Parent-teacher communication is important outside of conferences. I speak with 15 years as a parent and 22 as a teacher.

• As a parent and a teacher I've been on both sides of the relationship when kids are back in school.
• I recommend parents reach out early to their kids' teachers to have a relationship.

As a parent for 15 years and a teacher for 22 years, I have had the pleasure — and the difficulty — of wearing both hats in the parent/teacher partnership. I have been on the receiving end of a scathing parent email, and on the flip side, I have received negative feedback about my child from a teacher.

Of course, teachers and parents will have not-so-pleasant feedback from time to time — not all conversations will be sunshine and rainbows when we are helping children grow and learn. However, even when the conversation reaches into difficult topics, teachers and parents can always work together to partner for the student's success.

Plant the seeds early in the year

Whether your child is 3 or 18, reaching out to their teacher early in the school year will start the partnership off on a good foot. Depending on the child's age, the frequency and depth of the communication will taper off as the child gains independence, but a quick introduction note to the teacher is always appropriate. Here is an example of a brief introductory email from a parent to a teacher:

"Hello Ms. Nwodo,

My daughter Aleah Cameron-Smith is in your physics class this year. She is excited about your class because she has heard about the interesting labs. We are looking forward to meeting you at Parent Night. Please reach out to us if you need anything.

Thank you, Dr. Julia Cameron and Mr. Derrick Smith 314-159-2653"

A quick note like this serves a few key purposes: You are introducing yourself and your child — including your name with honorifics and phone number, which is helpful for teachers to know when they need to reach you later. You are extending a welcome of communication if the teacher needs anything in the future, such as support with your child academically or behaviorally. And you are expressing gratitude and interest in the teacher's work and efforts.

Modes of communication

Beyond a basic introduction at the beginning of the year, it might be necessary to communicate with the teacher for additional reasons.

If a question can be answered on the class website or by reaching out to the school office, then do so rather than contacting the teacher. A teacher's day is far too busy to answer questions that can be easily looked up.

If you are concerned about your child's learning or performance in their class, email a request for a phone along with the courtesy of the reason for the request. "Ms. Nwodo, Would you have time for a phone conversation to discuss Aleah's progress with the current unit?" Giving a "heads up" allows the teacher to properly prepare resources for the conversation.

If your child is younger, it may be necessary to email a note that does not need a phone call or meeting as a follow-up. When parents share information about their children, teachers are better equipped to support student learning.

If you have a pre-teen or teen, coach them on how to communicate with their teachers as a first point of contact. If your teen is struggling in the class or needs to update the teacher, help them draft an email to the teacher or have them practice how they will start the conversation face-to-face with the teacher.

When to get support

Unfortunately, situations will arise in which the teacher/parent partnership is not quite clicking. Steve Barkley, an education consultant, suggests seeking out help from the school counselor to serve as a liaison. A campus learning support specialist might also be a beneficial resource for building a partnership.

In extreme circumstances, it might be necessary to seek out the guidance of the teacher's supervisor or principal. Escalating a concern about a teacher to a school administrator can damage the partnership with a teacher. However, if the teacher is non-responsive, dismissive, or unprofessional, then support is certainly necessary.

Parents are their children's first teachers. Parents know their children in a different way than teachers know them — and vice versa. By opening up the lines of communication between parents and teachers, the students will be supported in their learning and growth throughout their years in school. Parents, remember next August to start the year with an introductory email to your child's teacher. It is a small gesture to launch a strong partnership.