Families are a key part of the instructional team, especially after more than a year of remote learning. Hear from Leana R. Malinowsky and Wendy Amato as they discuss ways to manage the teacher-family relationship as the leader of your classroom. You’ll hear strategies to avoid being consumed by emails and tips for communicating effectively with families of all backgrounds. You’ll also hear different ways to structure your teacher-family conferences to ensure that you have open communication with your families all year long.
Our Guest
Leana R. Malinowsky has 14 years of teaching experience at various grade levels in general education, special education, and ESL. She’s a practicing teacher who’s currently teaching 2nd-grade education and ESL students in New Jersey. Leana is a contributing author to The New Teacher’s Guide for Overcoming Common Challenges and has had an article published in The Teacher’s Advocate.
Our Host
Dr. Wendy Amato earned her Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She holds an MBA from James Madison University. Wendy began teaching in 1991, has served as a Middle School Administrator, and still teaches at UVA’s School of Education. She has delivered teacher professional development workshops and student leadership workshops in the US and internationally. Wendy and her family live near Charlottesville, Virginia.
Continue Learning
Courses
- Take a 3-credit continuing education course to dive deeper into engaging parents for student success
- Join a year-long program designed for new teachers to get all the tools, strategies, and resources they need to thrive in the classroom.
Articles
- Access Leana’s Family Communication Starter Kit
- How Teachers Can Communicate With Families This Year by Leana R. Malinowsky
- Lesson Planning GPS: A Practical Navigation Guide by Leana R. Malinowsky
- Collaboration and Communication: Teaching During the Pandemic by Leana R. Malinowsky
Videos
