As a new school year approaches, teachers aren’t just preparing their classrooms—they’re preparing to welcome students and their families. In this episode of Parenting Upstream, Valerie Blackburn joins us to talk about the power of connection between teachers, parents, caregivers, and students. Valerie is a middle school educator beginning her 23rd year of teaching at the same school. With years of experience building relationships with students and families, she shares practical, simple ways educators and caregivers can strengthen communication and create meaningful connections throughout the school year. Together, we explore: How teachers can build trust and connection with parents and caregiversSimple ways to improve teacher-parent communicationHow strong relationships between teachers and students can support learning and belongingWhat parents and caregivers can do to create positive partnerships with educatorsHow teachers can make families feel welcomed, heard, and includedWhy communication and connection matter for student successPractical strategies for navigating the beginning of a new school yearHow educators and families can work together to create a safe, supportive, and positive school environmentSmall, intentional actions that can make school a better place for all kidsWhether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, educator, or school professional, this conversation offers approachable ideas for building stronger relationships and creating a school community where students feel supported, understood, and ready to learn. As educators across the country head back into their classrooms, this episode is a reminder that preparing for a new school year isn’t just about lesson plans and supplies—it’s about people, relationships, communication, and connection. Sources: Santiago, R. T., Garbacz, S. A., Beattie, T., & Moore, C. L. (2016).Parent-Teacher Relationships in Elementary School: An Examination of Parent-Teacher Trust.Psychology in the Schools. The New Yorker (2022)"Can Teachers and Parents Get Better at Talking to One Another?"Challenge SuccessFrontiers In PsychologyScience DirectAdams, K. S., & Christenson, S. L. (2000).Trust and the Family-School Relationship: Examination of Parent-Teacher Differences in Elementary and Secondary Grades. Journal of School Psychology
