Communicate 2.1.2 Communication Guideline

I believe wholeheartedly that much of the success that I have had in my classroom stems from my focus on using communication to create a positive relationship with my students and their families.

1. Welcome Email:
I always enjoyed sending a Welcome Email once my students returned their syllabus. Making a point to set clear expectations for success have served me well over the years in my face-to-face classroom, and I would imagine that such an email is even more necessary for the digital learning environment.
Typically my emails read:

Mr. and Mrs._____,

 

I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for returning Madison's syllabus for AP English Language & Composition. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with her this year. We do our best to foster an authentic college-like experience in which students become more involved in their own learning. My goal is for students to soon have the confidence necessary to address their instructors directly with any questions or concerns regarding their course or their grade. With that said, please know that you may also contact me via email should the need arise.

I look forward to a successful year. Thank you for your support.

 

Ashley Rickard
Eastside High School

AP English Language
Advanced American Literature

2. Personal Notes versus Mass Communication
I prefer to send personal notes rather than mass communication. Mass Communication could be permissible when used to remind all stakeholders about an upcoming event, such as the EOCT, Final Exams, or maybe even a field trip. Mass Communication should never be used to discuss specifics related to a student or group of students. This would be a clear violation of FERPA. One of my favorite ways to use Personal Communication is to email a parent with positive feedback about their student's progress. Catching a parent when they least expect it and taking time to pat their child on the back always, always pays off ten-fold.

3. Stakeholders
Before alerting any other stakeholders to a student's performance, particularly when it's unfavorable, I think it is vital for the instructor to have a conversation with the student first. Reporting directly to a parent without first speaking with the student could be viewed as undermining by the student.

4. School Policies Regarding Communication
Using a designated school email account, rather than a personal email account, is certainly a School Policy that I would make sure my students understand. 


5. Tools for Effective Communication
I believe that Remind is the greatest Communication Tool to become available for teachers in the last several years. Being able to mass text students about upcoming assignments and due dates is a tremendous time saver and a great way to encourage students to put their best foot forward. I also love all of the features that Google Voice offers.