4. Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families, and communities in schools.
Through my practicum in Kindergarten, I had the opportunity to begin forming connections and understanding the importance of family-teacher relationships. Through drop-offs, pick-ups, and forgotten lunches, I got to know who my students were going home to each day and I began to understand what families need and expect from teachers. There is only so much insight you can gain from formal and casual check-ins with students; meeting their important people can be extremely beneficial to understanding each student’s life.
I believe it is important to consider the possibility of trauma/intergenerational trauma surrounding school systems that can exist within families. As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to form a connection with the student’s adults that works for the family. Once again, a large part of upholding the profession is the willingness to step out of my own comfort zone and meet others where they are at. I am privileged to be responsible for teaching the children of many families, and it is part of my job to include the adults however I can.
On top of parent/guardian connections, I have seen students gain so much from the involvement of their community in their learning. I had the opportunity to see the excitement and joy in every member of a class when they learned the library carried books written and illustrated by a member of the Prince George community whom they had met. Connections bring so much joy to education and the immediate community is a great place to start.