Parents Networking for Better Education

Ask any parent what they think is the most important factor in a student’s success, and most will say a good and responsive teacher. Ask that same thing to a teacher, and they will say that student success depends on a parent’s involvement. But only by working together will parents and teachers help students succeed to make each child’s educational experience the very best it can be.

Getting involved in a student’s education is important to their success. In addition to teachers and students, parents can help support their children and be involved in the classroom. Through parent organizations, parents and the community help to provide support to every student.

Parents and teachers networking to make education for students better. Some people are wearing lanyards and photo ID badges.

These PTOs and PTAs (Parent Teacher Organizations/Associations) are groups of parents and other community members that are working together toward excellence in education. When people become active in these organizations, they will learn much about what it takes to help students succeed. And only when everyone is involved will kids succeed.

While many things help aid a child’s educational success, research shows that students show significant improvement when parents are highly involved. Due to the critical role both parents and teachers play in a child’s education, here are some tips on how parents can support the efforts of teachers in the classroom.

Parents and Teachers can Network to Reach Student Success

The start of a new school year can be the beginning of a journey toward success when parents, students and teachers work together. Research continually shows that students flourish when everyone comes together and gets involved. When a child knows that people care, they are more likely to attend school more regularly, stay in school longer and perform at higher levels. Family support can make or break a student’s education.

With school back in session and autumn approaching, there is one question looming over every teacher, parent and student: how can we help our students be successful this year? Teachers, parents and students are hoping for the best possible outcome. Teachers are preparing lesson plans and prepping classrooms, hoping they will not have to deal with virtual learning. Parents need help with how to help their children in a traditional classroom or through homeschooling. The students are stressing about succeeding at school and with their peers.

Parents can start talking with their children about the upcoming school year and what will happen on the first day of classes. This discussion should include what is expected from the student, such as dress codes, school supplies and how to treat peers and teachers. If the family is new to the area or school, visit the school before classes begin. Make it a point to speak with teachers and the administration. Walk or drive the way to the school so your child can be more familiar with the trip to and from school. The more everyone knows about the school and how it operates, the more likely your children will succeed.

Working Together for a Supportive Network

Parents, teachers and the community collaborate to create a supportive network around students. Regular communication between teachers and parents ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the students’ needs and progress.

  • Students: They are at the center of the education system and the primary beneficiaries. Their active engagement and willingness to learn are crucial for the success of the educational process.
  • Parents: Parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s education. They provide emotional support, encouragement and a conducive learning environment at home. They communicate with teachers to stay updated on their child’s progress and collaborate to address any learning challenges.
  • Teachers: Facilitators of learning, teachers are responsible for delivering knowledge, guiding students’ growth and creating a positive and engaging classroom environment.
  • Community: The community plays a crucial role in supporting education. Local businesses and organizations can serve as sponsors, providing funding for school programs, scholarships or resources like books and technology. They can also offer internships, career guidance and support extracurricular activities.
  • Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) & Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO): Formed by parents and teachers to work together, these organizations help in enhancing the educational experience. They organize events, fundraisers and workshops, promoting communication and collaboration between parents and educators.

Overall, the collaboration between students, teachers, parents, the community and various stakeholders creates a holistic and supportive educational ecosystem, fostering the growth and success of students in their academic journey and beyond.

One more tip (from UEA)

Set aside time for studying every night. Discuss with your child what time of day would work best. Right after school? Just before dinner? Before bedtime? Adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate extracurricular activities. If your child attends an after-school program, find out if students will be expected to do homework there. If your child completes homework assignments away from home, plan to review the work together every night. If there is no homework assignment, have the child use study time for reading or reviewing problem areas.

And don’t forget – whether it’s a bedroom desk or the kitchen table, every child needs a regular place to study and complete homework. This area should be well lit and equipped with school supplies like paper, pencils and a dictionary.

Parents and Teachers Building the Ultimate Classroom

Teaching and learning shouldn’t only occur in a classroom. The reality is that students learn better when everyone (parents, teachers and even the community) partners together to build a learning environment. Everyone needs to work together and be held accountable for a student’s success.

