New class teacher in January - what do parents want to know/see/hear?

[EcoLady]

I'm starting a new job next term, replacing a class teacher who is leaving the school for a promotion.

As parents, would you expect/want/like some sort of formal introduction? What form should that take? Letter from me or the Head, or a Meet The Teacher session? Or just meet me as and when you need to?

Thanks!

the other teacher back...

seriously, it depends on the previous teacher. maake sure you meet with her before she leaves.

reading books change asap as soon as you get back. (biggest moan in the playgground) the try to hear the children read individually yourself and sign the reaading diary being extra careful of your grammar and punctuation...

meet as and when... teachers/parents do not meet the teacher normally in september. smile and greet as many people as possible.

I think a note home from you, introducing yourself and briefly saying what you'll be doing would be great. Eg, first week or two, assessing kids, checking reading levels, studying such a such a topic. Should allay parents' worries that their child may be overlooked.

School email address for contact (do primaries do this?), telling parents the best time to come in and see you, if their child has a problem.

Basically, clear communication and getting a handle on the kids and the parents knowing you've got a handle on their kids.

You not to fuss about the parents, but to spend all your energy on the children :)

Do the best job you can, with the resources you have and the strengths you possess.

Ask if you need background on my child or any help from us at home :)

I would expect to carry on how the school, not the former teacher, did in previous terms. In our school the two teacher per year work very closely together so you may want to check how this is done in your school.

A note from you would be a nice touch but I would expect the head to write a letter to the parents about your start.

Keeping certain ways also will not confuse the children, loosing a teacher in the middle of the year is already a bit upsetting, you may not want to change too much straight away.

DS is getting a new teacher after Christmas (although not you as the circumstances are different ). He has met his new teacher a couple of times I think. I'd hope that we'll get a letter from the new teacher at the beginning of next term and that we'll be told we can get in touch with him as we need to.

Hope it all goes well for you for the rest of the year

Ds (year 1) got a new teacher after half term. The week before half term she spent most of it in the class getting to know the pupils, and on one day she took the class on her own and afterwards invited the parents in to say hello, and answer any questions.
Unfortunately ds hasn't really taken to her, but he loved the old teacher . But I don't think that's her fault, just he prefered the style of the old teacher.

Thank you all! Lots of points to take on board. I really appreciate getting your perspective.

I will be in the class next week for a few days so should see the fixed routines (but in the last week before Christmas, anything could happen!) and I will try to read with them all during that time as part of getting to know them.

Thanks again

I would expect nothing (well trained parent !) but would hope I can catch you / you would catch me for a brief word at the end of a day if a real concern arose.

If you are replacing a lady who is going to be deputy head in York - welcome and I have no kids in your class .

Thank you ISeeT&T. Not York!

I'd send a letter out in January introducing yourself and explaining what topics etc will be covered that term. It would also be a good opportunity to ask the parents for any help that you'd like.

Just want to say congrats and good luck.

dd has teacher no 3 in jan.
she moved schools half term
she loves current teacher.

The school did some sort of x factor teacher interveiwing 6 and getting all 6 in class.

The 1 they picked has already spent about a week with them.

shes doing a meet and greet tommorow.

Im guessing she will least for this year follow what previous teacher has done.

dds in year 2 and things i like about good teachers is

caring when child ill/upset
good open and frendly communication with parents.
we had a year 1 teacher who was frequently late opening door and sick a lot.

Thank you both.

Had a great day with the class this week and saw their regular routines. I shall certainly keep most of that the same and introduce one or two bits that are mine.