How to write an effective email to parents and caregivers

By Amanda Morin

Expert reviewed by Mark J. Griffin, PhD

Anatomy of an effective email to parents and caregiversPDF

Emailing with your students’ families can be an efficient way to keep in touch, especially when you have good news to share. Positive news can help to build trusting relationships and family engagement.

But what if an update isn’t so positive? It can be uncomfortable to raise a concern. But you might choose to send an email if it’s minor or if the family has told you they prefer email updates. (Keep in mind your school’s policy about where and when to use a child’s name in an email.)

Still, emails can leave plenty of room for misinterpretation. See this example email to learn how to frame your message to get the best response. You can use it as a guide as you write your own.

About the author

About the author

Amanda Morin is the author of “The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education” and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days. 

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Mark J. Griffin, PhD was the founding headmaster of Eagle Hill School, a school for children with specific learning disabilities.

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