Parent engagement is central to education. They are the ones who will continue teaching their children long after they’re out of class. – Nitzah Santiago-McRae, Aspiring Educator (NEA)

Strong partnerships between teachers, parents and community members, are among the greatest needs in most public education systems. When parents are willing to help teachers both inside the classroom and outside, everyone has a better chance at succeeding. Parents need to be willing to help continue classroom education in their homes and other places. When students continually set their minds to learning, not only are they more likely to succeed, but they are also more likely to thrive in life.

PTAs are built specifically for this purpose. They work together with everyone in the education process to keep things running smoothly. Everyone has a role to play in supporting learning in the classroom and beyond. When appropriate, invite parents and community partners to advocate for educators with decision makers. Remind the public that you are fighting for things that impact children and educators.

Parents, make time to meet and get to know your child’s teachers. Let the teachers know that you appreciate feedback on your child’s progress – both positive and negative – and that you will follow through at home. Alert teachers to medical or other problems that may affect your child’s ability to learn. Make a point of meeting the principal, school secretary, bus driver, cafeteria staff and others who work at the school. The better you know the school and how it operates, the more likely your child will be to have a productive and positive school experience.

Identification in Education: Photo ID and Lanyard Best Uses

Name tags, lanyards and other identification will help in any educational setting. We have every solution you need, from quick adhesive badges for volunteers to the always classy photo ID. Schools frequently use name tags to identify teachers, lanyards to support school spirit and badge holders for PTA events.

Giving teachers and other staff photo identification enhances your school’s safety. Use them with matching lanyards to provide easy visual identification for those who belong within the school. This also makes it easier to quickly identify any outsiders that may come into the school, including volunteers and parents.

Most schools require that teachers and staff wear identification while on campus. Not only do these name tags provide quick identification for teachers and other staff, but they also provide a way to allow people into the building securely. Adding photos to name tags makes it super easy for school administration to quickly know who belongs and who doesn’t. It also helps students find their teachers and other staff who can help them in their learning.

These two products go together so well that it just makes sense to get lanyards when you order photo ID badges for your teachers. Adding photos, names, titles and even grade levels is important. And pairing them with lanyards is even better. No matter a staff member’s position, matching lanyards and photo ID badges are the perfect way to keep everyone identified. Not only does photo identification help increase your security measures, but upgrading with a lanyard ensures instant access to those badges.

Photo ID Badge with a parent or teacher picture, name and title.

Photo ID Badges

One of the most important features of a photo ID badge is the security it offers. Providing employees with a picture and a name and title makes sure that the proper people are entering and exiting your building. Quickly and easily identify someone with photos and provide security in the workplace. Fully customize each badge by selecting the orientation and fastener (deluxe magnet, pin or a variety of other fasteners, including punched slots.

Custom printed lanyard for teachers and students.

Custom Lanyards

Choose from various styles, colors and options that will best suit your lanyard needs. From full color printing to simple cords, we have a lanyard that will fit your style and you can customize most of them to match school colors and add logos or mascots. And don’t limit yourself to thinking they are only for identification. These colorful lanyards will help to promote school spirit for students. They also provide easy access to key cards all at the same time.

Getting Involved

Education involves more than just the student. Everyone can play essential roles in supporting the learning environment. The start of a new school year can be the beginning of a journey toward success. Especially when parents, students and teachers work together.

A teacher wearing a custom printed lanyard visiting with a parent volunteer wearing an ID badge.

When students and staff wear name tags, it becomes easier for them to start up conversations and build connections. Name tags act as quick and friendly introductions, and they break down any barriers that occur when new people meet. This creates a warmer and more inclusive atmosphere. By seeing each other’s names, everyone at school can address each other personally. This simple act will create better social interactions and help to promote a sense of belonging among scholars.

How to Help Employees Feel Safe Wearing Name Tags

Achieve your company’s potential with employee safety and quality name tags.

Name tags are essential to your company’s success. Having your employees wear name tags leads to better communication, quality performance and overall growth. However, some employees think wearing a name tag is a risk to their safety. If you want your company to achieve its potential, you must help employees feel safe wearing your company’s name tags. By resolving their concerns, you will have a team of loyal employees to help you grow your business.

Two restaurant employees wearing name tags with first names only, which is meant to help employees feel safe wearing name tags.

