The National
School Public Relations Association published these
guidelines for sending e-mail to teachers and school staff:
Technology
helps foster relations between parents and school. But in
some cases, e-mail has made instant communication -- too
instant -- when some communications are better left unsaid
and unmailed.
The rules
for civility in an e-mail are the same as in face-to-face
meetings. Conveying a positive tone in your e-mails can set
the stage for a cordial working relationship with teachers
and other school personnel.
May we
suggest:
-
Don't
say anything by e-mail that you wouldn’t want published.
-
Don't
use e-mail for matters of controversy or real distress. When you have a really serious matter, it is always best
to make an appointment for a face-to-face.
-
Hostile
e-mail can exacerbate a situation, making an individual
defensive.
-
Don't
barrage a teacher or school staff with multiple e-mails
on the same topic. Generally, teachers will try to get
back to you as quickly as they can. Remember, they have
many students and are concerned about all of them.
