This past week I had a portfolio assignment where I had to write emails for possible future situations. These emails were responding to student/parent concern or me expressing my concern for a student’s behavior and grades. I think about how hard it is to write to students about their grades or behavior being a student myself. I think about how scary it was to write to a teacher asking for help or for some extra credit and I think about the teachers who responded kindly and those who responded less kindly.
I remember being in Middle School and receiving a C- in my science class. I truly and wholly believed it was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. I thought it would ruin my life, my future, all my chances and I was certain my parents would kill me. However, I still made it to college just like everyone else.
Many students put themselves under a lot of pressure regarding their academic success, and many parents put their children under this pressure as well. I found it difficult trying to contextualize the situation without sounding like I did not care. A grade is just a grade, but to a high schooler trying to get into college it’s everything that matters. It’s the only thing that matters. However, that is not true.
I learned that in the future these correspondences will happen often and although they seem rather awkward and tough to word, I need to learn how to be able to write to upset and frustrated students and parents. I also need to remember to hold firm to classroom policies and explain that it would not be appropriate to make exceptions for some students regarding grades and extra credit.
Lastly, I wanted to say that I need to always remember to add a kind, cheerful/hopeful note and the end of the email. I think that is something parents and students need in their lives. Every kid wants to do their best, and sometimes saying something encouraging is all they need.
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