We spoke with Marissa O’Brien, a classroom teacher at Brookside Elementary School, to share insight into what families often struggle with, how schools support students behind the scenes, and how strong communication can make a meaningful difference for children.
Key Points From This Interview
- Why communication barriers can make accessing support harder for families
- How schools collaborate internally to support students
- What parents should know when starting the 504 or IEP process
- Why early and ongoing communication matters
- How families can advocate confidently — even when overwhelmed
Educator Snapshot
Name: Marissa O’Brien
Role: Teacher
School: Brookside Elementary School
Department: General Education
Why Accessing School Support Can Feel Challenging
From Marissa’s perspective, one of the biggest challenges families face is navigating communication — especially in districts where language barriers exist.
When families do not feel confident communicating with schools, or when trust has not been built early in the school year, parents may hesitate to ask questions or advocate for their child academically or socially. This can make accessing support feel even more overwhelming.
Building a strong parent–teacher relationship from the beginning helps families feel more comfortable reaching out when concerns arise.
How Schools Support Students Behind the Scenes
When a student struggles to access the curriculum despite classroom interventions, schools often use a collaborative, team-based approach.
At Marissa’s school, this includes MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) meetings, where administrators, general education teachers, English language teachers, speech pathologists, school psychologists, and counselors work together to:
- Identify student needs
- Set goals
- Monitor progress
- Determine appropriate next steps
This process helps ensure students receive support before moving toward more formal referrals.
Advice for Families Starting the 504 or IEP Process
Marissa emphasizes one message above all: advocate, advocate, advocate.
Parents know their child best. If a family feels their child is not receiving enough support to succeed in the general education setting, they should reach out to teachers and administrators as early as possible.
Parents are encouraged to:
- Ask questions
- Request clarification when something is unclear
- Remember that no question is invalid
Advocacy is not confrontation — it is collaboration.
What Families Should Know About Partnering With Schools
Teachers and families share the same goal: supporting the child.
Sometimes it can be hard for parents to notice academic, social, or behavioral challenges right away. When a teacher reaches out with concerns, following up and staying engaged in the plan can make a meaningful difference.
Likewise, if parents have concerns and have not yet heard from the school, they are encouraged to request a meeting. Schools can often offer flexible options such as phone calls or virtual meetings to reduce barriers like transportation or childcare.
What Makes Communication Most Effective
Strong communication works best when it begins early and continues consistently — not only when challenges arise.
Marissa shared that parent–teacher communication is most effective when:
- Teachers share positive updates, not only concerns
- Families communicate obstacles that make attending meetings difficult
- Schools offer flexible ways to connect
When communication feels open and genuine, trust grows on both sides.
Supporting Families Who Feel Overwhelmed
School meetings can feel intimidating, especially when unfamiliar terms or multiple professionals are involved.
Marissa encourages families who feel overwhelmed to bring an advocate or trusted support person to meetings. Having someone there to listen, take notes, or ask clarifying questions can help families feel more confident and supported.
Recognizing What Families Do Well
One thing families often do well — and do not give themselves enough credit for — is recognizing when their child needs support and choosing to work collaboratively with the school.
Many parents seek help early, ask thoughtful questions, and partner with educators rather than avoiding difficult conversations. That willingness to engage plays an important role in supporting student success.
Key Takeaways for Families
- Communication barriers can make accessing support harder — and schools want to help bridge that gap
- Parents are encouraged to ask questions and advocate early
- Schools often collaborate behind the scenes to support students
- Strong communication should begin early and remain ongoing
- Families play a vital role in their child’s success
