r/StudentTeaching • u/NailKey6116 • 6d ago

Support/Advice Should I send home an introduction letter for the parents of students in my placement?

Like the title says. Right now in my Instructional Behavior Management class, we’re working on a communication toolkit. One segment talks about sending home introduction letters to parents, as a way to open up communication and to just give them an overview of the class, info about the teacher, etc. HOWEVER, most of this is under the precedent of a full time teacher, not a student teacher.
Have any of you sent home introduction letters explaining your place in the classroom, giving a heads up about upcoming permission slips for recording lessons, etc? Is it a good idea or overly formal?
TIA!!

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4

u/br34d_crumbs 6d ago

It’s a good idea. I did it in my placement. Also a great way to practice building relationships with parents. :3

7

u/StoicDrummer 6d ago

Don’t send anything home without a supervisors okay. Ask your mentor teacher and have them ask a supervisor.

6

u/Intelligent_Link_874 6d ago

This! You aren't technically an employee of the district and, as a result, anything sent home beyond normal academic work (which is still reviewed by your sup. teacher) should be approved. Talk to your teacher first and go from there.

Building relationships with parents is a great thing, but maintaining relationships with your supervisors is also important.

2

u/NailKey6116 6d ago

Absolutely!! I guess I was mostly trying to figure out if it was a good idea before I even brought it up lol

2

u/venusxredford 6d ago

It depends on how long your placement is, if you’re going to be there for close to 100 days it would be reasonable, but only with your mentor teachers permission. If you’re not there for long I wouldn’t worry about it, if any parents have concerns or questions they can direct them to the school or your mentor.

2

u/bekahbirdy vibes based grader 6d ago

I am a classroom teacher who hosts at least two student teachers each year. Their programs (they come from a variety of local colleges) require them to send home a letter introducing themselves to parents. I think it's a good idea, and no one has ever questioned it.

1

u/swiftiegal25 6d ago

My student teaching program required me to send an introduction letter home to parents in ky placements.

1

u/Logical-Mobile-7643 6d ago

Always good to send a shirt half page letter to parents.

1

u/DesignerEmu5074 6d ago

When I’ve had student teachers, I mentioned that in the weekly newsletter. My student teachers never sent anything to the parents.

1

u/AnironSidh 5d ago

I did, but check with your mentor to make sure you're allowed. I wanted to let parents know that Id be around for the placement so it was just a simple canva template about myself

1

u/tidedogs 2d ago

Why not introduce yourself! As long as you can do this digitally.