How Can Parents Support Teachers Who Try to Create Change?

Anti-racism needs to be done in community in order to be effective. Parents and teachers make up the backbone of a student’s community, so it’s absolutely critical that parents and teachers work together.

So what exactly can parents do to support teachers as they try to make change in their classrooms toward a more anti-racist, inclusive and positive learning environment?

Author and educator Patrick Harris II came on the podcast to help us unpack the concept of creating change in the school and shared 4 specific suggestions for how parents can take action to help teachers.

1. Be involved and build trust.

“As you have the capacity to being involved in school events — the more that teachers see you, the more that we have conversations with you — the more trust that we can build,” Patrick says. “Change is really about trust. That’s at the root of it — do we trust each other enough to make a decision that can impact people.” 

2. Advocate on behalf of the staff.

”It would be really helpful to have parents to advocate on behalf of staff when we feel voiceless and powerless,” Patrick explains. “There are so many things that happen to teachers, and we don’t really have anyone to go to. That parent sending that email and organizing, it’ll make a difference. And we shouldn’t doubt the power of the PTA, you know? … So as long as there is a lateral system of leadership in our schools, folks on the ground have to be organized to create a system of checks and balances. So organize it.”

3. Check in on your kids’ teachers.

Patrick suggests that you reach out to teachers to let them know you’re there for them. “Send that email. Check on that teacher,” he said. “Engage with the content in the work. Some of my favorite emails to read are from parents who say, ‘Hey, you know, I talked to my kid about what you were learning and it connects with me in this way.’ … Your kids love you as the parent, and they love (teachers) too. Kids want to see us talking and working together.”

4. Offer your skills and expertise.

No matter what your talents are, Patrick suggests you offer teachers help. “Show up and share your expertise, whether it’s juggling, whether it’s climate change, whether it’s anything,” Patrick says. “We want to build those partnerships with parents and caregivers, and I think that we can both do a better job on both sides to just open the lane for more dialogue.”

Learn more by listening to the First Name Basis Podcast, Season 6, Episode 9: “Creating Change in the Classroom” with Patrick Harris II, and be sure to check Patrick out on Instagram @presidentpat.