How Do I Handle a Parent Who Disagrees with My Teaching Methods?

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"Hello, and welcome back to Teaching with Valor, where we dive deep into the questions and challenges that teachers face every day in their classrooms. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re going to talk about an issue that every teacher faces sooner or later: How do I handle a parent who disagrees with my teaching methods?

As teachers, we each bring our unique approach to the classroom. We develop teaching methods that we believe best support learning, foster engagement, and build confidence in our students. However, not every parent may see it that way. Whether it’s a difference in philosophy, expectations, or simply a matter of style, encountering a parent who questions your methods can feel intimidating. But with the right mindset, these conversations can actually lead to mutual understanding and even greater support for the student.

Show Notes

Resources and References:
•Edutopia – Navigating Parental Disagreements in Education: www.edutopia.org - Practical strategies for building positive relationships with parents.
•National PTA – Tips for Productive Parent-Teacher Conversations: Resources for understanding and managing differences in educational approaches.
•Understood – Engaging Parents in Constructive Dialogue: Guides for handling disagreements with empathy and professionalism.
•Scholastic – Building Parent-Teacher Partnerships: Tips on establishing trust and effective communication with parents.
•Harvard Family Research Project – Improving Parent-Teacher Communication: Research and strategies for building strong communication with families.


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Episode Transcript

Don (00:09):
"Welcome to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we dive
into the heart of education,helping teachers, parents, and
students thrive.
I’m your host, Don Fessenden,and if you’re passionate about
making a difference ineducation, you’ve come to the
right place.
Before we jump into today’s deepdive episode, I’d like to ask

(00:30):
for your support.
If you find value in theseconversations, please take a
moment to like, subscribe, andshare this podcast with your
fellow educators and parents.
Your support helps us reach alarger audience, empowering more
teachers and families tonavigate the challenges of
education with confidence andcourage.

(00:50):
So hit that subscribe button,share this episode, and let’s
continue to grow this communitytogether.
As teachers, we each bring ourunique approach to the
classroom.
We develop teaching methods thatwe believe best support
learning, foster engagement, andbuild confidence in our
students.
However, not every parent maysee it that way.

(01:13):
Whether it’s a difference inphilosophy, expectations, or
simply a matter of style,encountering a parent who
questions your methods can feelintimidating.
But with the right mindset,these conversations can actually
lead to mutual understanding andeven greater support for the
student.
Today, we’ll explore strategiesfor approaching these

(01:33):
conversations with openness andprofessionalism, keeping both
the student’s needs and theparent’s concerns in mind.
We’ll cover the importance oflistening, effective
communication techniques, andhow to set boundaries
respectfully.
We’ll look at examples acrosselementary, middle, and high
school levels and share insightsthat can help you turn a

(01:55):
challenging conversation into aproductive one.
And for our parent listeners,stick around for our bonus
segment at the end where we’llanswer a question many parents

wonder about (02:05):
What should I do if I have a strong opinion on my
child’s education but feelunsure about bringing it up with
their teacher?
So, let’s jump into the art ofnavigating these conversations
and finding common ground withparents who may not see
eye-to-eye on our teachingmethods." In our first segment

(02:26):
we look at Understanding theParent’s Perspective.
"When a parent expressesdisagreement with your teaching
methods, it can feeluncomfortable and even a little
personal.
After all, our teachingpractices are often the result
of years of education, training,and classroom experience.
But as much as we’re experts inthe field of education, parents

(02:49):
are the experts on theirchildren, and their concerns are
valid.
It’s helpful to start by takinga moment to understand where the
parent is coming from.
Often, a parent’s disagreementisn’t about you personally but
rather about a perception or aspecific aspect of your method
that doesn’t align with whatthey envisioned for their

(03:09):
child’s learning experience.
Parents may have a variety ofreasons for disagreeing with
certain methods.
For example, a parent might beconcerned that a particular
approach is too challenging ornot challenging enough.
Perhaps they feel that hands-onactivities are distracting, or
they’re concerned that groupwork limits individual

(03:30):
accountability.
Or maybe, if you’re usingtechnology heavily, they might
feel it’s detracting fromtraditional learning.
A good way to approach thisinitial stage of the
conversation is by askingopen-ended questions to
encourage the parent to sharetheir concerns.
A simple prompt like,‘Could youtell me a bit more about what

(03:50):
you’re hoping for in Jameslearning experience?’ can reveal
a lot about what’s driving theirconcerns.
This also shows that you’re opento understanding their
perspective, which can go a longway toward building trust.
By recognizing that the parent’sinput is valid and listening
without interruption, you’resetting a positive tone.

