How Do I Introduce Myself to Parents at the Beginning of the Year?

Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers Perspective

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"Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we dive deep into the heart of teaching, exploring strategies and insights to support educators at every stage of their journey. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re talking about one of the most important first steps of the school year: introducing yourself to parents.

The beginning of the school year is all about setting the tone—not just in your classroom but also in the relationships you’ll build with families. That first introduction to parents is your chance to establish trust, communicate your values, and let parents know that their children are in capable hands. When you approach this moment with clarity, warmth, and intention, it opens the door to positive collaboration throughout the year.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore effective strategies for introducing yourself to parents across all grade levels—whether you’re welcoming families of elementary students or kicking off a middle or high school year. We’ll talk about what to say, how to communicate, and how to create an introduction that reflects who you are as a teacher.
Get my latest book manuscript for Ready, Set, Teach! At the site links below.
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Show Notes
For more information on this topic checkout the following resources:

• Edutopia – Building Parent-Teacher Relationships: www.edutopia.org - Articles and strategies for effective parent communication.
• Scholastic – Tips for Teachers’ Back-to-School Nights: Ideas for making the most of your first parent meetings.
• National PTA – Parent-Teacher Communication Tools: Tools and suggestions for positive parent-teacher relationships.
• The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong: A classic guide with tips on effective communication with parents.
• Remind – A Communication Tool for Schools: A digital tool for staying in touch with parents and students.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!