7 Ways to Get Your Kid's Teacher to Like You

Just being involved and caring about your kid's progress in school will usually do it. We never had any problems with any of my son's teachers. I knew people who didn't get along with their kids' teachers but it was because they pretty much expected the teachers to be substitute parents and didn't care at all whether their kids succeeded in school or not. No one forces you to have kids and it's not the teacher's job to teach your kids values or make them learn when they don't want to. If your attitude towards school sucks, your kids' attitude towards school will suck.

If a teacher is biased against a child due to their parent's behavior.. well that's not a good teacher at all!
I've never disliked a kid just because I didn't like their parent..I usually pay MORE attention to them!
SOMEONE has to be a positive role model in their life!

You need to tell adults to be pleasant?

I think a lot of people are missing the point. The point is really - Be known. Be an active participant in your child's education and yes that means getting to know the teacher and open a line of communication to discuss your child. It's a team effort. The title of this article has caused the "Teacher's teach, I don't care if he/she likes me or not" comments and that is unfortunate.

I'm sorry, but these seem pretty obvious to me. I suppose people do need to be reminded to be pleasant, but this should apply to anyone they may come in contact with.

If possible, you can really learn a lot about a teacher and your child's classmates if you volunteer in the classroom. As far as I know, teacher's appreciate when parents genuinely want to help out so it's a win/win for everyone.

Never really gave a flying flip if a teacher liked me. I'm not their friend, they're not mine. And there's something creepy wrong about the whole 'give your kid a leg up by smoozing with their teacher' idea. Really...? Talk about teacher's pet x mommy's little angel = terror of the classroom.

After reading these comments, I can see where the very few problems in my classroom come from. If people were just a bit more respectful of each other, and if they taught that respect to their children, teachers might actually get to educate the mostly wonderful students that come into their classrooms each year!

Think of someone you know and like...how would you treat their children?? Think of someone that you can't stand... how would you treat their children?? It may be thier job to teach your kid, but they don't have to like them.

I don't care if a teacher likes me. I'm not going to go out of my way to be rude...but my biggest complaint is if you see an issue with something...PLEASE let me know before report cards come out...I've had an issue with my son's school that they always waited for me to contact them. I know you are busy but if a child "forgets" to bring things home...you have a better idea of what's going on. Shoot me an email a call and we then can get a time to discuss whatever issue.

I have been a middle school teacher for twelve years. Whether parents like me or not is not a concern for me. The following are concerns for me:
*when I call about a behavior issue and the parent makes excuses or claims that her child would never do anything wrong
*when students do not have school supplies and/or does not do homework regularly
*when parents do not update the contact information
*when I call a parent at work and he is too busy to speak to me or even to return my call later
*when parents blame me for losing an assignment (yes, accidents happen, but assignments don't just walk away from my desk)

All the negative parents and grandparents here want to make it seem like it's "us vs. them". As a teacher, I could less if a parent liked me or not. If a parent likes me, great. If they don't like me, that's ok too. What I need is your cooperation in getting your child to do their homework, respect school rules, have a valid phone # to reach you, discipline your own child, etc. People in this country are lucky to have taxpayers footing the public education bill for their child(ren). In most other countries, going to school isn't mandatory for everyone. Lots of children do not get to go to school. Many parents here take it for granted. I have had wonderful parents who have helped out and as a team we helped their child learn and horrible parents who did not want to be bothered in any aspect of their child's education and health. I had a parent who told me not to call her and if her child continued to throw up, that I or the school nurse should take him to the hospital. So, to all the negative parents here and everywhere, please home school your child.

Coming from a teacher: do realize that your child is not my only student! I care about the education of all 90 of my students and I am glad that you do as well. But just like you, I work and i have children as well.

I never let a teacher like me it is far better for them to be a little scared of me instead of being my friend that way they know that if they don't do a good job teaching my kids then I will be after getting their jobs and have them fired for poor job performance.

Completely agree with sanitywillprevail. Parents are quick to criticise teachers; but do little at home. Some parents take it personally when teachers inform them of bad behavior or low grades. The parents feel it's their fault; which it may be. they are quick to defend themselves and offer excuses. Naturally, if you don't care if your child's teacher likes you that is your right

I find that parental denial of their children's behavior and actions to be one of the most frustrating issues. Along with lack of respect, not only for me, but for themselves as well as for their children as individuals. Honesty, accountability and responsibilty seems to be low priorities these days.

We don't need to like you, just feel supported. Listen to us when we call with a concern and don't assume that we're picking on your kid. There just might be something really going on that concerns us about your child that you might not see that's valid.

Why would you want anyone not to like you??? When a person dislikes someone instintively their views are colored by that feeling. When looking at the child (even unconsciously he/she can be stricker with the child when gradding, punishing, etc. FYI just like your boss can be with you if they don't like you!!!

how about " teach your child to respect teachers", or " encourage open communication ". Im not sure what these writers are bieng paid, but this is the kind of advice thats on the back of bubble gum wrappers! I mean , come on... my chldren have to deal with the teachers all day, not me. If therss an issue itl happen waaay befor I find out about it, teach the kids to be able to handle it, then Ill decide if it needs to be dealt with and taken to another level...Ive always told my kids, if something happens at schol, dont be afraid to tell me, and if its somethig that needs to be dealt with,itl ONLY happen one time...... sheesh

All of you who are saying, "The job of my child's teacher is to teach" are correct. That is our job. And we could stop there...

But wouldn't you rather we contact you BEFORE your child receives a bad report card? Wouldn't you like to hear (from the teacher) why he or she punished a child? (If you don't work with your child's teacher, s/he is likely to assume you don't care to know about it).

Yes, it is our job to teach, but I'm sure you want us to go the extra mile for your child. No, we won't ignore your child- but we might not take the extra time to speak to you about your child if you don't seem vested in the parent-teacher relationship.

Dave,
With a comment like yours "Intimidation, treat my grandson as if it were me. Or I swear to Christ, I'll bury you alive!" you be arrested for making a terroristic threat. Smart move!