sending email to teachers
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Anonymous
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just wondering if other people send email to their child's teachers and if so, how often and for what reason?
i am sort of loathe to do it, for many reasons. i know they are busy, work hard, are underpaid. parents also tend to over-react to things that are probably no big deal. but so far this school year, i've sent two emails to teachers. i feel sort of bad about it, but both were issues i felt that i couldn't let go. we are in our third year of public school (two years private preschool before that) and i think i sent two emails total in the four previous years of schooling. i don't want to annoy the teachers, or lead them to believe i am a problem parent. i don't know how else to handle it. drop-off/pick-up times are just way too harried to speak to them one-on-one. |
Anonymous
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Don't feel bad. An email takes much less time than an actual conference. And they can respond when they are on breaks that are designed for this kind of thing. When you call, you're always interupting something important. Email makes it more convenient for them. If they feel that they need a face to face, they'll ask you for one so you can discuss further or in person.
I use email all the time with the teachers....but only for issues that truly need to be addressed. |
Anonymous
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I do it.
This year, I sent an introductory email to my son's teacher, told her a little bit about us (we have a very civil joint custody agreement, but it's important that the teacher knows there are two households involved in case anything weird happens. cc'd his dad), asked when back to school night was, and let her know to please contact us if she needed anything. Sure enough, got an email back indicating it was appreciated. And recently got another one concerning a classroom issue, which we addressed. Fear not the email! |
Anonymous
| Don't be afraid. I think it must be easier for them than calling you back or meeting with you. Just be concise and clear about what you're asking/telling/need and if it takes more than three or four emails back and fourth it may be better to schedule a face-to-face meeting. FYI- I probably email my kids teachers 2-3 times a month, on average. |
Anonymous
| I think it depends on the type or style of your email. I personally love it. It can be a quick and efficient way to clear up a misunderstanding, discuss a problem or issue in the classroom, give additional information about your child to the teacher. I try not to over do it but the teacher's have always been responsive and if we need more time then we can call or have a conference. Its a great communication tool. |
Anonymous
| DS has an IEP and we e-mail a decent amount with some teachers. It's efficient - and usually sufficient. Teachers can respond when they have time. We also jot notes/observations about homework etc. on the weekly assignment sheet, as needed. |
Anonymous
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If you child has any issues it can be a god-send to have email. Some teachers especially younger teachers prefer it because it allows them to respond at time of their choosing rather than find the time for a phone call or appointment.
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Anonymous
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Teacher here-- I much prefer to use email to communicate with parents. Pick up/drop off is always busy and you can't have a private conversation, and it's difficult to find a convenient time for both the parent and myself to make a phone call during the day. It usually ends up being during lunch, and I barely have time to eat during my lunch period as it is, much less take a few minutes to relax.
Email is SO much easier and more efficient! Email away! 
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Anonymous
| Gah! I have been kind of going back and forth with one of my kid's teachers at Deal and I'm a little worried that I went overboard this week sending 4 emails --2 on this weekend--my kid has had a lot stress and confusion over grades and how assignments should be done. The teacher has been GREAT about it so far--Deal teachers in general have been just so professional and amazing really--but I haven't gotten a response on this last email I sent 2 days ago--gah! I really think that if they are going to give out highly detailed assignments on weekends, that they should expect some highly detailed email questions from kids AND their parents about how to get all the work done on. the. weekend. |
Anonymous
We have two kids with IEPs and do the same thing. We also have a 'normal' kid and have far less communication with her teachers - only when something significant comes up or an offer to bring treats to school for birthday/occasions. |
Anonymous
No. The kid should pay attention to the instructions as given in class, and you as parent should let the kid both do the assignment by itself and take the heat for failure to pay attention in the first place. Why are you doing the kid's homework anyway? |
Anonymous
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[quote=Anonymous
No. The kid should pay attention to the instructions as given in class, and you as parent should let the kid both do the assignment by itself and take the heat for failure to pay attention in the first place. Why are you doing the kid's homework anyway? Totally disagree...every child is different and parents need to stay involved; you may be able to help your child learn, or recognize a need for additional help, such as a tutor |
Anonymous
| Teacher here. Prefer email, too. In my experience, only 1 parent "abused the priviledge" but not a big deal...better than the phone |
Anonymous
| And you'll be the parent calling in college to find out why your little darling hasn't passed any classes. Kids have to learn to take responsibility, and a parent's constant intervention only prevents this. |
Anonymous
while your child will be the one who got frustrated without parental help, and who dropped out of high school to score weed in your basement with his buddies.... 
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