Why You Want to Use Name Tags

Employee identification improves multiple aspects of your business simultaneously. Here are just a few examples.

Customer Service

metal name tags used for customer service in a food service business

Name tags help employees provide excellent customer service. Acting as icebreakers, they encourage communication between your customers and employees. After all, a name tag is essentially an unspoken introduction. When employees introduce themselves by wearing a name tag, customers feel welcome in your office or store. Name tags also permit customers to approach employees with a question or problem. As customers interact with your employees, your team gains valuable insight into what customers need and how to help them.

Branding

Your brand distinguishes you from your competitors. The more customers see it, the stronger your brand becomes. Take advantage of company name tags by customizing them with your business logo. With a logo on each employee’s name tag, your brand becomes visible throughout the entire office or store.

Productivity

Employees work best together when they know each other’s names. Instead of trying to remember who so-and-so is, they can focus on company projects and ask each other for help. Being on first-name terms also creates a friendly, supportive work culture that reduces stress levels and increases job satisfaction. If you want your team to work at maximum capacity, give them name tags to help them remember who their colleagues are.

Why Employees May Worry About Name Tags

Some employees do not like to wear name tags because they think it puts them at risk of identity theft. Unfortunately, in this digital age, it is easy to find someone’s social media accounts and other information just by knowing their name and where they work. Scammers can also contact human resources and ask for an employee’s information. No matter how people may try to steal your employee’s identity, the consequences can be devastating. If someone steals your employee’s identity, they can end up in a severe financial crisis. Such damage can take months, if not years, to recover from.

Employees may not want to wear name tags because they are afraid of being harassed. Name tags allow customers, co-workers and vendors to ask for them by name. And some of your employees may have experienced workplace harassment when customers come to the store and ask for them specifically. If this is the case, your employees are more likely to object to wearing a name tag.

Resolve Your Employees’ Safety Concerns

As an employer, it is best to resolve your employees’ safety concerns about wearing name tags. When employees feel safe at work, they are happier, more loyal and more productive. In addition, they experience lower stress levels and take risks to come up with creative solutions. If you want your employees to do their best, you must make them feel safe wearing name tags.

An employee goes over paperwork with a client. He is wearing a name tag because his employer knows how to help employees feel safe wearing a name tag.

There is a direct correlation between happy employees and happy customers. When employees interact with customers, their attitude sets the tone for the customer’s experience. If employees are happy, customers will enjoy doing business with your company.

You don’t just want to make your employees feel safe; you want to keep them safe too. Unfortunately, if your employees’ fears are realized and they have their identity stolen, you could be held liable. To prevent your company from getting into legal trouble, ensure you communicate with every employee about how to protect themselves from identity theft and other fraudulent activity.

With so much to gain from using name tags, making your employees feel safe wearing them is worth every effort. You will not only have better customer service and higher productivity but happy employees as well.

Increase Security Using Name Tags

Change how your employees view name tags by pointing out how identification keeps them safe. Once they see how name tags increase workplace security, they should feel better about wearing them. Here are a few ways name tags create a safe work environment.

Prevent Trespassing

Name tags help staff members and security personnel identify if someone is allowed in the facility. All they have to do is look and see if the person is wearing a company name tag. Because your employees are used to seeing their co-workers wear name tags, it will only take them a second to notice if one is missing. Their quick response to any unusual activity will keep everyone in your workplace safe.

Know Who Visitors Are

Pro Tip: To make visitor IDs most effective, use the visitor’s first and last name on their badge.

Visitor ID badges protect employees in multiple ways. They let your team know if visitors are in a restricted area and allow your team to identify visitors by name. If an employee is harassed or suspects a visitor of inappropriate activity, they can report it.

Badges help your employees identify vendors and people who visit your facility regularly. They are the visitors who will become the most familiar with your workplace and your employees’ routines. By creating photo IDs for these regular visitors, your team knows who they are and can quickly report safety issues.

Give Your Support

Whether or not your employees feel safe wearing company name tags depends on how you react to their concerns. First, show them you have their backs by providing the emotional support and assurance they need. You can also put training sessions and practices in place to reassure your employees that they are in good hands.

