In this episode educator and author Crystal Frommert breaks down the importance of establishing a relationship with parents, she talks about the importance of remembering that we are working with parents greatest gifts and to be mindful of that when we connect, she gives tips that we can use to help strengthen that connection between the home and school, and so much more. This is such an awesome conversation!

Topics:

1. It’s important that we help new teachers understand the art of calling parents.
2. It’s important to remember that parents send us their most precious gift. 
3. Use your experience to know when to call a parent and when not to call a parent
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
5. Listen to other teachers talk to parents.
6. Collect emails, thoughts, write down the way someone worded something that you thought was good to refer back to. 
7. Allow student teachers contribute during parent teacher conference.
8. Remember when parents see the phone number pop on the screen they get nervous.
9. If you are making a phone call home and it’s not a major emergency let the parents know that the child is alright.
10. Remember parents are nervous when we are talking to them to and we are talking to them about the most important thing in their life. 
11. We have to be aware of what is going on right now in that child’s and parents life and sometimes make
12. Creating boundaries are extremely important. Think about what is healthy with you. 
13. Having a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative comments with parents about their child. 
14. Start the year off with a positive personalized note with every family.
15. Give students the benefit of doubt. 
16. There is benefits too relaxing. 
17. Give students a “Freebie”. You get one time per grading term where they say they didn’t do their work or maybe dropping someone’s lowest grade. 
18. Book recommendation - Building Thinking Classrooms #ThinkingClassroom
19. Podcast Recommendation - Leaning into Leadership by Dr. Darrin Peppard, Steve Barkley 
20. Respect your own boundaries. No one will set them up for you. You have to set them up for yourself.

Bio:
Crystal Frommert, M.Ed, has over 20 years of experience as an educator in public, parochial, and international schools. Beyond teaching middle and high school, she has served as an instructional coach, school board member, adjunct college instructor, technology coordinator, and administrator. She currently teaches middle school math in Houston, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and fluffy dog.

website: https://about.me/cfrommert
twitter: @mrs_frommert

Be on the lookout for Crystal's book: When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling