{"id":2697,"date":"2022-12-04T07:09:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-04T14:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=2697"},"modified":"2023-10-17T14:55:55","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T20:55:55","slug":"esl-stakeholders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/","title":{"rendered":"ESL Stakeholders \u2013 Who Are They and Why Do They Matter?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>In education, the term \u201cstakeholder\u201d refers to anyone who is invested in the welfare and success of a school and its students. Knowing who your stakeholders are, especially when <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teaching young learners or teens<\/a>, and how to build good relationships with them is vital to your success as a teacher. Let&#8217;s dive deeper into ESL stakeholders to help you foster a positive teaching experience with your colleagues and supervisor and have happy students, satisfied parents, and more career opportunities down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#Who_are_the_stakeholders_in_teaching_ESL\" >Who are the stakeholders in teaching ESL?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#Why_is_it_important_to_consider_ESL_stakeholder_relationships\" >Why is it important to consider ESL stakeholder relationships?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#How_can_I_form_good_relationships_with_ESL_stakeholders_in_education_when_teaching_adult_students\" >How can I form good relationships with ESL stakeholders in education when teaching adult students?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#How_can_I_establish_good_relationships_with_my_young_students_main_ESL_stakeholders_%E2%80%93_parents\" >How can I establish good relationships with my young students\u2019 main ESL stakeholders \u2013&nbsp;parents?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#What_are_some_challenging_parent_types_and_how_can_I_handle_them\" >What are some challenging parent types and how can I handle them?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#Why_is_it_important_to_establish_a_good_relationship_with_my_supervisors\" >Why is it important to establish a good relationship with my supervisors?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#How_can_I_foster_this_relationship_with_my_supervisors\" >How can I foster this relationship with my supervisors?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-stakeholders\/#What_are_some_issues_I_might_face_with_supervisors_and_how_can_I_handle_those\" >What are some issues I might face with supervisors and how can I handle those?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_are_the_stakeholders_in_teaching_ESL\"><\/span>Who are the stakeholders in teaching ESL?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When teaching English as a second language (ESL), stakeholders are any of the people who have a vested interest in the outcome of the students you\u2019re teaching. These stakeholders in the educational process include the students themselves, administrators at your school, fellow teachers, staff members, parents and other family members, or businesses that send students to a language institute. Who the stakeholders are will depend on where you\u2019re teaching ESL and what type of students you work with. Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-young-children.jpg\" alt=\"Female ESL teacher in young student classroom\" class=\"wp-image-21402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-young-children.jpg 900w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-young-children-480x359.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 900px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Young ESL learners have very involved stakeholders, like parents and administration.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stakeholders when teaching ESL to young learners or teens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The students<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">teach young learners or teens<\/a> at a language institute (where students attend classes after school or on weekends), teach in a traditional K-12 setting, or <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teaching-english-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">teach English online<\/a>, the students you teach are stakeholders in their own education. Of course, these students may or may not be intrinsically motivated to learn English, as they most likely don\u2019t have a choice in whether or not they take English classes. However, they may want to earn a certain test score, succeed in school, or get into college. Other, more personal goals for these stakeholders include reaching an English level that allows them to communicate with friends or being able to understand their favorite TV shows in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The parents<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Other important stakeholders when teaching young learners and teens are the students\u2019 parents. Parents will have similar goals as the students you teach and are likely the driving force behind the students&#8217; motivation. These stakeholders may emphasize passing certain tests or getting into specific colleges as the primary goals for their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids who attend language schools or online classes after their regular school day are essentially seeking additional instruction beyond what they get in their everyday classroom. Their parents typically put a strong emphasis on language learning and expect them to do well on English exams. These parents might also be looking for faster improvement in their children&#8217;s language skills, as they are putting in extra time, effort, and money to further their language studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ESL-stakeholder.jpg\" alt=\"ESL stakeholders can be parents or supervisors\" class=\"wp-image-21398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ESL-stakeholder.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ESL-stakeholder-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>ESL stakeholders can be parents or supervisors<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your supervisors<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Your direct supervisor is the person who oversees your work as a teacher. At a language institute or online company, this could be a head teacher, the director or owner, or anyone to whom you answer directly regarding your teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a traditional K-12 setting, you may also have a head teacher or there may be an English language department chair; however, the principal holds the highest position and is responsible for making sure the entire school runs efficiently and meets educational standards. Occasionally, certain private schools may have owners or directors who play a more direct role in the way the school is run, and it could prove equally important to develop a good relationship with them as with the school principal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stakeholders when teaching ESL to adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The students <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Adult students who attend a language school or online classes are stakeholders who are motivated by a number of factors, including seeking a better job or a promotion at their current job, traveling to an English-speaking country (or just traveling in general), assimilating to a new culture, communicating with a friend or loved one, or other personal goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The company where adult students work<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Many adult English language students are specifically interested in learning <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-business-english\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business English<\/a> and have been sent to the in-person or online language institute by the company for whom they work. Their place of business has most likely paid for their English classes and, therefore, as a direct stakeholder, expects to see concrete results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your supervisors<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The center director or your head teacher is a stakeholder in the adult student\u2019s success. This is logical when you think of the language institute or company as a business. Like any business, the success of the institute hinges on its customers (individual students or the companies that send their employees) being satisfied with the results of their financial investment in English classes. For this reason, your supervisors are deeply invested in the success of your adult students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_important_to_consider_ESL_stakeholder_relationships\"><\/span>Why is it important to consider ESL stakeholder relationships?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consideration of stakeholders allows you to better understand why your students are learning English<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you recognize your students\u2019 learning objectives and motivation, you can develop lessons that target specific language points to help them meet their goals. Without this knowledge, you won\u2019t be able to support your younger students and their parents in achieving their learning goals, nor will you be able to help your adult students further their professional ambitions and meet their company\u2019s standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Knowing what each of the stakeholders expects from you right from the beginning will help you set realistic goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This will allow you to work more effectively when <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planning lessons based on student objectives<\/a> and choosing <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-teaching-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teaching methods<\/a> and will help you to develop amicable relationships with your colleagues, supervisors, and students\u2019 parents or employers. Stakeholders in education all have the same overarching goal: the success of the students. By communicating expectations, challenges, and victories, you and your ESL stakeholders will develop a mutually beneficial relationship driving the success of your students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting realistic goals helps you achieve them, resulting in stakeholder approval<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Achieving the goals you and your students set forth results in an environment of success in which the students and other stakeholders, such as parents, the school, or the company that sent the students, are satisfied and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-adults.jpg\" alt=\"ESL stakeholders meeting\" class=\"wp-image-21399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-adults.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-adults-980x655.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Teaching-adults-480x321.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Meeting regularly with stakeholders helps maintain a good working relationship<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_form_good_relationships_with_ESL_stakeholders_in_education_when_teaching_adult_students\"><\/span>How can I form good relationships with ESL stakeholders in education when teaching adult students?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ESL stakeholders for the adult student, including the company they work for and your supervisors, are most interested in seeing the students achieve their language goals. To do this, you need to identify those goals early on and be upfront with stakeholders about what you can reasonably achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you will obviously interact directly with your adult students during each class, you can communicate and build relationships with the other stakeholders in a number of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-a84dd8d9-9853-47d4-b0d9-6ce5df73436c\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4b6b95f1-e9fa-4cff-b248-414b51cf254b\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Find out what specific goals the company has for the students in your class. For example, should they advance one or more levels, maintain a certain grade, or pass a particular proficiency test? First, ask your supervisor for these goals, since they may have been provided by the company. Another option is to contact the company directly to ask about goals for students. If possible, get them in writing.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-133d7075-3faa-42fd-a72d-b5d253b5e5d3\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Follow all guidelines set forth by the school or the company sending students to class regarding how often and in what way to assess your students.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-23dcaeec-4c94-4cf4-8ffd-fdef7785dc8a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Take this a step further by openly communicating about students\u2019 progress toward meeting their goals. Provide the company or the school director with periodic feedback and assessment on students\u2019 progress, according to the goals that have been outlined. This ensures that everyone is kept in the loop throughout the learning process and results can be tracked.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-1eed6682-fad7-4856-8919-3f25f61594fd\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Finally, if you teach students onsite at the company where they work, you can take advantage of opportunities to interact with stakeholders through personal interactions. Introduce yourself to your students\u2019 supervisor and make yourself available for any questions or feedback he or she may have.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teaching-english-abroad\/ebooks\/teaching-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Download an eBook about teaching English to adults.