Building Bridges: Partnering with Teachers After a Rough Fall Semester

When the first part of the school year ends in stress, suspensions, office calls, or tense meetings; January gives everyone a chance to regroup.

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Focus on Repair, Not Blame

Behavior and discipline challenges are communication signals for partnering with teachers.

The most powerful reset begins with documentation and conversation, not confrontation.

Steps to Rebuild Connection

1. Gather Everything

• Send one clear email:

  “I’d like copies of any incident reports, witness statements, ABC data, or restraint/seclusion logs related to [child’s name].”

  
  

• Keep a folder labeled Data and Communication 2026.

  Documentation = strength.

2. Re‑Introduce Collaboration

• Email teachers to express gratitude for a specific moment you appreciated

  (“Thanks for letting [child] help with materials; that built confidence”).

  
  

• Request 10 minutes before or after school for an “informal planning touch‑base.”

3. Shift the Narrative With a Positive Student Profile

Create a 1‑page Canva profile that lists:

• Strengths

• Sensory needs

• Motivators (“Laughing with peers,” “Sticker chart”)

• Top regulation tools

• Print 3 copies—one for the teacher, para, and case manager.

4. Look Ahead Together

• Suggest: “Let’s identify one shared goal for the next six weeks.”

  Example: “Increase time on group tasks from 5 to 10 minutes with sensory breaks.”

  
  

• Measure small wins weekly—celebrate them in email check‑ins.

5. If Trust Is Damaged

• Consider requesting a Facilitated IEP Meeting via MSDE before filing a complaint.

  
  

• [MSDE Facilitated IEP Process]

  (https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special-Education/facilitated-iep.aspx)

Parent Reflection:

“What story do we want the team to tell about our child by spring?”

Use that question to reframe every meeting to partner with teachers.