Listen with Empathy

When employees tell you they are worried about wearing name tags, put yourself in their shoes. Let them know you understand their anxiousness and want to make them feel safe. By validating their concerns, you gain your employees’ trust and put their minds at ease. Knowing you have their best interests at heart, they will continue to devote their time and talents to your company.

Set a Good Example

A great way to assure your employees that it is safe to wear a name tag is to wear one yourself. Confidently share your name and title with everyone coming into your facility. Make sure managers and supervisors also wear identification throughout their workday. By having company leaders show they are comfortable telling strangers their names, your employees will become comfortable with it as well.

Empower Your Team

Support your employees by giving them the knowledge they need to combat any identity theft they may experience. Educate them on recognizing identity theft, what to do if it happens and ways to minimize the financial damage. Employees will worry less about identity theft if they know more about handling it. Once they are confident they can handle problems and understand the advantages, they will gladly wear their name tags.

Take Precautions To Help Employees Feel Safe

Wearing name tags is unlikely to put your employees in harm’s way. However, it is wise to take precautions to help your employees feel safe. Do your part to keep employees safe, and they will put their name tags on without complaint.

First Names Only

A 0.75 x 2.75 inch metal name tag with a first name and initial for a last name to help employees feel safe wearing name tags.

One easy way to help employees feel comfortable wearing name tags is to use first names only. While you are at it, go one step further and give employees the option to use a nickname for extra protection. Using first names or nicknames helps prevent identity theft and creates a casual, relaxed environment that your employees will appreciate. If you end up with two employees with the same first name, the solution is simple: add an initial for their last name. You will still protect your employees’ identities while eliminating confusion.

Name Tag Accountability

Require each team member to turn in their name tag before their last day of employment, preventing them from posing as a current employee and getting access to unauthorized areas. And by taking such safety measures, you make the rest of your staff feel safe at work.

Increase Security

Another way to help employees feel safe is to ensure your building is secure. Hire security personnel, set up cameras and use alarms to prevent trespassing. Keeping the building under surveillance helps to keep employees from worrying about who is seeing their name tags. If they suspect someone is a threat, they know security guards and other resources are available to protect them.

Prevent and Eliminate Harassment

Talking openly about your company’s anti-harassment policies is a great way to make your employees feel safe. Such transparency shows that you stand by your policies and are not afraid to have your employees hold you accountable.

Review Company Policies: Help your employees feel safe by ensuring they are familiar with your anti-harassment policies. Ask managers to review these policies with their team, so everyone knows what they are. Communicating your company’s stance on harassment will make your employees feel safe and help them recognize harassment when they see it.

Reporting Process: To protect your employees from workplace harassment, you must have a transparent, effective reporting process. Once you have one, train each employee on how to use it. Cover various scenarios in your training, including what to do if a customer or vendor continually asks for a team member by name. Knowing how to respond to such situations will reduce your employees’ concerns about wearing name tags.

Enforce Consequences: When a customer or employee is guilty of harassment, follow through with the consequences you outlined in your company policies. Doing so will make it clear to your team that such behavior will not be tolerated. In addition, as you show that your company has zero tolerance for such behavior, your employees will have no problem sharing their names with strangers.

Supportive Work Culture: Sometimes workplace harassment is not reported because some people don’t like getting others into trouble. You can eliminate this issue by asking your employees to stand up for each other. For example, teach them what to do when they see someone harassing a team member. And teach them how to respond when the same customer frequently comes and asks for a specific employee. By encouraging your team to watch out for each other, you create a positive work culture where employees feel safe.

Secure Your Company’s Future

Give your company the best chance at success by making your employees feel that it is safe to wear name tags. Your employees will work productively, knowing their identity and well-being is in good hands. As they interact with customers, your employees’ positive moods will make customers feel welcomed and appreciated. Improved customer service and better work performance are only a part of what you gain from having employees wear name tags; you will also enjoy greater brand recognition and ensure your company’s longevity. If you face other concerns besides identity theft and workplace harassment, know you have name tag experts who are always here to help.

See our complete line of identification products, including name tags on our website: www.nametag.com. Our customer service representatives process each order quickly and stay in touch during the entire process in case you have questions.