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_establish_good_relationships_with_my_young_students_main_ESL_stakeholders_%E2%80%93_parents\"><\/span>How can I establish good relationships with my young students\u2019 main ESL stakeholders \u2013&nbsp;parents?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">teaching young learners and teens<\/a>, whether in the K-12 setting or at a language institute, you will interact regularly with the students\u2019 primary stakeholders, their parents. What are the best ways to foster and maintain an effective relationship with them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establish open lines of communication with parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One way is to begin communicating with your students\u2019 parents from the very beginning of the semester or school year. Parents will appreciate this transparent approach for several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-e127e796-f9e3-4f74-baca-13a1ceebb8d2\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-67452f26-69b8-4901-87c2-29457bffe410\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Open communication will allow you to set forth standards for how often and in what ways you\u2019ll be communicating throughout the school year.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6cde13f8-f771-432b-80ca-2054807fa06f\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You can come to an agreement regarding any expectations, which helps avoid dissatisfaction and conflict later on.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6d04d646-1584-4052-a3cb-17497c847d28\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You can establish policies for resolving future issues so that parents know exactly who they should speak to about problems they might encounter during the year.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ways to maintain good communication with parents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Have regular parent-teacher meetings<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure all your students\u2019 parents are aware of the progress their children are making in class and any issues they\u2019re facing, it can be beneficial to work within the guidelines of your school to schedule parent-teacher meetings. This type of face-to-face, individualized meeting can be especially important for parents of students you don\u2019t have much daily interaction with or for when you need to discuss lengthier topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teaching-english-abroad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teach English abroad<\/a>, then you\u2019ll want to be sure to consider any cultural norms for this type of interaction in the country where you\u2019re teaching, so that you and the parents can have a productive and appropriate conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also extremely important to have a translator present if you don\u2019t speak the language where you\u2019re teaching. Do not use the student as a translator, as he or she might not feel comfortable with this or have the level to translate successfully. Additionally, you may want to have a conversation without the student present if you\u2019re going to be talking about sensitive information that deals with that student\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintain written correspondence <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from meetings, you can also interact with parents through written correspondence in the form of emails or notes sent home with students. You can provide assessments and grades so that they stay abreast of their child\u2019s progress. You could even send out periodic newsletters or keep a classroom blog that lets all parents stay current with what\u2019s happening in the classroom without you having to tell each one of them the same thing individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Share positive feedback<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are a number of ways to establish a good relationship with your students\u2019 parents, you want to ensure that, however you communicate, you\u2019re not just reaching out when something is wrong. This can create a negative perception surrounding your communication. Instead, try and let parents know when their child is succeeding and provide information about what you\u2019re working on in class. This will impress parents and make them more open to hearing less positive feedback if and when the time comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make yourself available <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, you want to make yourself available to answer their questions and address parents\u2019 concerns when they initiate contact. If you want them to be receptive to what you have to say, it\u2019s only fair that you receive their communication openly as well. Let them know at the start of the semester or term how they should contact you (via a certain email address, by phone, or via a platform provided by the school, for example).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_challenging_parent_types_and_how_can_I_handle_them\"><\/span>What are some challenging parent types and how can I handle them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as there are <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/challenging-online-students-and-how-to-handle-them\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">challenging student types<\/a>, unfortunately, not all parent-teacher relationships will be easy to navigate!<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%237bdcb5&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-3c769792-b9a8-4e01-9fcf-a37ca894de0d\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f7c07876-4614-4b71-bbb5-ab160439fafd\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You may encounter parents who try to pressure you into advancing a child who isn\u2019t ready to move on.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e075b095-06e6-4ca8-ae1c-d3152a09fc4b\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Some parents don\u2019t acknowledge their children\u2019s academic or behavioral issues in class, no matter how many times you try to make them aware of them.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6e7b4366-fadd-48ab-a4fb-9efcd6ac5319\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Other parents may create the opposite problem, trying to constantly contact you and speak about every single concern, positive or negative, that\u2019s on their mind.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Set up communication guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To handle each of these types of difficult parents, it\u2019s essential that you establish communication guidelines and classroom expectations upfront. That way, you can refer back to the information you gave them at the beginning of the term or year that outlines when and how often you are available to communicate outside of class and what their child needs to do in order to be successful in your class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Document your communications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, be sure to document each and every conversation so that you have a record of what you\u2019ve contacted parents about in the past. This ensures that parents cannot claim that they weren\u2019t made aware of a situation or that they didn\u2019t know what was expected of their child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_important_to_establish_a_good_relationship_with_my_supervisors\"><\/span>Why is it important to establish a good relationship with my supervisors?