Will This Teacher Really Get My Kid?
- Jake Fishbein
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The one thing most parents forget to send before school starts—and why it matters
You’re packing backpacks, labeling water bottles, and trying to remember how drop-off even works again. But beneath the back-to-school buzz, there’s a quiet, persistent question on your mind:
Will this teacher really understand who my child is—and what they need?
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, you might assume their new teacher already knows. But here’s the truth: Most teachers won’t see your child’s full plan until well after school starts. And even when they do, it may not give them the real insight they need to support your child effectively.
That’s why there’s one small but powerful step you can take now:
Write a short letter introducing your child before the first day of school.
Why It Works
This isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a practical advocacy tool. When you write a short, clear letter to your child’s teacher, you:
Put a human face on a complex set of needs and goals
Highlight what works before the teacher has to guess
Set the tone for collaboration, not confrontation
Catch issues early before they grow into bigger problems
Ensure your child doesn’t fall through the cracks in the early weeks
Even the most experienced, well-meaning teachers are juggling dozens of students and a pile of start-of-year chaos. Your letter helps your child stand out in the best way.
What to Include
You don’t need to write an essay. A few paragraphs are enough. Include:
A brief introduction to your child’s personality and interests
Strengths to build on
Challenges to be aware of
A few supports or accommodations that really make a difference
How you'd like to stay in touch
Here’s a simple example:
Hi! I’m Taylor’s mom. Taylor is starting 4th grade and is excited to be back in school. She’s bright, creative, and especially loves science. She also has ADHD and struggles with focus, especially during transitions or long instructions.Her IEP includes movement breaks and support for writing. One thing that helps her a lot is knowing what’s coming next—visual schedules and clear routines make a big difference.We're excited to partner with you this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to collaborate.
When to Write It
Now. Before the school year starts. Before you're overwhelmed with forms and routines. Writing this letter now ensures that:
You’re not scrambling during the first week
You can share it with multiple teachers, if needed
You start the year with a clear, confident voice
How Highlighter Can Help
If you’re not sure what to say—or how to pull the most important details from your child’s IEP—Highlighter can help.
Just upload your IEP, and Highlighter will:
Analyze the document for key insights teachers should know
Help you draft a personalized letter in clear, human language
Flag missing supports you may want to ask about before school starts
You’ll walk in knowing your child’s needs won’t get buried under paperwork.
Let This Be the Year Your Child Starts Strong
A letter can’t solve everything, but it can make your child’s needs visible, their strengths shine, and your voice heard.
Don’t wait for the first meeting. Start the relationship on your terms—today.
Need help writing your letter?
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