Teachers and parents are partners, not opponents

Yes, interactions with parents can contribute to burnout — but teachers are primarily focused on the wellbeing of children, write Pia O’Farrell, Catherine Furlong, & Sabrina Fitzsimons

Teachers want to avoid damaging the parent-teacher relationship by failing to respond to evening or weekend messages. Picture: iStock

WE ALL know that parents want what is best for their children. Our research, however, shows that teachers do too, and that both parents and teachers can act as powerful catalysts in understanding and supporting each child’s individual needs.

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that these relationships can be complex, and that parent–teacher interactions, while often positive, can sometimes contribute to teacher stress or burnout.