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Establishing a positive relationship with your language institute or company director, head teacher, or school principal is beneficial for all teachers and crucial for the development of newer teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23ff6900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-59b43e30-e39e-4e3f-8be6-c00bc1e28e53\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a996e94a-af85-4706-b87b-47e1a80e0073\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">These stakeholders can provide practical advice and resources to help you grow as a teacher and take advantage of <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/professional-development-for-esl-teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">professional development opportunities<\/a>.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-8d25796c-6f94-4c69-b4da-e1c10bdf9a07\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Strong communication and good rapport with your superior means that they\u2019re more likely to trust you and support you when problems come up.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-3cf8ba20-6fa4-4126-9dff-18cacc8503e9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Finally, a good relationship is necessary if you want to advance at your job, receive a positive reference for future career opportunities, or take advantage of networking opportunities. Connections like these will help you achieve your career goals.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_foster_this_relationship_with_my_supervisors\"><\/span>How can I foster this relationship with my supervisors?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Follow the rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step to establishing a good relationship with your principal or school director is to carefully follow the guidelines and expectations set forth by the school. This will ensure that you\u2019re in good standing with your superiors, which makes them more receptive to resolving issues you may need help with in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Show up on time, every time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important that you attend all teacher conferences or meetings to show your principal or director that you are dedicated to contributing to a positive learning environment and furthering the school\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/In-person-teacher.jpg\" alt=\"ESL in person classroom teaching\" class=\"wp-image-21400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/In-person-teacher.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/In-person-teacher-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/In-person-teacher-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A can-do attitude and professional demeanor will inspire confidence in your students and your ESL stakeholders<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be professional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, maintain professionalism in every aspect of your job, including attire and the way you speak. Be friendly when addressing your colleagues and the school director or principal, and continue to build positive relationships with your students and their parents. The director or principal is sure to notice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_issues_I_might_face_with_supervisors_and_how_can_I_handle_those\"><\/span>What are some issues I might face with supervisors and how can I handle those?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Issues you could face with school directors or principals range from a lack of professionalism to problems with communication. Other problems include directors who take advantage of you and your time or those who show favoritism among teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as with handling difficult parents, you should always keep documentation of your communication with the school principal or director. This way, you protect yourself from any mistreatment or inappropriate behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some issues, such as favoritism, may be things you just have to endure, other problems, like a director who doesn\u2019t return your calls or emails, can be dealt with by scheduling a meeting for the two of you through the school secretary. Most principals and directors will prefer an open discussion about how you can amicably resolve the issue and meet your teaching goals. Bigger issues should be addressed sooner rather than later to avoid frustration and misunderstandings.<em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Successful teachers are not only aware of the different types of ESL stakeholders involved at their school but know exactly how to build positive relationships which each of them. Stakeholders in education care deeply about the learning experience the students are receiving. Communication, professionalism, and good listening skills will ensure an effective dynamic for you and your ESL stakeholders both inside and outside of the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Read more about building effective relationships in the TEFL classroom: <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-build-rapport-with-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Build Rapport With ESL Students<\/a>.<\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ESL stakeholders are invested in students&#8217; success. Knowing who they are and how to build good relationships with them will result in positive interactions with colleagues as well as happy students, satisfied parents, and more career opportunities for you down the road.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,10],"tags":[78,100,110,112,176,228,302,350,351,354,358],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-2697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-job-resources","category-pedagogy","tag-ells","tag-esl-classroom","tag-esl-stakeholders","tag-esl-students","tag-lesson-planning","tag-professional-goals","tag-teaching-adults","tag-teaching-teens","tag-teaching-test-prep","tag-teaching-young-learners","tag-tefl"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/YL-19.1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Camille Turner","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/camille-turner\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2697"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28569,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2697\/revisions\/28569"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2697"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=2697"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=2697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}