At its core, the essence of teaching is communication. And many educators receive a significant amount of training in the art and science of communication during their formal education.

So why do so many teachers find it difficult to have meaningful and productive conversations with parents, students (and even each other) when the issues to be discussed are difficult or stressful?

Here are a few examples of the types of conversations that teachers find most challenging:

  • Addressing a child's behavioral issues with parents who don't "get it."

  • Asking parents to adjust their home environment on order to benefit the student's education (less television or video game time, getting to bed earlier, more focus on homework, etc.)

  • Accepting constructive feedback or criticism from a parent, student, colleague or the Principal.

  • Dealing with a recalcitrant student who does not respond to "carrots" or "sticks."

  • Asking the Principal for an increase in compensation or benefits.

  • Dealing with colleagues who are not doing their "fair share" of the non-classroom work needed to keep the school running well.

These are just a few examples of situations that teachers and Principals have shared during Real Communication™ workshops.

In order to foster an environment of clear, complete and open communication among faculty, students and parents, some schools have initiated Real Communication training for everyone. While it would be challenging, both financially and logistically, to deliver live workshops to everyone, Real Communication is available in an online learning format that is available 7/24 to anyone and everyone.

The online course is a unique learning experience. The entire program is delivered over the course of 12 weeks, with a 20-minute lesson delivered each day, 5 days per week. So over the course of 12 weeks a participant completes 60 lessons.

Each lesson addresses specific skills, habits and attitudes necessary for improved interpersonal communication.