(04:12):
Remember, this conversation isabout the child, and the goal is
to ensure that your methodsalign as closely as possible
with their needs and strengthswhile maintaining your
professional judgment.""Oncewe’ve listened to the parent’s
perspective, the next step is toexplain our teaching methods in
a way that connects with theirconcerns.

(04:33):
Let’s talk about how to bridgethat gap effectively.""After
listening to the parent’sperspective, it’s time to
explain your teaching methods ina way that’s both clear and
relatable.
It’s helpful to approach thiswith a mindset of transparency

and openness (04:49):
showing the parent that your methods are carefully
considered and designed with thestudents’ best interests at
heart.
Begin by describing the‘why’behind your approach.
Parents often respond positivelywhen they understand the purpose
behind specific methods.
For instance, if a parent isconcerned about group projects,

(05:10):
you might explain thatcollaborative work teaches
students critical skills liketeamwork, communication, and
problem-solving—skills that areessential for success beyond the
classroom.
Or, if your class includes a lotof hands-on activities, you
could discuss the researchshowing that kinesthetic
learning can improve retentionand engagement, especially for

(05:31):
younger students.
Be sure to use language that’saccessible and free from
educational jargon.
Phrases like,‘This approachhelps students because…’ or‘I’ve
found that students respond wellto this method, as it allows
them to…’ help communicate thebenefit of your methods in a way
that’s easy for parents tounderstand.

(05:52):
Another effective technique isto provide specific examples.
For instance, if you’re usingproject-based learning, share a
successful project from a pastclass that demonstrates how this
approach helped students developdeep knowledge and critical
skills.
When parents can visualize themethod in action, they’re often

(06:13):
more willing to see thebenefits.
For younger students, parentsmight appreciate understanding
how you balance variousactivities to support
development.
Explain how you rotate betweenactivities to maintain structure
and focus.
For middle and high schoolstudents, describe how your
methods prepare them for futureacademic and career challenges,

(06:36):
building on foundational skillsin a way that aligns with their
goals.
Keep in mind that your tone hereis important.
Be confident but not defensive.
Make it clear that you’re opento hearing their concerns, but
that your methods are rooted inresearch, best practices, and
your professional experience.""Once we’ve clarified our

(06:57):
approach, the next step is tolook for common ground and
collaboratively explore anyadjustments that might address
the parent’s concerns withoutcompromising our teaching
goals.""After explaining yourteaching methods, it’s time to
focus on finding common ground.
Many parents appreciate whenteachers show a willingness to

(07:18):
consider their perspective andmake small adjustments if
appropriate.
The goal is to work together tocreate a learning environment
that meets the needs of thestudent while maintaining the
integrity of your teachingphilosophy.
One approach is to ask theparent if there’s a particular
aspect of your method they’dlike to see adjusted.

(07:39):
For instance, if a parent isconcerned about too much screen
time, you might reassure them byexplaining the balance you
strive for and, if feasible,offer to include more off-screen
activities for their child.
Another example could be aparent who feels that homework
is too challenging.
In this case, you could worktogether to come up with a

(08:01):
strategy for offering extrasupport, such as a weekly
check-in or suggestingadditional resources that the
student can use at home.
Finding common ground doesn’tmean abandoning your teaching
style; rather, it’s about beingadaptable and responsive.
Sometimes, making a smalladjustment shows the parent that

(08:21):
you’re invested in their child’ssuccess, and it can go a long
way in building trust.
For students in elementaryschool, small modifications—like
adjusting reading levels orcreating individualized
assignments—can often make asignificant difference.
For middle and high schoolstudents, involve them in the
conversation where appropriate.

