Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families and communities in schools.
During the course of my 491 practicum, I was able to connect with parents/guardians through our class dojo messaging community. Having this platform essential allowed an open line of communication with myself and parents of the students in the classroom. Most of these email communications were based on students bringing specific supplies to school, to update parents on upcoming specials events (ex: Pink Shirt Day), and informing parents/guardians of student success and concerns in the classroom. I was really proud when I received an email regarding one student in my class in particular who seemed to be more academically motivated, especially in our literature circle meetings and project. The parent/guardian complimented me in doing a good job to get this student more motivated to doing his homework. This student eventually met all criteria and has been improving academically in all other subjects. Despite being on an IEP, this student really has grown during my time in the classroom. Initially, I thought this student would give me the hardest time during my practicum and this was the case for the first week, but eventually that became the opposite as I tried to take interests in the things he enjoyed the most and it seemed to have worked. This success mainly derives back to building relations with the students and to encourage and build their confidence up to put forth their best efforts regardless of the result. This email ensured to me that I was in fact doing a good job in my final practicum and building my own confidence as a future educator.