE CORRECTION: When complaints from parents arise, you should be willing to take correction. There’s always something to learn from every situation.
• CARRY PARENTS ALONG: Most conflicts arise because parents have no idea of what happens in the classroom. Beware of always trying to create a perfect picture of the classroom and your students. Let the parents have an insight into what goes on in the classroom.
• PARENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN: I’m sure you would complain if you’re not pleased with the service someone rendered to you. Parents don’t complain for the joy of it but because they aren’t satisfied with your service. Don’t hate them for it. They have a right to it.
• SPEAK TO THE SCHOOL’S ADMINISTRATOR: When complaints arise don’t try to settle all alone. Note those that require the intervention of the school’s administrator and channel it to them.
• RELATE WITH OTHER TEACHERS: Especially the child’s previous teacher. Ask how they balance the equation in their classrooms and see if it’s something you can work with.
• UNDERSTAND PARENTS: When you understand every parent’s reaction it becomes easy to relate with them and their child(ren).

PARENTS ROLE IN HANDLING CONFLICTS

• YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER IS NOT YOUR ENEMY: Some parents believe they must always complain about their child’s teacher. I’ve heard someone say if she should appreciate her child’s teacher, she would relax and won’t teach well anymore.
• VERIFY REPORTS: Most times report givers are not always right. A parent came to school to fight over a particular issue only to get there and discovered she was told a lie. Whenever you receive a report concerning your child’s teacher be sure to verify the information before passing judgments.
• NOT EVERY REPORT DESERVES A REACTION: Your child comes home to tell you her teacher changed her sitting position and already you’re annoyed and can’t wait for the next day. You need to realize that your child isn’t the only one in that class and the teacher has a burden of creating a balance in the classroom. If she changed the sitting position that means that’s the balance she needs in the classroom. It isn’t an issue you should rush to the school about. Learn to sieve reports and know which deserves a reaction and which doesn’t.
• APPRECIATE MORE: I know it’s the teacher’s job to teach but a little appreciation won’t hurt anyone. In our various places of work, there’s this joy and adrenaline rush we get when someone appreciates us. There’s always something to appreciate about your child’s teacher. Appreciate the little things that seem insignificant, they count too.
• BE STRATEGIC IN COMPLAINING: I had this parent who would call me and spend a few minutes showing appreciation before she lets me in on the complaint. Do you think I will feel bad? NO. Teachers are humans too and deserve to be respected. Your ideas are always welcomed but what matters is how you present them.
• LISTEN TO THE TEACHER’S SIDE: When you listen to the teacher’s side of the story, you might realize why the action she took was necessary.
• YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER DOESN’T HATE YOU: Teachers love parents. The imaginary hate arises from disagreements on both sides which if resolved you would realize teachers and parents are best of friends.

Your ideas are always welcomed but what matters is how you present them.

The School Administrators also have a role to play. Parents and teachers need to understand the rules and regulations that guide the school and also the standards the school has set and hope to maintain. Parents’ and teachers’ forums should be organized often where both parties can state their grievances. The school administrators should always intervene when such conflict arises and try to settle the issue without being biased or hurting anyone’s feelings.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THIS?