(08:43):
This can be a valuableopportunity for students to
develop self-advocacy skills,and it shows the parent that
you’re fostering independenceand responsibility.
Setting boundaries is also key.
There may be cases where aparent’s expectations conflict
too directly with yourprofessional methods or the
curriculum.

(09:04):
In these cases, it’s importantto express your respect for the
parent’s perspective whileexplaining that your methods
align with district guidelines,state standards, or the school’s
philosophy.
You might say,‘I understand yourperspective, and I value the
feedback.
Here’s why I believe thisapproach is important for James'
development.’ This reinforcesthat your methods aren’t

(09:27):
arbitrary but carefullyconsidered.""Now that we’ve
explored ways to find commonground, let’s discuss what comes

next (09:35):
how to follow up and maintain a positive relationship
with the parent moving forward.""After navigating a
disagreement, following up withthe parent is an essential step.
It’s not only a chance toreiterate your commitment to
their child’s growth but also away to keep the lines of
communication open.

(09:56):
A follow-up can be as simple asa quick email or note saying,
‘Thank you for sharing yourthoughts with me.
I appreciate your involvementand look forward to working
together to support James.’ Thissmall gesture shows that you
value their input and sets apositive tone for future
interactions.
Checking in periodically aboutthe student’s progress can also

(10:18):
reinforce trust.
For example, if you implementeda minor adjustment based on the
parent’s feedback, you mightupdate them after a few weeks,
sharing any positive changesyou’ve observed.
This shows that you’re not onlyopen to their input but actively
seeking to make it work for thebenefit of the student.

(10:39):
For middle and high schoolparents, where involvement
sometimes wanes, a periodiccheck-in can remind them that
you’re monitoring their child’sprogress closely.
Let them know they’re welcome toreach out any time, which can
reassure parents who may feelunsure about when or how to
communicate.
And remember, disagreements canoften turn into positive

(11:01):
relationships when handled well.
Some of the strongestteacher-parent partnerships
begin with differing views butevolve into mutual respect
through open and honestdialogue.
By staying professional,respectful, and student-focused,
you lay the groundwork for arelationship that can support
the student’s growth long afterthis initial conversation.

(11:23):
At the end of the day, even ifthe parent doesn’t fully agree
with your approach, yourwillingness to communicate and
show empathy will leave alasting impression.""As we wrap
up our conversation onnavigating parental
disagreements, let’s turn to ourbonus segment, where we’ll

(11:44):
answer a common question fromparents: What should I do if I
have a strong opinion on mychild’s education but feel
unsure about bringing it up withtheir teacher?" This is a
fantastic question, and ithighlights the importance of
open and respectfulcommunication.
If you have a concern orsuggestion, remember that

(12:05):
teachers genuinely value yourinput.
The key is to approach theconversation with curiosity
rather than confrontation.
Try framing it as a questionrather than a critique.
You could say something like,‘Inoticed[specific teaching
method] and was curious tounderstand the benefits.
Could you share more about howit supports learning?’ Another

(12:28):
approach is to acknowledge thatyou’re sharing your perspective
as a parent, not as aprofessional educator.
For instance,‘As James' parent,I feel strongly about[specific
topic], but I also recognizethat you have the expertise.
I’d love to hear your thoughtsand find a way to support James'
together.’ Teachers appreciatewhen parents are engaged and

(12:52):
respectful in theircommunication.
When you approach theconversation with a spirit of
collaboration, you’re morelikely to find common ground."
Now, lets look at this episodestakeaways.
"Handling a disagreement with aparent about your teaching
methods is a challenging butessential part of building
productive relationships.

(13:13):
By listening openly, explainingyour methods confidently,
finding common ground, andfollowing up, you can turn a
potentially difficultconversation into an opportunity
for collaboration and mutualrespect.
Thank you for joining us onTeaching with Valor.
For more resources on managingparent communication and

(13:34):
creating positive partnerships,check out the links in our
episode description.
And remember, teaching withvalor means approaching every
conversation with empathy,confidence, and a focus on
what’s best for the student.
Keep listening, keep learning,and as always, keep teaching
with valor."