Antonio Couser-Redmond English 110 Partnerships in Elementary Education Teachers are certain individuals who have been gifted

with the ability to instruct the leaders of tomorrow. Without their skills used to educate each generation, the thriving industries of today would be less productive. Even though teachers play a big part in educating students, it takes more than just their instructive guidance. All levels of education should involve the aid of more than just the teacher, but because of the tenderness of the elementary students, it is especially critical for their education. The success of an elementary student is contingent on the cooperation of the administration, teachers, and their parents. First, teachers need the support of the administration in order to carry out different tasks in their classroom. Administration controls what can or cannot happen in a teachers classroom, and without their consent a teacher cannot carry out certain tasks. This can be a true hindrance to the productivity of a teachers class. It is the job of the administration to enforce rules that will stay up to date with national/state educational regulations, as well as ensure the safety of the students. Therefore, one may argue that a teacher shouldnt go outside the rules, set by the administration, to instruct their class, but the administration shouldnt make the rules as strict, to the point where a teacher barely has room to creatively educate his/her students. They should be willing to bend so that each student can be able to have some variety in their learning. Administration is not the only members of the school community that need to support the teachers in their quest for student success. Secondly, teachers need help from their colleagues so each student can get the best education possible. It is important that teachers help each other so that they can build on their weaknesses. The elementary level usually requires the teaching of all main courses, and this

aspect can be challenging for a teacher that lacks superior skills in a particular subject. This is where the help of a fellow teacher can be beneficial; where one teacher lacks in skill, another can share creative ideas in order to, ultimately, help the students thrive. This is why specialists are incorporated in elementary schools as well. A student may have a critical issue with a certain subject that may require more help than just the teachers; which explains the convenience of a specialist. One may say that the teaching styles differ to the point where the student becomes confused. This can be taken care of by establishing common characteristics in the way certain lessons are taught, or a teacher can change the lessons, given to them by their colleagues, in order to accommodate their teaching styles and students. Though the school facultys support is significant, it is not the most important ingredient to a students success. Finally, and most importantly, teachers need the help and support of the parents of their elementary school students. Teachers need parents to reinforce the lessons taught in school, by making sure students keep up with their classwork and by going over homework, especially at the elementary level. Being that elementary school students are so young, and are learning the basics of each subject, they may have a difficult time completing their work alone. Parents may feel that students difficulties with curriculum comprehension stem from the teachers failure to effectively teach their children, but, when parents are involved with students learning at home, students have more positive attitudes towards schoolwork and show gains in related skill area. (Willems and Gonzalez-DeHass, 93) This article explains the importance on partnerships amongst the school community stakeholders and they give this emphasis on how a parents involvement in their childs school work can make a difference, opposed to the teacher being the only one concerned about the students studies. Ultimately, such an approach (PDS partnership) increases the likelihood of enabling

higher quality and stronger teachers, improved student achievement, and better schools. (Carpenter and Sherretz, 9) Teachers need the administrators support in order to carry out various tasks in their classroom; they need the help of their colleagues to strengthen the creativity of their weaker lessons; and they need the support of parents to further motivate the students to learn to their full capacity. In the end, these partnerships will set precedents for the rest of a childs academic career; securing their opportunity to obtain success.

Works Cited Carpenter, Brittnay D., and Christine E. Sherretz. Professional Development School Partnerships: An Instrument for Teacher Leadership. School Community Journal (2012): 89101. Web. 17 Nov 2013. Gonzalez-DeHass, Alyssa R., and Patricia P. Willems. School-Community Partnerships: Using Authentic Contexts to Academically Motivate Students. School Community Journal (2012): 930. Web. 17 Nov 2013.