Parent-Teacher interactions: A Ladder towards Success
By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
Parents are considered the first teachers and role models for their children. They play a vital role in shaping their character, moral values, and future behaviour. Education is a tripolar process involving the teacher, the parent, and the student, three essential pillars of learning.
If any one of these pillars is weak, we cannot build a strong foundation for a child’s future, nor can we fully nurture their abilities and potential. All three pillars are interconnected and removing or weakening one directly impacts the others.
Whether it is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 or earlier education policies, all stress the importance of this triangular relationship. The greatest responsibility lies with both teachers and parents not only as an obligation but as a moral duty to guide children on the right path.
There is a reciprocal relationship of rights and duties between parents and children. Parents have the primary role of nurturing and raising their children, while teachers step in as the next guiding force.
However, holistic education can only be achieved when parents and teachers maintain strong communication, coordination, and collaboration. This is exactly what the Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) is designed to achieve.
The Need for PTMs in the Modern Era: The Department of Education has recently launched a calendar for mass PTMs in all schools to strengthen this bond. This is especially important today, as many parents have become distanced from active participation in their children’s education.
In earlier decades, parents regularly visited schools, discussed their wards’ progress, and maintained close contact with teachers. In contrast, today’s busy lifestyles have led many parents to believe their duty ends with providing financial support, overlooking their active role in guiding their children.
The NEP 2020 strongly emphasizes the importance of teacher-parent collaboration for quality education. It states that both teachers and parents should be sensitive to each child’s unique abilities and work to identify and develop them. Active parental involvement ensures that parents are aware of the school’s vision and goals, and PTMs are one of the best tools for achieving this.
There should be regular PTMs in schools. Regular PTMs allow for: Discussing a student’s academic progress and personal development. Educating parents about changes in the NEP 2020 and how they can support learning at home.
Building Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to work together for school improvement. Organizing events and activities that strengthen the school’s vision and community engagement.
The NEP 2020 calls for holistic development and active parental involvement, making these meetings more important than ever. Schools must not limit PTMs to mere formalities or social media photo opportunities they must ensure practical implementation.
To Make PTMs More Effective and successful: Schools should include PTMs in their annual academic calendar, conducting at least 3–4 every year. Teachers must approach PTMs with an open and calm attitude, even when faced with criticism from parents. Parents should be encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, and school events to increase involvement. Discussions should go beyond academics, addressing moral, social, and emotional growth.
A Parent-Teacher Meet is more than just an event it is a ladder towards success for every child. When parents and teachers walk hand in hand, they not only educate but also inspire, guide, and shape the next generation into responsible and capable individuals. True success lies in turning these meetings from a routine obligation into a shared mission for excellence.
(The author is teacher by profession in the Department of Education)
