Get Organized! by Dr. Frank Buck How Connect with Parents (with Dr. Barbra Blackburn Hale)
Jan 20, 2026
Dr. Barbra Blackburn Hale is an education author and professor known for her expertise in rigor and student engagement, with around 40 published books. In this discussion, she shares her A to Z approach for connecting with parents. Key topics include early strategies for fostering relationships, the importance of persistence in communication, and how to make positive 'deposits' before any critiques. She emphasizes clear next steps for parents and differences in working with elementary versus secondary families. Plus, find out where to access her valuable free resources!
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Episode notes
Teamwork Beats Blame
- When teachers and parents act as a team they jointly address problems instead of attacking each other.
- A strong parent-teacher partnership shifts focus onto helping the child learn together.
Start Year With Three Questions
- Ask three kickoff questions to parents: What should I know, how can I help, and what can I do for you.
- This frames the teacher-parent relationship as a partnership from day one.
Seventeen Calls For One Connection
- Barbra called one parent 17 times before reaching her to share a positive note about her son Daniel.
- That early positive contact made the parent supportive later when a real problem arose.
