The webinar session organized on Saturday, October 5, 2024, to commemorate the World Teachers Day celebration treated the topic “Parent-Teacher Synergy; How Parents can Contribute to the Work of Teachers”. The expertise of expert speakers was engaged to educate and enlighten participants on the topic of discussion. The guest speakers for the day were Ms. Gloria Ovorke Okpanachi a dedicated Professional Early Childhood Educator, Handwriting Specialist, and Childcare Consultant/Innovators and also Asso. Prof. Chitom Racheal Akamelu, FIPESA, FCAI, ADFI, MAMN.
In their speech, the guest speakers explained that parents play a crucial role in the educational process and can significantly contribute to the work of teachers. Parent-teacher interaction is a dynamic process that involves communication, collaboration, and partnership between parents and educators. It serves as a bridge that connects the two essential spheres of a child’s life – home and school. It is a known fact that parental engagement benefits and supports teachers. The absence of collaboration between parents and teachers leaves a huge gap in the development process of a child. Involved parents bring new perspectives, offer volunteer assistance, and enrich the educational environment.
In some schools, it has become an issue, to get parents to attend PTA meetings where the interest of their child is discussed. Severally, teachers have laid complaints of parents making their work difficult for instance, a child goes back with an assignment and still comes back with it unsolved or when disciplining strategies clash. It has become important to promote the need for a strong partnership between parents and teachers as they are the key figures in a child’s learning journey.
The importance of parent-teacher synergy was heightened to include;
- Improving students’ academic performance.
- Parents having a deeper understanding of their child’s academic journey to provide timely support.
- Improving students’ approach to school work and relationship with their teachers.
They further elaborated that in today’s multifaceted educational landscape, parents and teachers can work together to create an environment that nurtures students’ growth and success. This collaboration goes beyond the classroom, instilling values and life skills to benefit children throughout their lives.
The medium was also used to encourage parents to show appreciation for teachers’ efforts because the littlest of appreciation will go a long way in encouraging teachers to put in their best effort. Appreciation could be just a simple thank you note or text message.
